Home Affairs plans online Smart ID and passport applications what we know

Home Affairs moving key ID services online overview

The Department of Home Affairs is accelerating a digital transformation that aims to move key services online, including Smart ID and passport applications. The changes form part of a broader modernisation drive intended to improve service delivery, strengthen security and make government services easier to access.

What has already changed

As part of the rollout, Home Affairs has expanded Smart ID replacement services through partnerships with banks. The department has made the service available at 167 bank branches nationwide, up from 30 branches under the old arrangement.

Home Affairs reports that more than 127,000 South Africans have used the upgraded digital service, with some applications taking as little as five minutes to complete.

What’s coming next

The next phase of the digital rollout is planned to include first-time ID applications, passport applications and services such as doorstep delivery of documents. Home Affairs is also developing a Digital Identity system that could allow citizens to access official documents from their smartphones; draft regulations for that system have been published for public comment.

Booking, security and fraud concerns

The department has introduced an upgraded online booking system after reports of appointment slots on the old platform being blocked and sold illegally. According to Minister Leon Schreiber, the new system has been secured against abuse and is expected to operate more smoothly.

Home Affairs also says the digital push is aimed at improving national security. The department regards the old green ID book as vulnerable to fraud and identity theft; increasing Smart ID adoption is part of the long-term effort to phase out the older document.

Timescale and reach

As part of the expansion plan, Home Affairs intends to increase the number of bank branches offering Smart ID services to 750 by the end of 2026, with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas.

What this means for applicants

• Some Smart ID services are already available digitally through partnered bank branches.
• Fully online first-time ID and passport applications are part of Home Affairs’ planned rollout, but the department is still implementing and securing those systems.
• The department has upgraded its online booking system to reduce abuse of appointment slots.

Further information

Home Affairs has published draft regulations for its Digital Identity platform and has announced the expansion and security upgrades described above. For official instructions, appointments and payment details, applicants should consult the Department of Home Affairs directly through its official channels.