How to apply for South African Smart ID at major banks (step-by-step guide)

For years, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has been working to move its identity document (ID)  system online, aiming to eliminate collection delays caused by backlogs. In April 2016, the eHome Affairs system was launched, allowing people to apply for smart ID cards and passports online, but the system struggled to keep up with demand. 

In 2025, Home Affairs partnered with banks to streamline the process, and by March 2026, several banks rolled out the digital system, making it easier for citizens to apply.

To help you navigate the process, we have put together a simple step-by-step guide on how to apply.

How to apply for a Smart ID at South Africa’s banks 

South Africans can get their smart ID at a bank in two ways. One is to start online through eHomeAffairs and then finish the process at a bank. The other option is to use the new fully digital in‑branch service, available at selected Capitec and Standard Bank branches. 

1. Option 1: Apply online, collect at a bank (eHomeAffairs)

First, check which bank branch is closer to you. The list of banks that offer ID services is below. 

Register on eHomeAffairs

1. Go to the official site: https://ehome.dha.gov.za/ehomeaffairs.
2. Click “Register” and create a profile. Enter your ID number, personal details, set a password, and answer the security questions.
3. Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your cellphone to verify your number.

Start a Smart ID application

• Log in with your ID number and password.
• Choose “New Application,” then select application types.

• Complete the application form by filling all required fields and submit

Supporting documents

• Uploading documents online is not mandatory; however, upload any required supporting documents if prompted, for example, a certified copy of a birth certificate or a parent or guardian ID for first‑time IDs; originals must still be shown at the bank.
• Submit the application and note the reference number.

Pay online via your bank.

eHomeAffairs will ask you to pay the smart ID fee of R140 via internet banking.

• On eHomeAffairs, select your bank and confirm payment.
• Log in to your bank’s mobile app or online banking platform.
• Go to “government payments” or similar, choose the pre‑populated “Home Affairs payment” and approve it.  Note that the amount and reference are already filled in.
• Once payment clears, eHomeAffairs updates your application to ‘paid’.

Booking information

• On eHomeAffairs, pick Bank Branch as your office.
• Choose your bank and specific branch, e.g. “Absa Sandton”
• Select a date and time slot if the branch requires online booking. This is still mandatory at most eHomeAffairs bank sites.
• You will get a confirmation with:

• Your application reference number
• Booking date/time
• Chosen bank branch

Take that confirmation (printed or on your phone) plus your original supporting documents to the bank.

Go to the bank for biometrics and collection

1. Check in at the dedicated Home Affairs counter inside the bank.
2. Staff will capture your fingerprints and take your photo; you do not need ID photos at smart ID‑enabled sites.
3. They will confirm your details on the system and submit biometrics to Home Affairs.
4. After processing, you will get an SMS when the card is ready. Collect it at the same bank branch you chose for the application, with your current ID or temporary ID and SMS.

2. Option 2: Skip eHomeAffairs and apply directly at certain banks

At certain Capitec and Standard Bank branches, customers can walk in and do everything in‑branch without using eHomeAffairs or booking online.

Capitec’s self‑service terminals:

• Walk into a participating branch during normal trading hours (no booking).
• At the smart ID self‑service terminal:
  • Authenticate with your fingerprints and possibly facial recognition.
  • Confirm your personal details on the screen.
  • Pay the application fee on the terminal or via your Capitec account; Capitec says this step takes about five minutes.
• Your application goes directly to Home Affairs over a secure API; no separate eHomeAffairs login needed.
• You will get an SMS when the ID is ready for collection at the same branch.

Standard Bank’s in‑branch route is similar, but staff assist you rather than a self‑service kiosk.

What you must have ready

• Your current green ID book or existing smart ID.
• First‑time ID 16+, your birth certificate, and often a certified copy of a parent/guardian’s ID.
• Proof of residential address (e.g. municipal bill, bank statement).
• Application fee in your bank account or available card limit.

Where to apply for a smart ID in the bank

Free State and North West currently have no branches. 

The department also plans to roll out a national digital ID system before year-end, a move that could allow other government departments to link their services digitally and improve public access.