How to apply for a smart ID online? Process walkthrough for 2024
Did you know having a national identity document is mandatory for various services, procedures, and day-to-day transactions? In South Africa, everyone aged 16 and above must have this document. The document is issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Learn how to apply for your ID online today.
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In South Africa, citizens need a national ID to register for matric exams, acquire driving licenses, open bank accounts, and many other things. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has digitised things, and the first-time online ID application process is pretty straightforward. If you have wondered how to apply for your ID online, here’s how.
How to apply for your ID online: all you should know
Online application for an ID card saves you hours of queuing at the DHA offices. The smart ID recently replaced the green bar-coded South African ID card that had been used for decades.
What documents are needed to get a smart ID card?
If you wish to apply for an ID online for the first time, you must meet the requirements listed below.
- You must have a copy of your birth certificate/ a copy of the old Bophutatswana, Transkei, Ciskei, or Venda homelands identity or travel document.
- You must have copies of your parents’ ID cards.
- You must have a copy(ies) of the death certificate(s) (for deceased parents).
- Anyone with a legal guardian must have a copy of a legal document to prove fostering.
- You must be a South African citizen by birth.
- You must be 16 years old or older.
NB: The Department of Home Affairs does not charge any amount for this service for first-time applicants (those who have never applied for the old ID) and for pensioners over the age of 60 years.
Home Affairs online ID application process
Follow the steps below to complete your first online ID application.
- Visit the eHomeAffairs application portal on an internet-enabled device.
- Click Go to Registration.
- Enter the details required on the page that appears on your screen to create your profile. Note down your smart ID online application login details, as you will need them to access your account whenever you need DHA services.
- Next, click Apply for Smart ID and capture your application details. Proofread to ascertain their correctness.
- Attach the required supporting documents.
- You will be redirected to the payment page. First-time applicants are not required to pay anything, so click Next.
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Home Affairs office or enabled bank branches. This is mandatory to capture and verify your biometric details.
NB: It takes about 14 working days for your identity card to be ready. Once ready, the relevant officials will contact you and tell you when to collect the document.
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Approved banks for capturing biometric details
You can have your biometrics taken at the nearest DHA offices. Note that many DHA offices serve thousands of people daily, so they almost always have long queues.
You can avoid queueing by booking your appointment at a DHA-approved bank branch. The approved banks are listed below.
- ABSA
- Standard Bank
- FNB
- Discovery Bank
- Investec Bank
- Nedbank
NB: Note that not all bank branches are approved. Confirm your nearest branch is approved to take biometrics for smart IDs before visiting.
How to apply for a smart ID at FNB
First National Bank (FNB) is one of the approved banks for capturing biometric details. FNB, in partnership with the DHA, has launched the application of the smart ID and passport to the public.
To apply, follow the steps explored above (under the section Home Affairs online ID application process). In the last step, choose an enabled bank FNB branch as your preferred place to have your biometrics taken.
South Africans can apply online and collect these documents at one of the FNB branches listed below.
- 4 Merchant Place
- Burgersfort
- Centurion Lifestyle
- FNB Cornubia
- FNB Greenpoint
- FNB The Glen
- Lynnwood (Grove Shopping Mall)
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How long does a smart ID card take in South Africa?
The smart ID card takes about 14 working days to be ready. You will be notified when ready.
Can I apply for my SA ID online?
Yes, you can apply for your SA ID online through the application portal provided by the DHA.
How do you apply for a South African ID online?
You can apply by visiting the eHomeAffairs application portal. Kindly note that you will have to schedule a visit to the nearest office or approved bank branches for the collection of your biometric details. You will also collect the document at the branch you had your biometrics captured when it is ready for pick up.
How do you make an ID appointment online?
Towards the end of your online ID application process on the eHomeAffairs application portal, the system will offer you the chance to book an appointment at a specific office or bank branch to have your biometrics taken.
How do I get my first ID in South Africa?
You can apply online or visit the nearest DHA-approved bank branches or offices. Online applications are best because they save you from the long queues at DHA offices.
Learning how to apply for your ID online is encouraged because it is pretty easy and takes a short time to complete the application process. All applicants need to know that they must schedule appointments to collect their biometric details.
Briefly.co.za recently published how to apply for a permanent residence permit in South Africa. South Africa is a beautiful country with many lively cultures, affordable cost of living, and many opportunities to harness.
If you are considering settling in South Africa for the long term, understanding the process of securing a permanent residence permit is crucial. Whether you want to invest in the country, work, study, or marry, this permit makes it easy.