How to Apply for a South African ID: A Complete Home Affairs Guide

Every South African citizen aged 16 or older is entitled to an identity document. Whether you're applying for the first time, replacing a lost ID, or upgrading from the old green ID book to a Smart ID card, the process goes through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). This 2026 guide walks you through every step — from gathering your documents and booking an appointment online to paying the correct fee and collecting your new card.

What's New for 2026

A few things have changed in how South Africans apply for an ID this year. Before you book, it helps to know where things stand:

• eHomeAffairs portal expansion. The DHA online booking system now covers more branches than ever, including most city and large-town offices. Walk-in applications are still accepted, but booked slots are prioritised and waiting times at unbooked counters have grown.
• More bank branches are enabled. Selected bank branches of Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank and Capitec now process Smart ID and passport applications on behalf of Home Affairs. For most banked South Africans, this is faster than a DHA office — especially in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
• Fees updated. The 2026 schedule (see the table below) keeps first-issue Smart IDs free, but re-issues and temporary IDs have confirmed rand amounts you should budget for. Our dedicated Smart ID card cost guide has the full breakdown.
• Green ID books still valid but being phased out. You cannot apply for a new green ID book — every new application is now issued as a Smart ID card. If you still carry a green ID book, it remains a legal identity document, but upgrading is strongly recommended.

Who Can Apply for a South African ID?

You can apply for a South African identity document if you are:

• A South African citizen aged 16 years or older
• A permanent resident with valid documentation
• A parent or guardian applying on behalf of a minor who has just turned 16

If you hold a Permanent Residence Permit, the process is broadly the same but with an additional document checklist (PRP endorsement, passport, unabridged birth certificate) and a R140 first-issue fee — see our dedicated guide to non-citizen IDs in South Africa for the permanent resident application flow.

If you are not yet 16, your birth certificate serves as your primary identification. Once you turn 16, applying for your ID should be a priority — you will need it for school registrations, bank accounts, SIM card purchases, SASSA grant applications, and eventually your driver's licence. Many businesses and verification services also require a valid 13-digit ID to open accounts or sign contracts.

Types of South African Identity Documents

Home Affairs currently issues two types of identity documents, although only one is actively being produced:

Smart ID Card

The Smart ID card is a credit-card-sized polycarbonate card with an embedded microchip. It is the preferred format and includes biometric data such as your fingerprints and a digital photograph. Since 2013, all new applications are processed as Smart ID cards — and as of 2026, this is the only ID format being actively issued.

Green ID Book (Barcoded)

The older green ID book is still valid but is being phased out. Home Affairs no longer issues new green ID books. If you still have one, it remains a legal identity document, but upgrading to a Smart ID card is strongly recommended. Read more about the differences between the Smart ID card and the green ID book.

Documents You Need to Apply

Before visiting Home Affairs, make sure you have the following originals. Photocopies on their own are not accepted — you must present the original, and the DHA official will make a certified copy on-site.

First-Time Applicants (Turning 16)

• Original birth certificate (unabridged) showing both parents' details
• Parent or guardian's ID document (Smart ID or green ID book)
• Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, or affidavit from a traditional leader if applicable)
• Two passport-sized photographs are not required — photos are taken on-site

If your birth was never registered with Home Affairs — for example because you were born at home or in a rural area without nearby DHA infrastructure — you will first need to complete late registration of birth before you can apply for an ID. You cannot be issued a 13-digit ID number without a birth record in the National Population Register.

Replacement of a Lost or Stolen ID

• Affidavit from the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirming the loss or theft — most SAPS stations have a free template you can complete on-site
• Original birth certificate (if available)
• Any previous identity document or certified copy
• Proof of residence

Upgrading from Green ID Book to Smart ID Card

• Your current green ID book — it will be collected by Home Affairs when you collect your new Smart ID
• Proof of residence

The BI-9 Application Form

Every South African ID application — whether first-issue, re-issue, or replacement — is captured on the BI-9 form. This is Home Affairs' standard identity document application form and it's the same whether you're applying at a DHA office or at a participating bank branch.

The BI-9 captures your biographic details (full names, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, next of kin), your fingerprints, and your signature. For first-time applicants, it also records your parents' details so Home Affairs can link your record to the family tree already in the National Population Register.

You do not need to print or complete the form in advance. The official at the counter will either fill it in with you or give you the printed form on-site. Our complete guide to the BI-9 form walks through every field so you know exactly what information to have ready before your appointment — it's worth a quick read the night before to avoid any surprises.

Note for minors under 16: you do not fill in a BI-9. Home Affairs uses the BI-24 (birth registration) and related forms until the child turns 16, at which point the ID application is captured on the BI-9.

2026 Fee Schedule

Here are the Home Affairs ID fees for 2026. Keep your receipt at every step — you'll need it to collect your card.

These fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and apply at every DHA office and participating bank branch. For the full cost breakdown including Smart ID fees, temporary ID costs, and passport fees in the same budget context, see our Smart ID card cost guide.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Book an Appointment Online

Home Affairs offers an online booking system (eHomeAffairs) to reduce queues at their offices. For a full overview of what you can do online, read our guide to Home Affairs online services. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and select the Smart ID card application option. Choose your nearest office and a convenient date and time. For a full step-by-step walkthrough, read our Home Affairs online booking guide.

Tip: Booking online is strongly recommended in 2026. Walk-ins are still accepted at most branches, but booked applicants are now prioritised — and unbooked waiting times at busy urban offices can exceed four hours. You can check each branch's working hours and contact details before you go.

Step 2: Visit Your Nearest Home Affairs Office

On your appointment date, arrive at the Home Affairs office 10-15 minutes early with all your original documents. You will need to:

• Complete the BI-9 application form at the counter
• Have your fingerprints captured digitally (all ten fingers)
• Have a photograph taken on-site — don't wear a white top, as it can over-expose on the camera's white background
• Pay the applicable fee and keep the receipt

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Fees are payable at the Home Affairs office by card or cash. See the 2026 fee schedule above for current rates. At participating bank branches you can pay directly into your own account at the teller.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on the branch and current demand. Typical 2026 turnaround times are:

• Smart ID card: around 14 working days, roughly two to three weeks, and up to four weeks at peak periods or busier rural offices — you'll receive a Temporary Identity Certificate valid for two months to use in the meantime
• Replacement ID: usually two to three weeks, depending on the branch
• Bank branch applications: a convenient route that avoids the Home Affairs queue, though the card itself still takes the usual two to three weeks to print

You can check your application status online via the eHomeAffairs portal or by calling the Home Affairs contact centre on 0800 60 11 90.

Step 5: Collect Your Smart ID Card

Once your ID is ready, you will receive an SMS notification. You can also secure a dedicated collection appointment on the online booking system — this has replaced the old "join the collection queue" approach at most branches. Return to the same Home Affairs office where you applied, bringing:

• Your receipt from the application
• Your old ID document (if upgrading — it will be collected and destroyed by Home Affairs)
• Your Temporary Identity Certificate if one was issued

For a detailed walkthrough of what to expect at collection — including what the official checks and why some cards are handed back with errors — see our ID collection guide.

Applying at a Bank (Smart ID and Passport)

Selected bank branches — including Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Capitec — offer Smart ID card and passport applications at certain branches. This is often faster and more convenient than visiting a Home Affairs office, and as of 2026 more branches are enabled than ever before. You will still need the same documents listed above and you'll still complete the BI-9 form; the difference is that bank branches tend to have shorter queues and extended hours compared with DHA offices.

Contact your bank to confirm which branches offer this service and whether an appointment is required. Our complete list of Home Affairs branches (including participating banks) is the best starting point. If you are applying for a passport at the same time as your Smart ID, see our South African passport application guide for the BI-73 form, photo standards, and 2026 fee schedule.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

• Long queues: Always book online via eHomeAffairs. Arrive 10-15 minutes early on your appointment day — booking a slot only works if you're there on time.
• Missing documents: Double-check the requirements before your visit. A missing birth certificate is the most common reason for being turned away. Originals only — copies alone are not accepted.
• Incorrect personal details: If your name or date of birth is incorrect on your birth certificate, you will need to have it corrected (via a BI-9/1 form) before applying for an ID. Book a separate amendment appointment.
• Unregistered birth: If your birth is not in the National Population Register, you must first complete late registration of birth before Home Affairs can issue an ID number.
• System downtime: Home Affairs offices occasionally experience system outages. If you are turned away, ask for a written return date rather than queuing again the next morning.
• Photo retakes: Don't wear a white top — the camera uses a white backdrop and it can wash out the image. Avoid heavy makeup, hats, and large earrings.
• Fingerprint scan failures: If you work with your hands (construction, mechanics, catering), scan-quality issues are common. Ask for a re-scan — DHA officials are trained to try several times before escalating.

Understanding Your SA ID Number

Once you receive your ID, you will be assigned a unique 13-digit South African ID number. This number encodes your date of birth, gender, and citizenship status. Use our free SA ID Number Checker to validate any ID number and see exactly what each digit means. You can also read our detailed guide on the South African ID number format and our practical identity document number guide that shows where the number appears on each of your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Smart ID card from Home Affairs in 2026?

Home Affairs offices typically process Smart ID cards in around 14 working days, roughly two to three weeks, and up to four weeks at peak periods or busier rural offices. Applying at a participating bank branch is convenient and avoids the Home Affairs queue, but the card itself still takes the usual time to print. You will receive an SMS when your card is ready. For a full breakdown, see how long a smart ID takes in South Africa.

Can I apply for a Smart ID card online?

You cannot complete the full application online — biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) must be captured in person. However, you can book your appointment online to avoid long queues at the office, and bank branches often have shorter waiting times than DHA offices.

Is the green ID book still valid in 2026?

Yes, the green barcoded ID book is still a valid identity document. However, Home Affairs has stopped issuing new green ID books and strongly encourages all South Africans to upgrade to a Smart ID card. Upgrading from a green ID book to a Smart ID card is free of charge.

What if I lose my ID?

Report the loss at your nearest SAPS station and obtain an affidavit. Then visit Home Affairs with the affidavit and your birth certificate to apply for a replacement. A fee of R140 applies. The full document checklist is in the Replacement of a Lost or Stolen ID section above.

Can I apply for an ID at a bank?

Yes. Selected branches of Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Capitec process Smart ID card and passport applications on behalf of Home Affairs. This is often faster than visiting a Home Affairs office directly. The fees are identical to those charged at DHA offices.

How do I check the status of my ID application?

You can check your application status online via the eHomeAffairs portal, by calling the Home Affairs contact centre on 0800 60 11 90, or by visiting the office where you applied. Have your reference number from the BI-9 receipt ready.

What is a BI-9 form and do I need to bring one with me?

The BI-9 is Home Affairs' standard identity document application form. You do not need to print or complete it in advance — the official at the counter provides it. See our BI-9 form guide to know exactly what information to have ready.

What if my ID card has an error when I collect it?

If there's an error — misspelled name, wrong date of birth, incorrect gender marker — do not leave the counter. Ask the official to capture the error on the system and start a correction application on the spot. Leaving with an incorrect card makes the fix slower. For more on what to check at collection, see our collection guide.

Can someone else collect my ID on my behalf?

In most cases, no — you need to collect your own Smart ID because the system performs a live fingerprint match before release. The exception is where a power of attorney is granted for medical or accessibility reasons; check with the branch before relying on this.

If a South African citizen is sponsoring an immediate foreign family member, the foreign relative applies for a relative's visa under Section 18(4), not an SA ID.