Smart ID Online Application – eHome Affairs

The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has modernised the process of applying for Smart ID cards through its eHomeAffairs online platform. This digital service simplifies applications, payments, and bookings, making it easier and more convenient for citizens and permanent residents to obtain their official identification.

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What is the Smart ID Card?

The Smart ID card is a secure, tamper-proof identity document issued to South African citizens and lawful permanent residents. It replaces the older green bar-coded ID book, offering enhanced security features to reduce fraud and identity theft. The rollout of Smart IDs is a key part of the government’s digital transformation and national security strategy.

Who Can Apply Online?

As of May 2025, naturalised citizens and lawful permanent residents, including those born abroad in visa-exempt countries, can apply for Smart IDs via eHomeAffairs for the first time. Applicants must be 16 years or older to apply for an ID.

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How to Apply Using eHomeAffairs

The online application process involves several straightforward steps:

1. Register or Log In
   Create a profile or sign in on the eHomeAffairs portal to start your application.
2. Complete the Online Form
   Fill in the required personal details and upload supporting documents such as a birth certificate or green bar-coded ID.
3. Make Online Payment
   Pay the application fee securely online. Some banks, like Nedbank and Standard Bank, facilitate this payment through their internet banking platforms.
4. Book an Appointment
   Schedule an appointment at a participating Home Affairs office or partnered bank branch to have your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) captured.
5. Attend Your Appointment
   Bring your booking confirmation and current ID document to the appointment for biometric data capture.
6. Collect Your Smart ID
   Once processed, you will receive an SMS notification to collect your Smart ID card at the selected location.

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Benefits of the eHomeAffairs Online Application

• Convenience: Apply from home and avoid long queues at Home Affairs offices.
• Accessibility: Naturalised citizens and permanent residents now have equal access to Smart IDs.
• Security: The Smart ID card enhances identity protection and reduces fraud risks.
• Efficiency: Digital processes speed up application handling and reduce errors.

Important Notes

• The rollout currently prioritises applicants from visa-exempt countries, with broader access expected as system capacity expands.
• First-time applicants aged 16 receive the Smart ID card free of charge; other applicants pay a fee.
• The green bar-coded ID book is cancelled upon issuance of the Smart ID card.

No Queues

The eHomeAffairs online application platform marks a significant advancement in South Africa’s identity management system. By enabling more citizens and permanent residents to apply for Smart ID cards digitally, the Department of Home Affairs improves service delivery, security, and inclusivity.