How to Apply for a Smart ID Card (2026)
The South African Smart ID card is a modern, secure identity document that replaces the older green barcoded ID book. Applying for a Smart ID card is straightforward when you know the requirements and process. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a Smart ID card through the Department of Home Affairs.
What Is a Smart ID Card?
Overview
Smart ID Card:
- Modern identity document
- Replaces green barcoded ID book
- Secure chip technology
- More convenient size
- Enhanced security features
Benefits:
- More secure than ID book
- More convenient (card size)
- Faster processing
- Modern technology
- Widely accepted
Who Can Apply
Eligibility:
- South African citizens
- 16 years and older
- First-time applicants
- Replacing green ID book
- Lost/stolen ID replacement
Age Requirements:
- 16 and older: Can apply for Smart ID
- Under 16: May have different requirements
- First ID: Can apply at 16
- Replacement: Can apply at any age (if 16+)
Required Documents
Essential Documents
For First-Time Applicants:
- Birth Certificate: Original unabridged birth certificate
- Proof of Citizenship: If born outside SA
- Two ID Photos: Recent photos meeting requirements
- Completed Application Form: DHA-9 form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for application fee
For Replacement (from Green ID):
- Green Barcoded ID Book: Original ID book
- Two ID Photos: Recent photos
- Completed Application Form: DHA-9 form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for application fee
For Lost/Stolen ID:
- Police Report: With case number
- Two ID Photos: Recent photos
- Completed Application Form: DHA-9 form
- Proof of Payment: Receipt for application fee
- Additional Documentation: As required
Photo Requirements
ID Photo Specifications:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Background: Plain white or light gray
- Quality: High resolution, clear
- Recent: Taken within 30 days
- Appearance: Neutral expression, full face visible
Application Process
Step 1: Book an Appointment
Online Booking:
- Visit Home Affairs website
- Navigate to Smart ID booking
- Select office location
- Choose date and time
- Receive confirmation
Walk-In Option:
- Some offices accept walk-ins
- Arrive early (before 8:00 AM)
- Be prepared for queues
- Bring all documents
- May have longer wait
Best Times:
- Early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Avoid month-end
- Avoid public holidays
- Book in advance
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before Appointment:
- Ensure ID book is valid (if replacing)
- Get ID photos taken
- Complete application form (if available)
- Pay application fee
- Prepare all documents
Document Checklist:
- ✓ Birth certificate (if first-time)
- ✓ Green ID book (if replacing)
- ✓ Police report (if lost/stolen)
- ✓ Two ID photos
- ✓ Completed application form
- ✓ Proof of payment
- ✓ Additional documents (if needed)
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
Smart ID Fees (2026):
- First-Time Application: R140
- Replacement (from Green ID): R140
- Lost/Stolen Replacement: R140
- Same fee: For all applications
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at some offices (limited)
- Use ID number as reference
- Keep proof of payment
Step 4: Visit Home Affairs Office
At the Office:
- Arrive on time (or early)
- Present ID book (if replacing)
- Submit application form
- Provide required documents
- Complete biometric capture
Biometric Capture:
- Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
- Digital photograph
- Signature capture
- Takes 10-15 minutes
- Required for all applicants
Process:
- Document verification
- Biometric capture
- Application submission
- Receipt issued
- Reference number provided
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing Times:
- Standard Processing: 14-21 working days
- May vary: By office and time of year
- Track application: Use reference number
- Be patient: Processing takes time
- Check status: Online or by phone
Tracking:
- SMS updates (if registered)
- Online status check
- Phone inquiry
- Office visit
- Reference number needed
Step 6: Collect Smart ID Card
When Ready:
- Receive SMS/email notification
- Bring ID document (old ID or birth certificate)
- Bring application receipt
- Collect in person
- Verify card details
Collection:
- Must collect in person
- Cannot be collected by someone else
- Bring identification
- Verify information
- Keep card safe
Special Circumstances
First-Time Applicants
Requirements:
- Birth certificate (unabridged)
- Proof of citizenship (if needed)
- Two ID photos
- Application form
- Proof of payment
Process:
- Same as replacement
- Additional documentation may be needed
- Proof of citizenship required
- Birth certificate essential
- Follow instructions
Lost or Stolen ID
If ID is Lost/Stolen:
- Report to police (get case number)
- Get police report
- Apply for replacement
- Provide police report
- Additional verification may be needed
Replacement Process:
- Same as standard application
- Must provide police report
- Additional security checks
- May take longer
- Standard fee applies
Name Changes
If Name Changed:
- Provide marriage certificate (if married)
- Provide divorce decree (if divorced)
- Provide court order (if name changed)
- Update other documents first
- Apply with new name
Fees and Costs
Application Fees
Smart ID Fees (2026):
- All Applications: R140
- Same fee: First-time, replacement, lost/stolen
- Non-refundable: Even if not issued
- Payment required: Before application
Additional Costs:
- ID photos (separate cost)
- Travel to office
- Courier (if available, extra)
- Other expenses
Payment Process
Payment Methods:
- Bank deposit (most common)
- Online payment (if available)
- Cash at some offices (limited)
- Use ID number as reference
- Keep proof of payment
Processing Times
Standard Processing
Processing Time:
- Standard: 14-21 working days
- May vary: By office and time of year
- Longer than passport: More complex production
- Be patient: Processing takes time
- Track application: Use reference number
Factors Affecting Time:
- Office workload
- Time of year
- Application complexity
- System availability
- Production capacity
Benefits of Smart ID Card
Advantages
Security:
- Enhanced security features
- Chip technology
- Harder to forge
- Better protection
- Modern security
Convenience:
- Card size (easier to carry)
- More durable
- Faster processing
- Better acceptance
- Modern format
Functionality:
- Can be used for various services
- Widely accepted
- Electronic verification
- Future-proof technology
- Multiple uses
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Smart ID card?
To apply for a Smart ID card, book an appointment online (or walk in), gather required documents (birth certificate or green ID book, two ID photos, completed application form), pay the R140 fee, visit a Home Affairs office for biometric capture, and wait 14-21 working days for processing.
How much does a Smart ID card cost?
A Smart ID card costs R140 for all applications (first-time, replacement from green ID, or lost/stolen replacement). The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before your application appointment.
How long does it take to get a Smart ID card?
Smart ID card processing takes 14-21 working days from application submission to card being ready for collection. Processing times may vary depending on office workload and time of year.
What documents do I need to apply for a Smart ID card?
For first-time applicants, you need a birth certificate, two ID photos, completed application form, and proof of payment. For replacement from green ID, you need your green ID book, two ID photos, application form, and proof of payment. For lost/stolen ID, you also need a police report.
Can I apply for a Smart ID card online?
While you can book an appointment online, you must visit a Home Affairs office in person to complete the application, submit documents, and have your biometrics captured. The application cannot be completed entirely online.
Do I need to replace my green ID book with a Smart ID card?
While you're not required to replace your green ID book immediately, the Smart ID card is the modern standard and offers better security and convenience. Your green ID book remains valid until it expires, but applying for a Smart ID card is recommended.
What if I lose my Smart ID card?
If you lose your Smart ID card, report it to the police immediately to get a case number and police report. Then apply for a replacement at Home Affairs, providing the police report, two ID photos, completed application form, and proof of payment. The replacement fee is R140.
Can someone else collect my Smart ID card for me?
No, you must collect your Smart ID card in person. You'll need to present your old ID document (or birth certificate) and application receipt when collecting. Smart ID cards cannot be collected by someone else on your behalf.
What is the difference between a Smart ID card and a green ID book?
A Smart ID card is a modern, card-sized identity document with enhanced security features and chip technology, while a green ID book is the older, book-format identity document. The Smart ID card is more secure, convenient, and durable.
Can I use my green ID book if I have a Smart ID card?
Once you receive your Smart ID card, your green ID book is typically cancelled and should not be used. The Smart ID card becomes your primary identity document. Keep your old ID book for reference but use your Smart ID card for official purposes.
Conclusion
Applying for a Smart ID card involves booking an appointment, gathering required documents (birth certificate or green ID book, two ID photos, application form), paying the R140 fee, visiting a Home Affairs office for biometric capture, and waiting 14-21 working days for processing. The Smart ID card offers enhanced security, convenience, and modern technology compared to the green ID book. Plan ahead, prepare all documents, and book your appointment early to ensure a smooth application process.
For more information about Smart ID requirements, fees, processing times, or Home Affairs services, explore our other comprehensive Home Affairs guides.
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