Applying for an Identity Document

Smart ID cards

All South Africans can now apply for the new Smart Identity card that replaces the green bar-coded identity document. 

Only offices that use the live capture system can issue smart ID cards. Contact your nearest home affairs office to make sure they have a “live capture” system for processing smart ID cards and new passports. Applications for a Smart ID will cost R140. You’ll not need to bring photos as the offices equipped to handle applications for the smart ID card will be able to cater for both processes.

You can also apply for a smart ID card online with eHome Affairs. 

Note: The old green ID books will remain valid as it is estimated that it would take 6 to 7 years to phase them out.

For more information on smart ID cards, please refer to these frequently asked questions.

First time applicants

• When applying for an ID card, the parents or one of the parents of a first-time applicant must accompany them and bring a certified copy of their ID. In the case where the parents are deceased, a child needs to be accompanied by their legal guardian. 

First time applicants must submit the following documentation to their nearest Department of Home Affairs office or South African mission or consulate abroad:

• Form BI-9, completed in black ink. These forms are available at Home Affairs.
• A certified copy of your birth certificate or reference book or a copy of the old Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda or Ciskei homelands identity or travel documents. 
• Two identical, colour ID photographs (Note: Not needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally however colour photographs are still needed for temporary IDs). 

Your fingerprints will be taken by a Home Affairs official and imprinted on Form DHA-9. 

Note: If you’re a naturalised citizen or a permanent residence permit holder, you must attach the following to your application form:

•     Your naturalisation certificate and a copy, which will be certified by Home Affairs.
•     Your permanent residency certificate and a copy, which will be certified by Home Affairs.
•     Your exemption certificate and a copy, which will be certified by Home Affairs.
•     Form BI-1620, which must be completed at a Home Affairs office.

If the permanent residence permit or exemption certificate can’t be furnished, Form BI-829 must be completed for the issuing of a duplicate thereof.

If the naturalisation certificate can’t be provided, you must apply for a duplicate before submitting the ID book application.

Re-issuing an ID

In the event that your ID is lost, damaged or stolen, you may request a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC). This can be done at any office of the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to the verification of your fingerprints.

You can also get a new ID if:

•     Your personal details have changed.
•     Your citizenship status has changed.
•     You have changed your surname (for example, if you get married or divorced).
•     You are temporarily living abroad and have previously had a South African ID.

You can apply for a replacement ID by: 

•     Completing Form BI-9 as well if you have not previously submitted your fingerprints.
•     Attaching additional documents as required (e.g. a marriage certificate if you are married).
•     Paying the required fee, R140, for the re-issue.

Be sure to provide your cellphone number in your application so that you can receive regular updates on the progress of your application via SMS.

To get the SMS updates, simply SMS the word “ID” followed by your ID number to 32551. You will be charged R1 for each SMS sent.

For more information on how to apply for an identity document, visit the Department of Home Affairs website, where you can also track and trace the progress of your ID application.

Correcting errors in your ID

If you get your ID and there are errors, the Department of Home Affairs will replace your ID for free.

To apply to correct information in your ID, simply submit the following to any office of the Department of Home Affairs:

• Forms BI-9 and BI-309 completed with the correct information
• Proof of the error, which shows the correct information, (e.g.  a birth certificate)
• Two colour ID photographs (Note: Not needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally).

More information:

• How to apply for your Smart ID card
• Smart ID
• Western Cape Home Affairs Offices
• Applying for a Smart ID