With the Local Government Elections just around the corner, the Department of Home Affairs is pulling out all the stops to make sure South Africans have their identity documents (IDs) ready to make their mark at the polls.

With South Africans expected to head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the department has announced extended operating hours at all its front offices to give eligible voters extra time to sort out their identity documents.

According to Home Affairs, the move is aimed at ensuring that no eligible voter misses out on the opportunity to participate in the elections because they have not collected their ID or obtained the necessary documentation.

From Monday, 2 November, Home Affairs offices will operate from 8am to 6pm, allowing citizens to collect completed IDs, apply for identity documents or obtain Temporary Identity Certificates (TICs), where applicable.

On Election Day, Wednesday, 4 November, Home Affairs offices will open even earlier and close later, operating from 7am until 9pm.