Home Affairs Reports Strong Progress in Smart ID Rollout

Published on

11 May 2026

The Department of Home Affairs says it is making steady progress in the transition from the Green Identity Document (ID) to Smart IDs.

Home Affairs minister, Leon Schreiber, says more than 100,000 Smart ID cards have been issued within two months of the department expanding its digital partnership with commercial banks.

The initiative allows South Africans to apply for Smart IDs at over 140,000 participating bank branches nationwide, helping to ease congestion and reduce long queues at Home Affairs offices.

“Now is your time to switch if you still have the old ID. Over 146,000 bank branches are now live across the country and ready to assist South Africans who wish to switch from the Green ID to Smart IDs. The process is simple and takes less than five minutes to complete,” Schreiber added.

The department says it plans to expand the service to 1,000 branches.

Also read: Get your smart ID at more bank branches

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

Loushé Jordaan Gilbert has been telling community stories since 2014. She began her career as a community journalist, dedicated to amplifying local voices and shedding light on the everyday realities communities face.