All 259 bank branches where you can get a smart ID in South Africa

All 259 bank branches where you can get a smart ID in South Africa are now available through the Department of Home Affairs’ growing partnership with the country’s major banks, making it easier than ever for citizens to apply for South African smart ID cards. The expansion marks another milestone in the government’s digital transformation programme, with hundreds of thousands of applications already processed through participating financial institutions.

The latest rollout demonstrates the rapid growth of Smart ID applications beyond traditional Home Affairs offices, giving South Africans more convenient access to identity document services while reducing long queues at government branches.

According to the latest information, the number of participating bank branches has increased from the official figure of 252 to 259 branches after additional Capitec, Standard Bank and FNB locations began offering smart ID services.

Home Affairs South Africa expands Smart ID applications

The partnership between Home Affairs South Africa and the banking sector continues to grow as government accelerates efforts to replace the old green barcoded identity book with modern biometric smart ID cards.

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that more than 300,000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through participating bank branches within just over four months.

The initiative forms part of the department’s wider digital transformation programme aimed at making government services faster, safer and more accessible.

Home Affairs plans to expand the service even further, targeting 750 participating bank branches by the end of 2026.

Capitec leads eHomeAffairs bank branches

Among participating financial institutions, Capitec remains the largest provider of smart ID services.

The bank now offers 141 eHomeAffairs bank branches nationwide where qualifying customers can complete their smart ID applications.

Recent additions have strengthened access in Gauteng, including:

• Braamfontein
• Killarney Mall
• Pretoria Silver Lakes
• Wonderboom Junction
• Vereeniging River Walk
• Vereeniging Voortrekker
• Soweto Maponya Mall
• Soweto Eyethu

Capitec’s nationwide footprint makes it the leading contributor to Home Affairs’ digital service expansion.

Provincial distribution of Capitec branches

Capitec’s participating branches are spread across:

• Gauteng – 47 branches
• KwaZulu-Natal – 25
• Western Cape – 21
• Eastern Cape – 13
• Limpopo – 10
• Mpumalanga – 10
• North West – 7
• Free State – 6
• Northern Cape – 2

This extensive network provides convenient access to Smart ID services in both metropolitan and rural communities.

Standard Bank expands Smart ID services

Standard Bank follows as the second-largest participant in the programme with 75 branches supporting Smart ID applications.

The bank has continued expanding services across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

Recent additions include:

• The Glen
• Atteridgeville
• Durban Bluff Centre
• Mokopane
• Musina
• Several additional rural Limpopo branches

These new branches improve accessibility for residents outside South Africa’s largest cities.

FNB continues rapid expansion

FNB has significantly expanded its participation by adding 12 new branches since June.

The bank now operates 29 participating branches, including:

Gauteng

• Bara Square
• Pretoria CBD
• Woodmead
• Krugersdorp
• Lakeside Mall
• Riverstone Mall
• East Rand Mall

Eastern Cape

• Mthatha
• Vincent Park
• Walmer Park
• Cradock
• Ziyabuya Shopping Centre

Limpopo

• Platinum Park Polokwane
• Bochum Plaza
• Bopedi

The additional branches further improve access for citizens requiring identity document services.

Other participating banks

Besides Capitec, Standard Bank and FNB, several other banks continue supporting the Home Affairs digital programme.

Nedbank

Nedbank currently offers six participating branches located in:

• Pretoria
• Rivonia
• Constantia Kloof
• Durban North
• Nelspruit
• Cape Town

Absa

Absa has six participating locations, including:

• Absa Towers
• Sandton
• Centurion Lifestyle
• Key West
• Stellenbosch
• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)

Discovery Bank and Investec

Discovery Bank and Investec each participate through selected branches in Gauteng.

Although smaller in number, these branches contribute to broader national access.

Leon Schreiber drives digital transformation

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has described the partnership with banks as one of government’s most successful digital initiatives.

Earlier this year, he announced that participating bank branches would begin processing:

• First-time Smart ID applications
• Passport applications
• Renewals through digital channels

Initially only 32 branches offered passport services.

Today, the rapid expansion demonstrates growing confidence in the programme.

Schreiber said technology allows Home Affairs to deliver services directly to citizens rather than forcing people to visit traditional government offices.

Home Affairs targets record Smart ID production

Speaking on 3 July, Leon Schreiber announced ambitious targets for the current financial year.

According to the minister:

• Four million Smart ID cards were issued during the 2025/26 financial year.
• This represents approximately 1.3 million more than the previous annual average.
• Home Affairs now aims to break another issuance record during 2026/27.

The department also wants to accelerate the complete replacement of the green ID booklet.

Goodbye to the green ID book

One of the department’s long-term objectives is eliminating South Africa’s ageing green barcoded ID book.

Deputy Director-General Thulani Mavuso recently revealed that Home Affairs could stop producing the green ID book as early as this year.

Before production ends, government wants to ensure every eligible South African has reasonable access to a Smart ID card.

Once production stops, government will later announce:

• The official end of green ID book production.
• The future date when green ID books will no longer serve as valid identification.

This transition forms part of broader efforts to reduce fraud and improve document security.

Benefits of Smart ID applications

The expansion of Smart ID applications offers several important advantages.

Faster processing

Many participating bank branches provide paperless applications that can be completed in approximately five minutes.

Better security

Biometric Smart ID cards offer significantly improved protection against identity fraud compared to green ID books.

Convenient locations

Citizens can now visit nearby participating banks instead of travelling long distances to busy Home Affairs offices.

Reduced waiting times

Processing applications through banks helps reduce pressure on traditional government service centres.

eHomeAffairs bank branches simplify government services

The continued growth of eHomeAffairs bank branches reflects government’s broader commitment to digital public services.

Instead of relying solely on physical government offices, partnerships with banks allow citizens to access essential services through trusted financial institutions.

Officials believe this model improves efficiency while delivering faster, more customer-friendly services.

Future phases may include additional government services becoming available through participating banks.

How to apply for a Smart ID

Applicants generally need to:

1. Register on the eHomeAffairs online portal.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Book an appointment at a participating bank branch.
4. Visit the branch for biometric verification and payment (where applicable).
5. Collect the completed Smart ID card once notified.

Availability may vary depending on the participating bank and whether the applicant qualifies to use that institution’s services.

Looking ahead

With 259 participating branches already operating and a target of 750 branches before year-end, South Africans can expect continued improvements in access to Smart ID services.

The expansion also supports government’s broader digital transformation agenda while helping eliminate the outdated green ID booklet.

As additional banks and branches join the programme, millions more South Africans are expected to benefit from quicker, safer and more convenient identity document services.

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Conclusion

All 259 bank branches where you can get a smart ID in South Africa demonstrate how the partnership between Home Affairs South Africa and the banking sector is transforming public service delivery. Through expanded eHomeAffairs bank branches, citizens now have greater access to secure South African smart ID cards, shorter waiting times and more convenient application processes.

With Leon Schreiber driving ambitious digital reforms and Home Affairs targeting 750 participating branches by the end of the year, South Africa’s Smart ID rollout is entering a new phase that promises greater accessibility, stronger document security and the eventual retirement of the green ID booklet.