Home Affairs Shift in plan to discontinue green ID

South Africa accelerates shift to smart ID cards

Home Affairs shift in plan to discontinue green ID books in South Africa has taken a major step forward, as the government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s identification system. The Department of Home Affairs is prioritising the rollout of smart ID cards, signalling the gradual end of the long-standing green barcoded ID book.

This transition forms part of the department’s 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan, which outlines an ambitious strategy to digitise identification, improve security, and streamline access to civic services across the country.

Focus on first-time applicants entering adulthood

A central pillar of the plan is targeting young South Africans turning 16, ensuring they enter adulthood with smart ID cards instead of legacy documents.

The department has set a target of issuing 800,000 smart ID cards to first-time applicants during the financial year. Quarterly rollout targets include:

• 208,000 in the first quarter
• 200,000 in the second quarter
• 184,000 in the third quarter
• 208,000 in the fourth quarter

By capturing biometric data early—such as fingerprints and facial recognition—the government aims to build a secure and modern population register from the ground up.

Unlike the green ID book, which is vulnerable to damage and fraud, the smart ID card uses advanced polycarbonate material and embedded microchip technology, making it significantly more secure.

Reissuing smart IDs ahead of elections

Beyond first-time applicants, the department is also prioritising the reissuance of smart ID cards to existing citizens. This effort is especially critical ahead of upcoming local government elections.

Ensuring that eligible voters possess valid and secure identification is essential for the credibility of elections overseen by the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

To meet this demand, Home Affairs plans to issue 2.2 million smart ID cards to current holders of green ID books. Quarterly targets range between 506,000 and 572,000 cards.

This large-scale rollout reflects the urgency of replacing outdated identification while maintaining electoral integrity.

Expanding bank partnerships to improve access

To reduce long queues at Home Affairs branches, the department is expanding partnerships with major banks. These collaborations allow citizens to apply for and collect smart IDs at bank branches in a more efficient environment.

Institutions such as Capitec Bank, Standard Bank, and First National Bank are playing a key role in this rollout.

The goal is to offer smart ID services at 200 bank branches nationwide by the end of the financial year. This public-private model improves accessibility and reduces pressure on government facilities.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has emphasised that these partnerships are critical to achieving universal access to smart IDs and ultimately phasing out the green ID book.

Digital innovation driving the transition

A major breakthrough in the rollout has been the introduction of a new digital partnership model launched in 2025. Unlike earlier systems, which required government staff and equipment at bank branches, the new model integrates banking systems directly with Home Affairs through secure digital connections.

This innovation allows for faster expansion at lower cost and has already increased service availability from around 30 branches to over 130 nationwide.

Banks are rapidly scaling their participation:

• Capitec leads with more than 70 active branches offering smart ID services
• Standard Bank has expanded to over 30 branches
• FNB continues to grow its network steadily

These developments demonstrate how technology is accelerating the shift toward a fully digital identification system.

Why the green ID book is being phased out

The green barcoded ID book has served South Africans for decades, but it is increasingly outdated. It is prone to wear and tear, easier to forge, and less compatible with modern digital systems.

In contrast, smart ID cards provide:

• Enhanced security through biometric data
• Durability with polycarbonate material
• Compatibility with digital verification systems

Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza confirmed that the government is putting legislative and technological measures in place to discontinue green ID books in the foreseeable future.

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Conclusion

South Africa’s move toward smart ID cards marks a significant transformation in public administration and national security. By prioritising young applicants, accelerating reissuance, and leveraging private-sector partnerships, the government is laying the foundation for a fully digital identity system.

While the green ID book has been a longstanding symbol of identity, its replacement is both necessary and inevitable. As infrastructure expands and adoption increases, the country is steadily moving toward a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced identification system.

References

1. News24 – South Africa Home Affairs smart ID rollout and policy updates
   https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news
2. BusinessTech – Smart ID cards and green ID book phase-out developments
   https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/