Getting a Smart ID just got easier as another bank joins the list
Good news for South Africans. Another bank has been added to the list of financial institutions where you can apply for a Smart ID card, making the process more accessible and convenient.
For many years, millions of South Africans relied on the green barcoded ID book.
However, the document became increasingly vulnerable to fraud, forgery and identity theft. To improve security, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the Smart ID card on Mandela Day in 2013. Fitted with an embedded microchip, the Smart ID card offers stronger protection against identity fraud and is far more difficult to duplicate.
Over the years, the department has continued to make the application process more convenient by expanding where South Africans can apply for the card. In its latest move, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that Absa is now one of the banks offering Smart ID services, giving South Africans another easy and secure way to make the switch from the green ID book.
This move is expected to benefit millions of South Africans who still use the green barcoded ID book. Absa is now the fourth bank to offer the service, joining Capitec, Standard Bank and First National Bank (FNB).
In Gauteng, one of the branches now offering the service is Absa Tembisa. The Department of Home Affairs shared the news on social media, highlighting the branch as one of the first to roll out the service.
On Monday, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber, announced that since the digital partnership with the banks was introduced, 300 branches offer the service and more than 400,000 transactions have already been processed through the system.
One of the biggest advantages of applying for a Smart ID at a participating bank is the convenience. The process takes about five minutes, helping South Africans avoid long queues at Home Affairs offices.
How to apply for a Smart ID card at a bank:
If you're planning to apply for a Smart ID card at a participating bank, there are a few things to keep in mind. First-time ID applicants will still need to visit a Department of Home Affairs branch. However, if you’re replacing your green barcoded ID book with a Smart ID card, you can complete the process at a participating bank. Be sure to bring your green ID book along.
The current cost of a Smart ID card is R150, which includes a R140 application fee and a R10 service fee.
One of the biggest advantages of applying through a bank is the convenience. The in-branch process takes less than five minutes. Applicants must visit the branch in person so that their photograph, fingerprints and digital signature can be captured.
The application process differs slightly depending on the bank:
Capitec
Customers must visit a branch where trained staff will assist them to complete their Smart ID application and do the biometric capture.
FNB
Customers can register and complete their application through the Department of Home Affairs’ eHomeAffairs portal before booking an appointment at a participating branch. Alternatively, they can log into the FNB app, navigate to the Home Affairs services section, and complete the application and appointment booking digitally.
Standard Bank
Customers can visit a participating branch, where trained staff will assist with completing the application, capturing fingerprints and photographs, and processing the payment. The R140 application fee is paid at the branch.
Once your application has been processed, you’ll be notified when your Smart ID card is ready for collection.
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