Updated information: 2024 online South African ID applications

The Department of Home Affairs is undergoing significant changes under new leadership, affecting online South African ID applications as well. New Minister Leon Schreiber has been highly outspoken about the systemic problems with the department, which he likes to term a sort of ‘institutional vandalism’ over the years. And he believes only a full ‘digital overhaul’ will begin to solve the problems. As a result, he’s announced updated safety features and an overhaul to online South African ID applications in the coming years.

ONLINE SOUTH AFRICAN ID APPLICATIONS

The recent Chidimma Adetshina investigation once again shone a spotlight on naturalisation and citizenship in the country. And we should remind readers that online South African ID applications are free for all 16-year old citizens applying for the first time. However, if you’re an older citizen replacing your ‘green mamba’ ID booklet due to theft or cloning, the cost will be R140.

Likewise, you must be able to show your current ID document (if available) or a driver’s licence/passport as a valid form of identification. Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs explains online South African ID applications are far safer and quicker to help you avoid queues. The South African recently reported new smart ID cards, with their digital attributes, may even assist citizens get South African Social Security Agency grants quicker. This is because SASSA’s digitised system won’t kick you out of its biometric verification process as easily.

SECURE APPLICATION ONLINE, COMPLETE IT IN-PERSON

While still not fully digital, online South African ID applications can be termed a ‘hybrid’ process. The convenience starts with an online booking which you can make HERE. However, once that portion is complete you must still visit a Home Affairs branch in person to supply you biometrics (photos and fingerprints):

• Visit the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) eHome portal.
• Select Apply Online for Online South African ID applications.
• Go to Registration.
• Input: Name, ID number, passport number or birth certificate number, date of birth, email address, and cell phone number.
• Upload all the necessary documents requested.
• Make an EFT payment online. You can also deposit money into the Home Affairs bank account if you don’t have access to online banking. Don’t forget to include the reference number.
• Once payment is confirmed, you’ll be able to select a Department of Home Affairs branch to visit for your appointment. Here you will provide biometric data.
• Online South African ID applications take roughly 14 working days from the day of the application. But the department is working to reduce this.

VALID IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED

• First-time applicants must be 16-years of age or older for a South African ID.
• As parents of a first-time applicant, you will need to present your own ID (parental IDs).
• Be sure to bring along birth certificates for any first-time applicants.
• Also bring any documentation verifying legal guardianship in the event of adoption.
• If you’re foreign born, an identification card or passport from your country of birth may be used as valid identification.
• Should you be born elsewhere, you must produce your valid permanent resident certificate stating you’re legally in South Africa.
• ID or travel documents from the old Transkei, Bophutatswana, Venda or Ciskei homelands will be accepted.
• In the event of deceased parents, you must supply the death certificates of any and all deceased parents.
• Don’t forget your proof of address (a utility bill with your name and address clearly stated on it).
• In the event of a lost/stolen ID document, you need a sworn and signed police affidavit including a valid police case number.