How to Apply Online for a South African Smart ID Card

The days of queuing at the Home Affairs offices may become a thing of the past very soon. Through Home Affairs’ online application system and partnership with banks, applying for a smart ID card has become a little easier… unless you’re a South African abroad or you were born overseas (in which case – for both – you will need to wait a little longer).

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said the department was trying to expand its footprint and make it convenient for people to apply.

“The entire process is paperless and digitised and there is no human intervention along the line,” he said.e-Home Affairs allows people who are aged between 30 and 35 years old to apply for their smart ID cards and passports, upload supporting documents and pay for their applications online.

They can make an appointment with their selected banks to have their photos taken and fingerprints verified.

How to apply for your Smart ID Card online in South Africa:

Step 1: Go on to the e-Home Affairs website – https://ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel –  and register. To register, you will need to:
Complete personal details;
Create a password, and;
Answer various questions for security purposes.
Step 2: You will receive an OTP (one-time pin) to confirm your cellphone number. Enter it in, and click submit.
Step 3: You will receive another OTP to login to your profile.
Step 4: Complete your application form for a smart ID card. The fields marked in red are mandatory.
Step 5: It is optional to upload the listed, supporting documents. The originals will be required when visiting a bank branch.
Step 6: You can make an online payment or choose to pay at a branch of a bank. An online payment means you need to log on to your bank’s payment system to complete the transfer. The smart ID card costs R140.
Step 7: Book a slot at a bank that has the Home Affairs service available for your biometrics to be captured. But remember:
Booking an appointment is needed for a visit to a bank.
No booking is needed if you are going to a Home Affairs office.
Step 8: Print out your confirmation letter.
Step 9: Remember to take your confirmation letter and your green barcoded ID book when going to the bank to capture your biometrics.
Step 10: You will receive a SMS notifying when your card is ready for collection at the bank.

Source: Department of Home Affairs and South Africa.info