Banks implement stricter regulations on damaged green ID books

South Africa’s major banks are intensifying their scrutiny of damaged green ID books, which could make identity verification more difficult for many citizens. This shift is driven by the transition to the more secure smart ID cards.

STRICTER VERIFICATION MEASURES

South Africa’s major banks, including Absa, Capitec, and FNB, are tightening their policies on accepting damaged green ID books. They emphasise the use of fingerprint scans linked to the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) biometric database as the primary method for verifying customer identities. This shift reduces reliance on physical ID books, which must be legible, with clear customer details and an intact photo, to be accepted, MyBroadband reported.

Furthermore, MyBroadband added, Capitec follows similar criteria to FNB, requiring that ID books not be excessively damaged or altered. This ensures the ID book remains reliable even as the country transitions to digital identification solutions.

PUSH FOR SMART ID CARDS

The DHA has been urging citizens to transition from the green barcoded ID book to the new smart ID card. Speaking to ENCA, former Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that the green ID books would “soon” expire, encouraging citizens to upgrade to the smart ID card.

“We have been busy for the last 18 months with the CSIR to try and change our IT systems, because they are very problematic, leading to people having lots of queues.

“But in the same vein, we want to do away with the green barcode ID,” Motsoaledi said.

“Very soon, we will make an announcement that we will keep one, and the other one is invalid.”

Despite this push, the green ID book remains a legal document until an official announcement declares its expiration. Moreover, Minister Motsoaledi emphasised the department’s commitment to finalising the smart ID card rollout, aiming to streamline identity verification processes across the country.

SABC reported, Home Affairs officials have yet to respond to questions regarding the timeline for phasing out the old ID books but have indicated no official communication has been made about their retirement.