Recent updates to the online South African ID process

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) enables residents to apply for a South African ID online. However, before diving into that, and considering the ongoing Chidimma Adetshina story, let’s clarify who is eligible to apply for a South African ID online and what benefits it offers.

ELIGIBLE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ID ONLINE

According to the DHA, all South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders over the age of 16 years are eligible to apply for a South African ID online. Note that this is different to citizenship which entitles you to a South African passport. Nevertheless, what is meant by a permanent residence permit and why does it unlock a South African ID document? XPatWeb explains that the term refers to the following:

• Anyone granted a Critical Skills Work Visa and able to prove they have a permanent job in South Africa.
• If you’ve held work visa in South Africa for more than five years.
• If you’re married or have been related to a South African citizen for five years or more.

So, if any of the above apply to you, you have every reason to consider applying for your South African permanent residency. Now we will explore the actual process to apply for a South African ID online …

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS …

• To get a South African ID online, simply visit the Department of Home Affairs eHome
• Register to create a Profile, save your details and Login.
• Once verified, navigate to Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS).
• Input your SA ID number, hit Next and follow the prompts to complete all the relevant forms.
• Click Authenticate when complete.
• Select Schedule Appointment to choose the nearest/preferred DHA branch.
• Choose your Province and City using the menu, and the date range that suits to find the next available appointment slot.
• Click the Agree and Confirm button once done.

The DHA will SMS you all the details – date, time and reference number – to confirm your South African ID online appointment. To get SMS updates, simply text ‘ID’ followed by your ID number to 32551. You will be charged R1 per SMS sent.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE APPOINTMENT

That was only the first part of your process to secure a South African ID online. When you’re at the DHA branch you selected, you will have biometric data take – fingerprints and a digital ID photograph. And be sure to bring along the following (if applicable to your application) for the Home Affairs agent:

• Green ID booklet.
• Birth certificate for new applicants (children).
• Documentation verifying you’re the legal guardian in case of adoption.
• Your parents’ IDs.
• Your parent’s death certificates (also for deceased parents).
• Proof of address (a utility bill less than three months old with your name and address on it).
• Permanent resident certificate if born outside of South Africa.
• Sworn and signed police affidavit and police case number if you lost or had your ID document stolen.
• Applying for a South African ID online is free for any 16-year-old first-time applicant.
• Otherwise, the cost is R140 if you are older than 16 and replacing an ID document.

From there, you will receive an SMS telling you when you can collect your new South African ID document. The wait time is, on average, 14 working days.