An identity document (ID) enables South African citizens and permanent residents to identify themselves for general purposes and day-to-day activities in society. IDs form an important part of each person’s daily activities since all transactions require positive identification.
You can get a South African ID if you are a South African citizen or permanent resident and are aged 16 years or older.
If your ID book has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a replacement ID. You can also get a new ID if:
- Your personal particulars have changed.
- Your citizenship status has changed.
- You have changed your surname (for example, if you get married or divorced).
- You are temporarily living abroad and have previously had a South African ID.
Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged ID will cost R140.
Immigrants who have valid permanent residence permits can also get an ID.
A temporary ID serves as proof of identity while you are waiting for your application for an ID to be processed. This document is only valid for a short period.
Disclaimer: Please contact your Home Affairs office before visiting, to confirm if they’re using the new biometric application system, or if you need to bring your own photos.
Re-issuing an ID
In the event that your ID is lost, damaged or stolen, you may request a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC). This can be done at any office of the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to the verification of your fingerprints.
You can also get a new ID if:
- Your personal details have changed.
- Your citizenship status has changed.
- You have changed your surname (for example, if you get married or divorced).
- You are temporarily living abroad and have previously had a South African ID.
You can apply for a
replacement ID by:
- Completing Form BI-9 as well if you have not previously submitted your fingerprints.
- Attaching additional documents as required (e.g. a marriage certificate if you are married).
- Paying the required fee, R140, for the re-issue.
Be sure to provide your cellphone number in your application so that you can receive regular updates on the progress of your application via SMS.
To get the SMS updates, simply SMS the word “ID” followed by your ID number to 32551. You will be charged R1 for each SMS sent.
For more information on how to apply for an identity document, visit the Department of Home Affairs website, where you can also track and trace the progress of your ID application.
Correcting errors in your ID
If you get your ID and there are errors, the Department of Home Affairs will replace your ID for free.
To apply to correct information in your ID, simply submit the following to any office of the Department of Home Affairs:
- Forms BI-9 and BI-309 completed with the correct information
- Proof of the error, which shows the correct information (e.g. a birth certificate)
- Two identical, colour ID photographs (Note: Not needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally).
Note: Application forms cannot be downloaded from the Home Affairs website. Please visit your nearest Western Cape Home Affairs office to get one of these.
How much does it cost to renew your ID in South Africa?
Applications for a Smart ID will cost R140. You will not need to bring photos as the offices equipped to handle applications for the smart ID card will be able to cater for both processes. You can also apply for an smart ID online with eHome Affairs.