ID Application Requirements In South Africa

Your South African ID is one of the most important documents used to access services for general purposes and day-to-day activities in society.

The Department of Home Affairs started rolling out the new, more secure smart ID card.

You can get a new ID if:

  • You’re a South-African citizen by birth.
  • You’re 16 years or older.
  • Your ID book has been lost, stolen or damaged.
  • Your personal particulars have changed.
  • Your citizenship status has changed.
  • You’ve have changed your surname (for example, if you get married or divorced).
  • You’re are temporarily living abroad and have previously had a South African ID.

Immigrants who have valid permanent residence permits can also get an ID.

Requirements when applying for a smart ID card

If you’re applying for an ID for the first time (16 years or older) it’s free of charge. You’ll need the following documents when applying:

  • Birth certificate.
  • Certified copy of 1 of your parents / legal guardian identity document.
  • Death certificate of certified copy if your parents are deceased.
  • Proof of residence (where it’s available) or provide residential address.

Pensioner (60 years old and above) who are in possession of a green ID book can apply for a smart ID card at no cost.

You’ll need the following:

  • Your green barcoded ID / affidavit in case the if is lost.
  • Your proof of residence (where it’s available) or provide residential address.
  • Your marriage certificate, if married (for marriage verification status).
  • Your divorce decree, if divorced (for divorce verification status).

If you’re between the ages of 16 and 59 years of age and in possession of a green ID book or lost your smart ID card, you’ll have to pay R140 when applying for a smart card ID.

You’ll also need:

  • your green barcoded ID or an affidavit in case it’s lost,
  • proof of residence (where it’s available) or provide residential address,
  • your marriage certificate, if married (for marriage verification status),
  • your divorce decree, if divorced (for divorce verification status), and
  • the application fee of R140.

Did you know you can also apply for your Smart ID card at your bank? If you’re in the Western Cape, you can visit the Standard Bank Canal Walk branch, Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Drive. Contact your bank or Home Affairs office for more information. 

Note: The green ID books will remain valid as it’s estimated that it would take 6 to 7  years to phase them out.

For more information on smart ID cards, call the Department of Home Affairs toll-free hotline on 0800 601 190.

When can you apply for a South African ID?

16 years, 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.

Do you need your parents to get an ID in South Africa?

If you apply for an ID before the age of 18, you will need a written letter of consent from one of your parents. Supply a previous passport if applicable. Two colour photographs (if you have a smart ID card you don’t need to supply any photographs).