South Africa Unlocks Smart ID Access for Naturalised Citizens and Residents

In a historic development for South Africa’s identity management system, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that, starting today, naturalised South African citizens and lawful permanent residents can officially apply for Smart ID cards via the eHomeAffairs platform. This marks the first time these groups have been included in the digital ID ecosystem—heralding a pivotal shift in both access and digital equality.

A Milestone in Digital Transformation

Describing the breakthrough as a "single most significant milestone yet" in its ongoing digital transformation journey, the Department of Home Affairs praised the culmination of months of intensive IT system upgrades. The change enables over 1.4 million individuals—who had previously been excluded—to participate in South Africa’s modernized identity verification framework.

"For years, IT shortcomings meant that South Africans born abroad and lawful permanent residents had to rely on the outdated, insecure green bar-coded ID books," the department explained. These individuals were also unable to access eHomeAffairs services to schedule bookings or submit applications digitally. This exclusion persisted despite their full eligibility as South African residents or citizens.

In rare instances, a limited number of naturalised citizens were able to obtain Smart ID cards, but only after a complex, manual approval process involving the Minister of Home Affairs. Now, this has changed dramatically.

Leadership and Reform in Action

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber hailed the move as a critical step in ending long-standing inequalities in the system. “Thanks to diligent work by our team, guided by our apex priority of digital transformation, we have now brought about this major reform within just a few months,” said Schreiber.

He emphasized that the benefits of this reform extend far beyond the initial group of 1.4 million eligible individuals. “This is also a victory for improved national security,” he added. “Naturalised citizens and permanent residents were the last remaining groups eligible for South African IDs who were excluded from obtaining Smart IDs. Now, every eligible person in South Africa can apply for a Smart ID.”

Enhancing National Security and Combating Fraud

The shift away from the green bar-coded ID book is a critical part of government efforts to reduce document-related fraud. These legacy ID books are widely considered more vulnerable to tampering and forgery. Replacing them with the biometric-enabled Smart ID card will strengthen identity verification and secure civic participation.

With this inclusion, the Smart ID becomes the universal identity document across all categories of citizens and residents—bringing the nation one step closer to the full phasing out of outdated identity documentation.

Expanded Access Through Banks and Weekend Hours

Recognizing the potential demand surge following this policy change, the Department of Home Affairs is taking proactive measures to support the transition. This includes extended weekend operating hours at select offices to accommodate applicants:

• Saturday 17 May 2025: 08:00 – 13:00

• Saturday 24 May 2025: 08:00 – 13:00

• Saturday 31 May 2025: 08:00 – 13:00

In addition, the department is significantly expanding the number of participating bank branches capable of processing Smart ID and passport applications. This move is designed to reduce congestion at Home Affairs offices and make the process more accessible to a broader population.

Towards a Digitally-Enabled Public Service

This reform is part of a broader effort to transform government services through technology. The Home Affairs digital transformation strategy aims to bring services closer to citizens, streamline application processes, and promote operational efficiency.

“With each milestone, we are making rapid progress in using digital transformation to deliver Home Affairs @ home,” said Schreiber, underscoring the government's long-term commitment to modernisation.

For eligible applicants, the Smart ID application process can now be initiated from the comfort of home by visiting the eHomeAffairs platform.