Applying for your ID Document in South Africa

What is an ID Document?

A South African Identity Document is essential, with all South Africans being eligible for one from the age of 16 years old. Both the identity card and the green-bar coded book is a form of legal Identity that is needed when dealing with public and private matters, as well as when applying for social grants.

On numerous occasions, South Africans will be asked to provide their identity document to access aspects such as education, housing, their drivers license, a job, business agreements, registering for UIF, and healthcare services. You will also need an Identity Document when you apply for a passport, and to study, travel and work abroad. Your identity document is also needed to register to vote in both national and municipal elections.

Identity documents are issued to South Africans or those who have permanent residence, who are 16 years or older. People (including their spouses and children) who are working for the South African government or a statutory body outside of the country also qualify to receive South African Identity Documents.
 

Remember, you will need your ID document or Smart ID Card when applying for a SASSA grant, so make sure you have applied.
 

What is a Smart ID Card?

The Smart ID Card is a new form of identification that has replaced the green bar-coded identity book. These ID cards can only be issued by offices that use a live capture system. To find out where you can get your Smart ID Card, be sure to contact your nearest home affairs office and ask if they have a “live capture” system to process Smart ID Cards.

When applying for a Smart ID Card, you will not need to bring any photos to the home affair office. Instead, the offices that have the “live capture” feature are set-up to handle applications for ID cards (which include photo booths).

It’s important to note that whilst ID Cards are being issued, the green ID books will still remain valid. It is estimated that the green ID books will take 6 to 7 years to completely phase out, so if you still have one, you still have ample time to apply for a card.
 

How much does it cost to apply for an ID or Smart ID Card?

For first time applicants of an ID or a Smart ID Card, there is no cost (it is FREE).
All other citizens will be charged R140 when applying for a Smart ID Card.
 

How to apply for an ID document as a first time applicant

To apply for your Smart ID Card or ID document, you may apply online via the eHomeAffairs website.

Alternatively, you may visit your nearest Department of Home Affairs or any South African mission or consulate (if overseas). The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) to help applicants avoid long queues. Find out how to book your appointment with the DHA here.

Once you have applied, all applications will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs head office in Pretoria. At the head office, your fingerprints will be matched with those already on record, or those that have already been captured into the National Population Register. Once your application has been processed, your ID document will be issued and sent through for collection at the office where you first made your application.

If you are a first-time applicant, it is vital that at least one of your parents accompany you when applying for your ID document (should both your parents be deceased, you will need to be accompanied by a legal guardian.)

What documents are needed when applying for an ID document?

The documents you will need to bring as a first-time applicant are:

• A certified copy of your parent(s)/ guardian(s) ID document
• A completed BI-9 form, completed in black ink (you can obtain this form at your nearest Home Affairs office)
• A certified copy of your birth certificate/ reference book/ old Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda or Ciskei homelands identity or travel documents
• Two identical ID photographs in colour (please note: although smart IDs are captured digitally, colour photographs are needed to issue you a temporary ID)
• Your fingerprints will also be taken by an official and imprinted on the Form DHA-9

If you are a naturalised citizen, or a permanent resident holder, be sure to attach the following documents to your application form:

• Your naturalisation certificate (accompanied by a copy)
• Your permanent residency certificate (accompanied by a copy)
• An exemption certificate (accompanied by a copy)
• A BI-1620 form (this must be completed at Home Affairs)

Please note: copies of documents are needed as they will be certified by a Home Affairs official.

If your permanent resident permit or exemption certificate can not be obtained, please complete the BI-829 for a duplicate of these documents. Should you not have a naturalisation certificate/ be unable to provide it, be sure to apply for a duplicate before submitting your ID application.
 

How will I know when my ID document is ready?

When applying for your ID Document, you will be requested to provide your cell phone number. Through this, the Department will be able to send you SMS regarding the status of your application. To get SMS updates, SMS the word “ID” and your ID number to 32551 (please note: you will be charged R1 for every SMS sent.)
 

Read more about the different types of SASSA grants here:

SRD R350 Grant Care Dependency Grant Child Support Grant Foster Child Grant Disability Grant Older Persons Grant Grant-In-Aid War Veterans Grant

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CONTACT SASSA

For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:
Contact the SASSA Toll Free Call centre on: 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on: 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: SASSA offices