How to replace or re-issue your Identity Document

Should you find yourself in a situation where your ID document has been misplaced, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for a replacement. While you wait for a new ID document to be issued, you can opt to obtain a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC) to serve as proof of identification (it’s important to note that this document is only valid for a short period of time.)

Have you read our article on how to apply for an ID Document in South Africa?

If you have misplaced your ID or it was stolen, the first thing you must do is file a report at a police station. When applying for your replacement documents, you will then need to provide the affidavit you obtained from the police station.

Correcting errors on an ID Document

Should you receive your ID document and notice that there are some errors regarding your personal information, the Department of Home Affairs will replace your ID document free of charge.

If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to submit the following to your nearest Department of Home Affairs:

A completed BI-9 form
A completed BI-309 form
Proof of error (this can be in the form of a birth certificate that shows the correct correct information)
Two identical colour ID photographs (please note this is NOT needed at smartcard offices)

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

Re-issuing your ID Document

You can apply for your ID book to be re-issued if:

You are married and want to take the last name of your spouse. To do this, you must submit a completed BI-9 form and a copy of the marriage certificate. You will also be required to pay a fee.
You are a female and want to apply for a new ID in the name of any of your previous names, you must provide documents proving that you are entitled to use these names. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. This must be accompanied along with a completed BI-9 form as well as a fee for the re-issue.
Your ID book has been stolen, lost, or damaged.

How to apply for a replacement of an ID document

The steps needed to obtain a new ID Document are as follows:

You will need to complete a BI-9 form (if you have not previously submitted your fingerprints)
You will need to attach any additional documents, such as a married certificate
You will need to pay the required fee for a re-issue

Please note: If you have misplaced, lost, or damaged your ID document, you can request a TIC. This can be done at any Department of Home Affairs office and is subject to the verification of your fingerprints.

What are the costs involved

Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged Identity Documents will cost R140
If you find any errors on your ID, the department of Home Affairs will replace it for free
A temporary ID certificate will cost R70

Some important things to note

Immigrants who have valid South African permanent residence can also obtain an ID.
You will be required to provide a cellphone number in your application. Through this, the Department will send you updates regarding the process of your application.
To receive SMS updates, SMS the word “ID” and your ID number to 3255 (you will be charged R1 for each SMS sent).
Be sure to contact your Home Affairs office to ensure that they have a biometric system and if you will need to bring photos. Be sure to also confirm which supporting documents you will need to apply for your ID document (documents are subject to change without notice).

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

Types of Grants How to Apply Status Check Payment Dates Jobs & Vacancies Updates & Blog Contact SASSA

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