Pretoria:Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber has announced that the department has exceeded its goal of expanding Smart ID replacement services to more than 750 bank branches, achieving this milestone over four months ahead of schedule.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) launched its digital partnership with the banking sector on March 9, 2026, as part of the Home Affairs @ home reform agenda. The initiative aimed to extend Smart ID services to 750 branches by the end of the 2026/27 financial year. This target has been surpassed within eight months, with 753 bank branches now providing access to Smart IDs.
This expansion has benefited over one million South Africans, increasing the number of locations offering Smart ID services from 214 to 967, marking an increase of over 350% in 246 days. The service, which requires no prior booking, is available at participating branches of ABSA, Capitec, First National Bank, and Standard Bank, utilizing secure biometric technology to process applications in just five minutes.
This initiative supports the department's plan to phase out the green ID book, reducing risks of fraud and illegal immigration, and enhancing the security of South Africa's identification system. Schreiber emphasized the department's commitment to delivering world-class digital public infrastructure, including millions of previously excluded citizens in essential services.
South Africans can locate their nearest participating bank branch by visiting myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za.