DHA - Applying for SMart ID Card

[Frankie23]

I've not yet applied for a smart ID card from Home Affairs so I made an appointment at my DHA office via their online platform to go get it done.

I found some info on the DHA website regarding the required docs to take along, but was hoping that anyone who might've gone through this process recently can confirm the following is still relevant:

1. Green bar-coded identity document/affidavit in case the identity document is lost
2. Proof of residence (where it is available) or provide residential address
3. Marriage certificate, if married (for marriage verification status)
4. Divorce decree, if divorced (for divorce verification status)
5. A fee of R140.00 will be required

Then, do I need to also take along 2 or 4 ID/passport photos or do they take photos during the application process?

Also, how reliably do they honour the online "appointments"? Do I rock up at my DHA office at the scheduled appointment time and walk straight through to whoever is going to assist with the smart ID card applications, or do I need to fall in line with everyone else and await my turn?

 

[Crowley]

I've not yet applied for a smart ID card from Home Affairs so I made an appointment at my DHA office via their online platform to go get it done.

I found some info on the DHA website regarding the required docs to take along, but was hoping that anyone who might've gone through this process recently can confirm the following is still relevant:

1. Green bar-coded identity document/affidavit in case the identity document is lost
2. Proof of residence (where it is available) or provide residential address
3. Marriage certificate, if married (for marriage verification status)
4. Divorce decree, if divorced (for divorce verification status)
5. A fee of R140.00 will be required

I only had my green ID book and proof of residence. Marriage / divorce is (should) be registered on the HA system already.

Then, do I need to also take along 2 or 4 ID/passport photos or do they take photos during the application process?

They take digital photos. Don't waste your money on ID photos.

Also, how reliably do they honour the online "appointments"? Do I rock up at my DHA office at the scheduled appointment time and walk straight through to whoever is going to assist with the smart ID card applications, or do I need to fall in line with everyone else and await my turn?

Some offices do, other's don't. Either way, you rock up before your scheduled appointment time, get in line and start praying that the system stays online.

 

[Willy Strong]

What Crowley said.

Also, you might have to fight with those who were already in line since 5:00am because they didn't schedule a booking, while walking to the front escorted by the security.

 

[PaulNOTsaul]

+1 Crowley

It would'nt hurt if you have those documents on hand, take them with you if you have them readily. At times it really depends on the branch and the clerk who will be helping you, making rules on the fly

 

[Frankie23]

So I went to apply for my smart ID card at Grabouw HA yesterday.

Made an online booking for 12pm.

Arrived at 11:45, was told to wait outside until 12pm and come back inside.

Did exactly that, then had to sign in on the register and produce my ID book. Told to take a seat and wait.

After about 30mins of waiting I got my ID book back along with a printed slip with my "number" (which indicates where I am in the queue).

After another 30mins of waiting (~1pm) I got called up to take my fingerprints, digital signature and -photo. Got told to wait some more.

After another ~15mins my ticket number was called to a counter and I got asked what documents I'm applying for. I stated smart ID card, had to show my ID book and number slip, write my cell no and home address on the back of the slip, make an electronic signature and specify where I'd like to collect the ID card when ready (Grabouw or SSW).

Received a printed out confirmation of application, and told to go pay at the cashier.

Out at 13:20.

All in all, one hour 20 for the whole episode.

I didn't have to produce any documents, proof of residence, marriage cert, or any other docs.

ETA for collection is apparently 2-3 weeks.

Hope this helps anyone else wanting to go apply for a smart ID.

If you're visiting a different DHA office, your mileage could however potentially vary.