Getting your Smart ID at a bank

Daniel Puchert

Daniel Puchert

Journalist
Staff member
Joined
Mar 6, 2024
Messages
3,336
Reaction score
3,247
How to get your new Smart ID at a bank

South Africans looking to upgrade their green ID booklet to a smart ID card can book an appointment to do so using the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) eHomeAffairs platform.

Moreover, the system allows applicants to book appointments at DHA-supported bank branches across the country, meaning they never have to step foot in a Home Affairs office or face the associated queues.
 
Wouldn't a smart ID, actually be smart, like perhaps linking things together so we have one card to rule them all?
 
Nb. Only SA citizens can use online system.

Us tax paying permanent residents are excluded still :-(
 
However, they must be a customer of the bank they choose.
Click to expand...

This is not necessarily the case.... with the Nedbank at 135 Rivonia Road, I have never been asked if I am a customer, and I know many people who have visited that branch without being a customer. The Home Affairs office inside the bank is completely separate.
 
I did this via FNB for my passport and it worked quite well. The fact that it takes it bit longer as you need to make an appointment at the bank. could be seen as a bit longwinded.
 
And of course, there is a bank branch in every town where you can go for your new Smart ID. Nah!

Bull dwang story
 
DHA at the bank was convenient years back, but now not anymore.

Booked my appointment at a real DHA branch on a Monday, Tuesday went to complete my application and by Friday I had my passport.

So why are people still using banks where you need to wait weeks or months to even get an appointment slot?
 
I still don't understand why the free state banks hasn't got access to it yet. Doesn't make sense to have the other provinces and exclude the free state.
 
OCP said:
Nb. Only SA citizens can use online system.

Us tax paying permanent residents are excluded still :-(
Click to expand...

​

Seems you have to be born in ZA.
Naturalised and permanent residents still blocked:

1724059799578.png

I thought this limitation had been resolved..
 
Last edited:
It has only taken me 6 weeks so far and still no word when the smart ID will be ready!
I applied 6 weeks ago and was told it will take 2-3 weeks, Silly me for thinking the statement was true!
My application was done directly with DHA!
I wonder if the banks get preferential treatment?
 
bhaziwa said:
Money is not everything buddy...
Click to expand...

Are you saying that even though I pay more than my fair share towards government infrastructure it is fair that I am excluded from making use of it?

Do you understand that without being able to make an appointment the only option i have is to take a chance and sit in a queue for a few hours with no guarantee i will be able to get the service i require?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X