Goodbye Green ID Book: Smart ID Card Rollout Expands Across South Africa
Smart ID Card Rollout Expands Across South Africa
UrbanStreetCulture | July 2025
SA’s Move to Scrap the Green ID Book
South Africa is officially phasing out the green barcoded ID book, replacing it with the modern Smart ID card. This move comes as part of a national security and digitization strategy led by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
Speaking on the Democratic Alliance’s Podcast, Schreiber confirmed that the green ID book will no longer be produced by the end of the 2025 financial year. This long-overdue change aims to reduce identity fraud and align the country’s ID system with modern security standards.
Key Stats and Timeline
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Over 30 million Smart ID cards issued since 2013
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18 million South Africans still using green ID books
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Plan to issue 2.5M to 3M Smart ID cards annually
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Full phase-out expected over the next 5–6 years
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eHomeAffairs plans to expand to 100 bank branches by March 2026
How to Apply for a Smart ID Card in South Africa
You can apply for a Smart ID card in two main ways:
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At a Home Affairs branch with live capture systems
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Online via eHomeAffairs with pickup at a participating bank branch
Currently, only 75% of Home Affairs branches are equipped with live capture systems. Until full rollout is complete, some citizens may still receive the older green ID books.
Big Expansion Coming in 2025–2026
The eHomeAffairs system allows South Africans to apply for Smart ID cards and passports online. But until now, banks had limited involvement, mainly offering their locations and handling online payments.
That’s about to change.
Leon Schreiber confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is integrating its systems directly with bank infrastructure. Once completed, banks will help process and facilitate the ID and passport system—reducing strain on government offices.
Expansion Goals:
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40 new bank branches by Q4 2025
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60 more branches by Q1 2026
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Future plans to allow Smart ID applications via banking apps
Challenges Still Affecting the Smart ID Process
While the Smart ID card system is a leap forward, several issues persist:
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One-Time PIN (OTP) failures on mobile networks
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Limited appointment availability at bank branches
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Unfinalized PPP agreements between banks and DHA
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Only 40% of required DHA staff currently hired
The good news? According to the Banking Association of South Africa (Basa), the legal agreements between banks and DHA have been finalized and are awaiting sign-off.
Why You Should Upgrade to a Smart ID Card
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Advanced biometric security (face + fingerprint scan)
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Reduces ID fraud and forgery
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Faster processing times for passports and visas
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Modern, durable format compared to paper books
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Future-ready: Linked to banking apps and online services
What This Means for South Africans in 2025 and Beyond
By 2026, expect:
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Full eHomeAffairs coverage at over 100 banks
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Smart ID and passport applications through mobile banking apps
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Total elimination of green ID books
The move to eliminate the outdated green ID book marks a major win for digital transformation in South Africa. With the DHA working closely with banks to roll out Smart ID card services nationwide, applying for official documents will soon be faster, safer, and more convenient for millions of citizens.
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