Did you know having a national identity document is mandatory for various services, procedures, and day-to-day transactions?
In South Africa, everyone aged 16 and above must have this document.
The document is issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
A woman in a checkered shirt is using a laptop. Photo: pexels.com, @Alexander Suhorucov (modified by author)Source: UGC
Learn how to apply for your ID online today.
If you have wondered how to apply for your ID online, here’s how.
Thesmart IDrecently replaced the green bar-coded South African ID card that had been used for decades.
Read also
If you wish to apply for an ID online for the first time, you must meetthe requirementslisted below.
Once ready, the relevant officials will contact you and tell you when to collect the document.
Note that many DHA offices serve thousands of people daily, so they almost always have long queues.
Read also
you could avoid queueing by booking your appointment at a DHA-approved bank branch.
The approved banks are listed below.
NB:Note that not all bank branches are approved.
Read also
Confirm your nearest branch is approved to take biometrics for smart IDs before visiting.
FNB, in partnership with the DHA, has launched the program of thesmart IDand passport to the public.
To apply, follow the steps explored above (under the section Home Affairs online ID tool process).
A happy woman using a laptop while sitting on a couch. Photo: pexels.com, @Arina KrasnikovaSource: Getty Images
In the last step, choose an enabled bankFNBbranch as your preferred place to have your biometrics taken.
How long does a smart ID card take in South Africa?
The smart ID card takes about 14 working days to be ready.
Read also
You will be notified when ready.
Can I apply for my SA ID online?
Yes, you might apply for your SA ID online through the system portal provided by the DHA.
A man on a desk is using a laptop. Photo: pexels.com, @Vlada KarpovichSource: UGC
How do you apply for a South African ID online?
you’re free to apply by visiting the eHomeAffairs program portal.
How do I get my first ID in South Africa?
Read also
you’re free to apply online or visit the nearest DHA-approved bank branches or offices.
Online applications are best because they save you from the long queues at DHA offices.
All applicants need to know that they must schedule appointments to collect their biometric details.
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)Source: Original
Briefly.co.za recently published how to apply for apermanent residence permitin South Africa.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019.
The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course.
you could email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University.
Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course.
Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
