South Africans still using the green barcoded ID book are being urged to switch to the Smart ID Card as government moves closer to retiring the decades-old identification document.
While the green ID book remains legally valid for now, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber have confirmed that the document is being phased out as part of a broader effort to combat identity fraud and modernise South Africa’s identification system.
Why Is the Green ID Book Being Phased Out?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the green barcoded ID book has become increasingly vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and criminal syndicates.
Government says impersonation fraud has risen sharply, making the older document a security risk compared to newer biometric identification systems.
The transition forms part of government’s move towards a more secure digital identity ecosystem supported by an Intelligent Population Register and biometric verification technologies.
When Will the Green ID Book Stop Working?
The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that the phase-out process will continue over the next few years, with a target completion date around 2029.
Although no final cut-off date has yet been announced, government has confirmed that a deadline will eventually be set after which the green ID book will no longer be accepted as an official form of identification.
For now, the green ID book remains legally recognised.
Who Can Apply for a Smart ID Card?
The Smart ID Card is now available to:
- South African citizens
- Naturalised citizens
- Permanent resident permit holders
The recent expansion means many individuals who previously relied on the green ID book now qualify for Smart ID Cards.
How to Upgrade to a Smart ID Card
Apply Through a Bank Branch
One of the fastest ways to apply is through participating bank branches connected to the Department of Home Affairs system.
Participating banks include:
- Capitec
- FNB
- Absa
- Nedbank
- Standard Bank
Applicants can:
- Register on the eHomeAffairs portal.
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the applicable fee online.
- Book an appointment.
- Visit the selected bank branch for biometric capture.
More than 140 bank branches nationwide currently offer this service.
Apply at Home Affairs
Applicants can also visit a Home Affairs office equipped with a Live Capture System.
Photographs are taken digitally during the application process, meaning applicants do not need to bring ID photos with them.
Documents You Need
When replacing your green ID book with a Smart ID Card, you should bring:
- Your green barcoded ID book
- Proof of payment if applying online
- Marriage certificate if changing your surname due to marriage
The green ID book will be verified and cancelled during the process.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Although there is currently no deadline forcing South Africans to switch immediately, Home Affairs is encouraging citizens to upgrade sooner rather than later.
The Smart ID Card offers:
- Enhanced security features
- Biometric verification
- Reduced risk of identity fraud
- Integration with future digital government services
As government moves towards a fully digital identity system, the Smart ID Card is expected to become the standard form of identification across South Africa.
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