HOW to apply for Smart ID online: Every option explained

Getting your Smart ID online card no longer means a full day in the Home Affairs queue. Bonus! But as applicants are finding out, it’s not just a single-click affair either. There are now several routes in and out of the HomeAffairs@Home system. And picking the right one from the start will save you time …

SMART ID ONLINE EXPLAINED

First off, the Department Home Affairs (DHA) runs Smart ID online services across two separate websites, which is where most people go wrong immediately:

• DHA eHomeAffairs is where you apply and pay. You register a profile, complete the online form, upload your documents, and settle the fee.
• My Home Affairs Online is where you book your biometric appointment, then visit a ‘partner branch’ for photo and fingerprint capture.

Here’s the thing. You need both, in that order: Apply and pay on the first, then book your appointment on the second.

WHO CAN USE THE ONLINE ROUTE?

Let’s not forget another important qualifier here. The Smart ID online system is only built for South African citizens by birth, aged 16 and up, who are:

• Applying for a first Smart ID card.
• Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card.
• Upgrading from the old green barcoded ID book.

Unless specifically invited, naturalised citizens and permanent residence permit holders cannot use the self-service portal. This is because of backend IT. In the past, the system was so poorly run that the aforementioned data still needs to be digitised.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU START

• Your valid 13-digit ID number.
• A South African cellphone number, for the OTP.
• An active email address.
• A digital copy of your current ID or green book (JPEG or PDF, under 2MB).
• A bank card or internet banking access, if a fee applies.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SMART ID ONLINE

• Register on eHomeAffairs with your ID number and personal details, then verify via OTP.
• Log in and select ‘Apply for Smart ID Card.’
• Complete Form BI-9 online, indicating first-time application, replacement, or upgrade (lost or stolen cards need a SAPS case number.
• Pick a participating DHA branch for your biometrics.
• You can also choose one of these banks: ABSA, FNB, Nedbank or Standard Bank. You don’t need to bank there.
• Pay the applicable fee and keep your proof of payment.
• Attend your appointment with your ID, proof of payment and booking confirmation. Fingerprints and digital photo reportedly take about 20 minutes.
• You’ll wait two to three weeks before receiving the SMS notification that your card is ready.

WHAT IT COSTS

• First-time application (16 and older): Free
• Citizens aged 60 and older: Free
• Replacement, re-issue or upgrade: R140
• Temporary Identity Certificate while you wait: R70

As ever, the Smart ID online route is optional. You can still walk into any Home Affairs live capture office, fill in the BI-9 form, and wait to have your biometrics taken on the spot.

But what do you think? Do you have any feedback on the Smart ID online experience? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …