Can you really just walk into a bank and apply for a Smart ID?

South Africans have been told they can skip the Home Affairs queue and apply for a Smart ID at a bank and, in some cases, that really does mean walking into a branch without an appointment.

But there is an important catch: not every bank branch offering Smart ID services follows the same process.

Home Affairs has introduced a new digital partnership model with participating banks that allows Smart ID applications to be processed without the traditional appointment and upfront-payment requirements.

The department’s current online portal specifically lists the option to apply for a Smart ID through a “Partner Branch”.

So, can you just walk in?

At branches operating under the new digital partnership, yes.

The newer model was designed to allow customers to visit participating branches and complete their Smart ID application and biometric capture there, without first booking an appointment online.

Capitec, Standard Bank and FNB have been among the first few banks rolling out the new system, with the number of participating branches expanding rapidly during 2026.

However, you cannot assume that any branch of one of these banks offers the service.

Some bank branches still require bookings

This is where the confusion comes in.

Some branches operate under the older eHomeAffairs model. At these branches, applicants still have to complete the online application and book an appointment through the eHomeAffairs system.

Home Affairs’ own eHomeAffairs platform says appointments are required at Home Affairs-enabled bank branches.

In other words, “Smart ID at a bank” does not automatically mean “walk in whenever you want”.

How to know which system a bank branch uses

Before heading to a branch, check whether it is listed as a Partner Branch on the current My Home Affairs Online system.

The department’s website allows applicants to locate participating partner branches and specifically provides an option to apply for a Smart ID re-issue through one.

This is particularly important because the bank rollout is still expanding, and services can differ between branches.

What happens at the bank?

At a participating digital partner branch, the application process is handled using the bank’s systems, with the applicant’s details and biometrics captured as part of the Smart ID application.

The newer system is intended to reduce some of the paperwork, queues and appointment requirements associated with the older process.

It also means that getting a Smart ID no longer necessarily starts with a visit to a Home Affairs office.