The extended Saturday hours, from 8 am to 1 pm, began on 17 May and will continue until 31 May 2025.
The Department of Home Affairs will extend its operating period by five hours on Saturdays in May 2025 at front offices to assist naturalised citizens and permanent residents to apply for Smart ID Cards.
The department stated that the extended hours will facilitate the processing of Smart ID card applications for eligible individuals holding green barcoded ID books.
Extended hours over the specified weekends will allow for processing of Smart ID Card applications from naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries, in possession of green barcoded ID books,
Nationwide Rollout of Smart ID Cards
The DHA announced the nationwide rollout of Smart ID cards for naturalised South African citizens and permanent residents from visa-exempt countries. This initiative aims to modernise identity documentation and enhance security.
Minister Leon Schreiber leads the transition from Green Barcoded ID Books to Smart ID Cards for eligible individuals. The rollout will occur in phases.
Phase 1 focuses on replacing Green Barcoded ID Books for naturalised citizens and permanent resident permit holders from the listed countries.
Applications can be submitted at all Live Capture Offices, participating bank branches, and via the eHome-Affairs Portal. Appointments can be booked through the eHome-Affairs Portal and the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS).
Phase 2 is currently in planning and will include other groups, such as first-time ID applicants.
All applicants will undergo verification against the National Population Register (NPR). Permanent resident permit holders will also have their country of birth checked against the list of 106 eligible countries. Those not verifying positively may be accommodated in Phase 2.
A non-refundable application fee of R140 is required, except for applicants aged 60 and above.
The department urged eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to transition to the more secure Smart ID Card.
This will take us closer to fully adopting the more secure Smart ID Card and doing away with the green bar-coded ID book.
