The Department of Home Affairs has launched a new online service that allows South Africans to quickly find their nearest participating bank branch where they can apply for a Smart ID Card.
Announcing the new platform on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the service forms part of government's ongoing efforts to make Home Affairs services more accessible and convenient for citizens.
New Online Service Helps Locate Smart ID Bank Branches
The new online platform, available through the Department of Home Affairs, enables users to instantly search for participating bank branches across South Africa that offer Smart ID Card services.
According to the department, the website will be updated automatically as more banks and branches join Home Affairs' digital partnership with the banking sector, ensuring South Africans always have access to the latest information.
More Than 370 Bank Branches Now Offer Smart ID Services
The launch comes as Home Affairs continues to expand its digital partnership with banks.
South Africans can now apply for Smart ID Cards at 372 participating bank branches nationwide, making it easier to replace the older green barcoded ID book with the more secure Smart ID Card.
The expanded network provides citizens with greater access to Home Affairs services without having to visit a traditional Home Affairs office.
More Than Half A Million Smart ID Applications Processed
Since the banking partnership was launched on 9 March 2026, more than 500,000 South Africans have applied for Smart ID Cards through participating bank branches.
The department said the growing number of applications demonstrates increasing demand for faster, more convenient and secure Home Affairs services.
"This new online service makes it easier than ever for South Africans to find their nearest participating bank branch and switch to the secure Smart ID Card. Every reform we implement should make our services easier to access, and this is another practical step towards achieving that goal," Schreiber said.
Minister Encourages South Africans To Replace Green ID Books
The Minister launched the new service during the Home Affairs digital partnership media event with FNB at Canal Walk in Cape Town.
Schreiber encouraged South Africans who still use the green barcoded ID book to take advantage of the expanded banking network and apply for a Smart ID Card.
"More than half a million South Africans have already made the switch from the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book through our banking partners.
“It has never been easier to join them. Home Affairs @ home is about bringing our services closer to where people live, work and bank, so that secure Home Affairs services fit into the lives of South Africans instead of expecting South Africans to fit into ours. That is how we will continue delivering dignity for all," the Minister said.
The introduction of the online bank branch locator is expected to make it even easier for South Africans to access Smart ID Card services as Home Affairs continues expanding its digital service offering in partnership with the banking sector.
