South Africans can now apply for or replace their Smart ID cards at 431 bank branches across the country, significantly expanding access to Home Affairs services.
The milestone comes just six months after the first bank branches began offering the service, with Capitec and Standard Bank leading the rollout.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the department plans to activate at least 200 additional branches during the 2026/27 financial year. Participating banks have indicated that the network could grow to around 750 branches during the year.
As of 13 August, more than 574,000 applications had already been processed through bank channels.
The programme currently involves Capitec, Standard Bank, FNB and Absa, while OM Bank is being onboarded. Services are also gradually expanding to include passport applications, first-time Smart ID applications and home delivery.
Where Can You Get A Smart ID?
Capitec has the largest network, with 242 participating branches, followed by Standard Bank with 118, FNB with 45 and Absa with 18. Nedbank has six locations, while Discovery Bank and Investec account for two more.
For people in the Eastern Cape, participating locations include Bizana, Lusikisiki, Mthatha, East London and several other towns. Standard Bank has five participating branches in the province, while Capitec has 30.
The expansion forms part of Home Affairs’ broader plan to modernise its services, including upgrading 75 local offices and expanding digital and mobile channels, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The long-term goal is to make Smart ID services more accessible while gradually reducing South Africa’s reliance on the old green ID book.
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