It’s said that we spend an entire year of our lives waiting for things – but for South Africans, it could be even longer. We queue in shops, taxi ranks and licensing departments, we wait in line at airports, bus stops and clubs, we queue in banks and stadiums and voting lines. We are a nation that waits – that’s why the queues at the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) are legendary.

Unfortunately, in some parts of South Africa you can wait in line for the whole day and still not get what you need, and you’ll have to return to the queue much earlier the following day. Just the thought of the DHA queues might be why you haven’t upgraded your identity document to an ID card yet – even though the DHA has been issuing them since July 2013.

There’s a much easier way to apply for your identity card and receive it. Did you know that you can apply online and collect it at a participating Nedbank branch?

See participating branches below.

How to apply for a smart ID card at a participating Nedbank branch

To complete the process, you will need to complete the online form, upload your documents, pay online and visit a branch to capture your biometrics.

Visit the eHomeAffairs website to register your profile or log in with an existing profile and follow the steps below:

1. Create a new application or continue with a previously saved one
   
   
2. Complete the online form 
   
   
3. Upload the necessary documents
   
   
4. Pay online with Nedbank
   To pay online, you must have your Nedbank profile number, which you can find by logging in to the Money app or Online Banking. On the Money app, you’ll find your profile number at the top of the screen under More. On Online Banking, click on your initials at the top right of the screen.
   
   You will also be asked to enter a bank user ID. For Nedbank this is '1'.
   
   To release the payment, log in to the Money app or Online Banking go to Pay, select Government payments, and select the payment you want to complete. The amount and reference details will be prepopulated.
   
   
5. Select a date and participating Nedbank branch for your physical appointment
   On that date you will have to visit the selected Nedbank branch in person so that we can capture your biometrics. Bring your booking confirmation and ID book or card with you. At the branch, your fingerprints will be scanned, and a photo will be taken.
   
   These requirements are different for children under the age of 18. Please consult the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website for more information.
   
   
6. Collect your card
   When your smart ID card is ready, you will be notified via SMS, and you can collect it at the branch you selected.

How to get your new ID card at the DHA

To apply at the DHA, make sure you have all your documents ready to complete the application form and arrive early.

 If you are a South African citizen, take your barcoded green ID book with you, and if you’re applying for the first time, also your birth certificate and proof of address. If you’re younger than 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you. 

If you are a permanent resident, take your barcoded green ID book with you, and if you’re applying for the first time, also take your permanent residence certificate and proof of address.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ID card?

An identity card is a personal identity document that replaces the old, barcoded ID book. You qualify for an ID card if you are 16 or older and are a South African citizen who was born in SA. The following information is on the ID card:

• Surname
• First name(s)
• Sex
• Nationality
• Identity number
• Date of birth
• Country of birth
• A main image of you on the front of the card, with a second one on the back
• Signature

These cards can also store extra information, such as proof that you cast your vote in local and national elections.

Is Nedbank issuing IDs now?

No. Nedbank is simply subletting space to the DHA so that their officials can capture biometrics and issue IDs and passports more efficiently. We are not involved in the process in any other way, and you must check with the DHA if you need any further information about the requirements for an ID application.

What happens if I lose my ID card? 

Report it to the police as lost and apply to the DHA for a new card. You will have to pay the cost. You must also budget for the cost of a temporary ID if you are going to need one while you wait for the new card.

What if I don't have my old ID book and don't remember my ID number?

You can still apply for an identity card, but the process will be a little different. Contact the DHA for more information about an in-person application.

Do I have to renew my South African ID card? 

No. Unlike your passport or driving licence, you do not have to renew your card. But naturally, this changes if you lose or damage your card.

Do I still have to bring photos for my ID card application? 

No . Your image will be captured on-site during your appointment.

How long is the ID card meant to last? 

The DHA selected the material of the card and the technology used to ensure the card will last for at least 10 years.