South Africans will soon have more places to renew or apply for their Smart IDs and passports.
This follows an announcement by Standard Bank, confirming that additional bank branches offering these services are in the pipeline.
According to a report by BusinessTech, the bank plans to launch 20 additional branches equipped to handle Smart ID and passport applications by 2026.
This comes as a relief as the government plans to discontinue the green ID book, and has been expanding Smart ID card application points. The Smart IDs were launched in 2013 to replace easily forged green ID books.
Relief for South Africans
Until recently, these services were only available at Home Affairs offices, which often resulted in long queues and frustrated citizens — many of whom would spend hours waiting, only to be turned away due to high demand.
In August 2025, Home Affairs announced a partnership with First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank to enable Smart ID and passport applications through select bank branches and mobile platforms.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said: “I am delighted that FNB and Standard Bank are the latest banks to partner with Home Affairs to expand the offering of our services across the entire country. This new digital partnership model that harnesses the power of technology will dramatically increase Home Affairs’ footprint and bring us closer than ever before to delivering our vision of ‘Home Affairs @ Home.’ I am grateful to them for committing to demonstrate how we can resolve long-standing problems when we work together.”
At the time, Home Affairs noted that Standard Bank would adopt a phased approach, with 20 branches going live this year and 300 more expected by 2027.
The exact locations of the facilities has not yet been announced.
How to apply for a Smart ID or passport at a bank
The service is available to all South African residents, not just bank clients. Here’s how it works:
- Apply online via the Home Affairs website.
- Pay the application fee through internet banking.
- Visit your chosen bank branch with your ID to have your fingerprints and photo captured.
- Collect your Smart ID or passport at the same branch you selected for collection once you receive a notification that it’s ready for collection.
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