According to the South African government, all citizens aged 16 or older must hold an Identity Document which is a legal identity proof of civil rights and obligations. The identity document is required in many conditions, such as education, housing, business registration, application for social grants/driving licenses/passports/visas and so forth. Citizens, permanent residents, and employers (as well as their spouses and children) of the South African government or a statutory body abroad are all eligible to get the identity document. It used to be a green bar-coded identity book. Now there is a new form – the smart ID card.
This change mainly results from the rising number of identity fraud. Without specific anti-counterfeiting marks, the conventional ID book is quite easy to copy and the counterfeiting version is hard to recognize. As the authority appeals to the public to replace this green booklet, we are going to introduce what is smart ID card and smart ID application.
What is Smart ID card?
It refers to the Smart Identification Card. This plastic card is about the size of a credit or debit card, which is quite portable for carrying and storage. There is personal information and a biometric photo on the front, including name, gender, nationality, identity number, date of birth, country of birth, status and signature. There are card number, line ID barcode, PDF417 type barcode and secondary image at the back. All these are laser-engraved. Moreover, the invisible background design printed as a rainbow image can be viewed under ultra-violet light, which helps to distinguish counterfeiting documents.
Required Documents for Smart ID card
Before heading for smart ID application process, let’s learn about what you need to apply for it. There are three different categories and each has specific requirements.
Category A for First-time Applicants Aged 16 and Older
The first ID card issuance is free of charge unless you have owned an ID book. It takes R140 to replace. They should provide:
- birth certificate
- a certified copy of the ID document of a parent/legal guardian (provide death certificate if parents are deceased)
- proof of residence
- two identic colored biometric photos (for more information, please see Smart ID Photos)
Category B for First-time Pensioners Aged 60 and Older
The smart ID card application for pensioners for the first time is also free. They should provide:
- green identity book
- proof of residence
- marriage certificate (if any)
- divorce certificate (if any)
- two identic colored biometric photos
Category C First-time Applicants of Other Age Groups
The required documents for this category are the same as those for category B. The difference is that applicants must pay the application fee.
How to Apply for a Smart ID Card
The smart ID application can be done either online or in person.
Smart ID Card Application in Person
You can go to the nearest Department of Home Affairs (DHA) offices with the required documents and complete the application form there. Some offices require booking on the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) in case of waiting in a long queue. Check the list here to see whether the branches in your neighborhood need an appointment or not.
If you are applying from abroad, you should go to a local South African mission or consulate.
Smart ID Card Online Application
In order to make it more simplified and convenient, the government launched a digital system, allowing applicants to finish the application without stepping out of home. Here is the step-by-step guidance.
- Step 1: Create an Account
The smart ID online application is done at the portal of the Department of Home Affairs. New users should register on it with personal information and set up password and secure questions. You will receive an OTP number, so please make sure you enter the correct phone number.
- Step 2: Fill in the Application Form Online
Fill in all required fields, including personal information, address, contact, etc. Check whether there is any mistake before submitting. Upload copies of the required documents according to the instructions.
- Step 3: Fulfill Payment
If you are not exempt from the smart ID card fee, you should pay R140. It can be done on the online payment system or at a branch of a bank.
- Step 4: Make an Appointment
After completing the application form, you should go to a participating bank certified by DHA or a Home Affairs office to submit biometrics. The former requires an appointment while the latter does not. There is a list of authorized banks on the website. You can choose a nearby one. Print out the confirmation letter after choosing the branch and date of visit.
- Step 5: Visit the Bank/DHA Office
Remember to bring the confirmation letter and original copy of the required documents on the scheduled date.
- Step 6: Submit Biometrics
The officer would capture your fingerprints and a photo so as to verify your identity. You can also hand in a prepared photo, but make sure it is fully compliant. In the next section, we will also talk about how to ensure photo compliance if you choose to make it at home.
- Step 7: Wait for Processing & Collect the Card
Supposing that your biometric data is collected in the bank, it will send your smart ID application to DHA. After receiving a notification, go to the places where you submit the biometrics to pick up your card. Don’t forget to bring an identification document.
Make Smart ID Photo at Home
Although the biometric photo can be taken at the authorized bank or DHA offices, you can also prepare it beforehand. You are allowed to take a shot with smartphones or cameras as long as it is in focus, clear and sharp. However, it’s hard to tell whether the size and photo quality are acceptable or not. That’s why we need AiPassportPhotos. It is an online ID photo maker equipped with a photo template of South African smart ID card. It automatically scans the subject’s facial features, tests compliance and adjusts size or background within seconds once the photo is uploaded. If you choose to finish the shot at home, it is necessary to get acquainted with the official photo requirements.
- ID photo size: 35mm in width, 45mm in height.
- Resolution: 600 dpi.
- Measurement from chin to the top of head: 35mm.
- Measurement from the top of head to the picture edge: 3mm.
- Background: light grey or plain creamy.
- The picture must be taken within the last one month.
- The picture must show the head and upper shoulder, with the face taking up 70%-80% of the frame.
- Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression with mouth closed.
- Present the whole face without covering of hair, sunglasses, scarves or religious veil.
- Let the light evenly shine to avoid shadows on the face and background.
- The photo must present the natural colors of skin and eyes. Tinted lenses are prohibited.
- Hold your head center in the frame without tilting.
- Head coverings are not allowed unless for religious reasons.
- Glasses are acceptable only when the lenses do not obscure your eyes or reflect light and the frames do not cast shadows.
FAQs:
Q: How much does it take to apply for a smart ID card?
A: It takes R140 (about $7.3) for applicants who are aged 16-59 and have had a green lD book.
Q: How long does it take to get the ID card?
A: It takes 14 business days to deal with your smart ID application and you have to fetch it in person.
Q: How can I find a photographer to take ID photo near me?
A: You can google a photography studio or photo booth according to your location. If there is none, you can make it at home with your phone and AiPassportPhotos.
Q: What if I get the card with wrong information?
A: Contact the Department of Home Affairs and ask for a free replacement.
Q: Can I apply for the card if my ID book was lost, stolen or damaged?
A: Yes, but you should provide an affidavit to explain why you cannot present it.
Q: What if I get married and want to assume the surname of my spouse?
A: You can apply for a re-issuance.
Q: What if I haven’t had my identity document and I have to vote?
A: You can apply for a temporary identity certificate (TIC) which costs R70 and requires ID number and 2 ID photos.
Summary
With the popularity of smart ID card, the traditional ID book might become invalid. Compared with the old one, this small card is not only portable but also more secure for personal information. It is necessary to apply for one if you are eligible for it, otherwise, you will have difficulty in work and life. The smart ID online application is quite convenient. Just get all documents prepared according to our introductions. Finally, submit biometrics and pick up the card at the authorized bank or DHA office.
Erin Lo