In a move set to revolutionize the way South Africans access essential government documents, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has officially partnered with ABSA and Discovery Bank to dramatically expand Smart ID and passport services nationwide.
The announcement marks a significant upgrade in the state’s digital transformation journey and builds on existing collaborations with FNB, Standard Bank, and Capitec. With these two new banking giants on board, DHA services are poised to reach hundreds of new locations, eliminating the need for long queues at understaffed Home Affairs offices.
Previously limited to just 30 bank branches requiring dedicated Home Affairs staff and equipment, the expanded model will now harness secure digital banking platforms and existing infrastructure — making the process faster, cheaper, and far more accessible.
The goal is ambitious: 1,000 branches offering Smart ID and passport services by 2029.
“This is a milestone in digital transformation,” said Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, who emphasized the initiative’s focus on dignity, accessibility, and inclusion, especially for those in rural and underserved areas.
The shift also signals the gradual retirement of the outdated green barcoded ID book, long criticized for its vulnerability to fraud. The new Smart ID cards and digitally secured passports will be processed more efficiently, with integration into banking apps also under development.
The department has extended open invitations to Nedbank, TymeBank, Investec, and African Bank to join the rollout, further increasing reach and convenience for millions of South Africans.
As services go digital and more banks join the program, the days of standing in line for basic documents may soon be a thing of the past.
