In a major push toward modernizing public services, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has joined forces with Capitec and First National Bank (FNB) to roll out Smart ID and passport application services at bank branches across South Africa. The initiative, aimed at streamlining access to essential identity documents, is set to kick off in October 2025, beginning with select Capitec branches and eventually expanding to 100 locations by early 2026.
FNB is taking a fully digital route by integrating Home Affairs services directly into its mobile app, allowing customers to apply for Smart IDs and passports without visiting a government office. The DHA hopes this collaboration will drastically reduce long queues at its offices by leveraging banks’ existing infrastructure for secure biometric verification and efficient processing.
Looking ahead, the department has set an ambitious goal of making services available at 1,000 bank branches by 2029, with a particular focus on reaching previously underserved communities. Capitec CEO Graham Lee expressed optimism about the impact of the partnership, highlighting how it will simplify life for millions of South Africans needing vital documents for everything from voting to travel.
As the project gains momentum, more banks are expected to join, making identity access faster, smarter, and more inclusive than ever before.
