Over one million South Africans have obtained biometric Smart ID cards from local banks within a span of seven months, significantly aiding the transition away from the older and more vulnerable Green ID Books.
The decentralized issuance model was launched by the Department of Home Affairs in March with the goal of expediting the replacement process. Currently, approximately 14.7 million Green ID Books remain in circulation. The Department plans to cease the production of these books by March 31, 2027, and will officially withdraw their validity for identification purposes by March 31, 2028.
The biometric Smart ID cards are designed to facilitate biometric verification, ensuring that holders can confirm their eligibility for social benefits provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
This milestone represents a significant achievement in the Home Affairs’ digital reform initiative, as noted in a recent government announcement. In 2025, the Department issued over 4 million Smart IDs and 3.4 million in 2024. From 2022 to 2023, approximately 2.7 million Smart IDs were issued, bringing the total number of issued Smart IDs to around 11.1 million when excluding those from this year.
Initially, South Africans could register for and receive Smart IDs only through 214 permanent Home Affairs offices. However, this year, the Department partnered with various banks to expand the service, including a notable collaboration with Absa in July, which allowed 669 bank branches to offer Smart ID services nationwide.
Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, described the achievement as clear evidence of the government’s commitment to transforming departmental processes through digital initiatives. He stated, “This milestone serves as unequivocal proof that our focus on the wholesale digital transformation… is rapidly addressing long-standing challenges.”
Schreiber announced that within months, citizens will be able to complete digital applications for Smart IDs and passports in just five minutes, with home delivery available at more than 1,000 bank locations. He recently became the first individual in the country to receive a national digital ID, a program aimed at enhancing identification processes.
The government is also working on upgrades to the MyMzansi Digital Platform, supported by a recently allocated budget of $9 million.
