Government expands smart ID card services across South Africa

The South African government has significantly expanded access to Smart ID Card services, increasing the number of application points to 541 locations nationwide in a move aimed at making identity services more accessible and convenient.

The expansion, announced on 22 July 2026, gives South Africans more than two-and-a-half times the number of service points that were available just four and a half months ago.

As part of the rollout, the Department of Home Affairs has strengthened its Digital Partnership Programme by adding Absa as its fourth banking partner. The department has also launched South Africa's first bank-based Home Affairs mobile unit, which will deliver secure Smart ID services to remote, peri-urban and previously underserved communities.

Government said the initiative forms part of its @home_reform_programme, which seeks to reduce long queues, travel costs and the amount of time citizens spend away from work when accessing identity services.

The department said the rapid expansion marks the fastest growth in access to Home Affairs services since the advent of democracy.

Government also plans to continue expanding digital Home Affairs services to include adult and child passport applications, first-time Smart ID Card applications and, in future, home delivery of identity documents.

The expansion is expected to improve access to essential identity services while bringing government services closer to communities across the country.