How to apply for an ID

THE question likely on everyone’s mind when thinking about getting an ID is: How does one apply for an ID or smart ID card? This is such a crucial document to get as soon as you are eligible (from 16 years of age) as it proves your identity.

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According to a statement issued by the Home Affairs Department, there are many occasions when you will be asked to provide a copy of your ID book or Smart ID Card, for example:

• For access to housing, education and healthcare services;
• To apply for a driver’s licence or a job;
• When entering into business agreements and even when registering for the Unemployment Insurance Fund
• To apply for passport and visas
• To register to vote in general and municipal elections

Identity documents are issued to South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders who are 16 years or older.

Where to apply for an ID?

Anyone can apply for an ID through the Department of Home Affairs or via its online portal. 

The department said an individual can apply for their ID book or Smart ID card at any office of the Department of Home Affairs.

What happens after the application is sent to the department’s head office in Pretoria?

•  The applicant’s fingerprints will be matched with those already on record or entered into the National Population Register.
• Your application will then be processed and,
• Once issued, your ID book or Smart ID Card will be forwarded to the office where you made your application for you to collect.

Also read: Home Affairs official in dock on fraud charges

Applicants are encouraged to include their cellphone numbers to receive SMS updates on their application status.

To read more about applying for an ID, click here.

Applying for an identity document for the first time

First time applicants must submit the following documentation to their nearest Department of Home Affairs office

• Form BI-9, completed in black ink
• A certified copy of your birth certificate or reference book or a copy of the old Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda or Ciskei homelands identity or travel documents
• Two identical, colour photographs (Not needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally however colour photographs are still needed for temporary IDs)

Your fingerprints will be taken by a Home Affairs official and imprinted on Form DHA9.

If you are a naturalised citizen or a permanent residence permit holder you must attach the following to your application form:

• Your naturalisation certificate and a copy, which will be certified by Home Affairs
• Your permanent residency certificate and a copy, which will be certified by Home Affairs
• Exemption certificate and a copy, which will be certified by Home Affairs
• Form BI-1620, which must be completed at a Home Affairs office

If the permanent residence permit or exemption certificate cannot be furnished, Form BI-829 must be completed for the issuing of a duplicate thereof.

If the naturalisation certificate cannot be furnished, you must apply for a duplicate prior to submitting the ID book application.

How to apply for correcting errors in the ID?

• Forms BI-9 and BI-309 completed with the correct information
• Proof of the error, that shows the correct information e.g.  birth certificate
• Two identical colour photographs (NOT needed at smartcard offices as ID images are captured digitally)

Re-issuing an ID book

• If you are married and want to assume the surname of your spouse you must submit a copy of your marriage certificate, a completed application Form BI-9 and pay the required fee.
• If you are a woman and want to apply for a new ID in the name of any of your previous surnames, then documentary proof showing you are entitled to use that surname must be provided (i.e. a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, etc) along with a completed Form BI-9. You will also be required to pay a fee for the re-issue.
• If your ID book/Smart ID Card has been lost, stolen or damaged

You can apply for a replacement by:

• Completing Form BI-9 as well if you have not previously submitted your fingerprints
• Attaching additional documents as required (e.g. a marriage certificate if you are married)
• Paying the required fee for the re-issue

Do I pay for applying for a smart card ID?

• A minimum of R140 fee is required for first time issuance
• First time issuance to pensioners over the age of 60 is free of charge.

In the event you lose, damage or have your ID book/Smart ID card stolen, you may request a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC).

This can be done at any office of the Department of Home Affairs and is subject to the verification of your fingerprints.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.