Home Affairs Expands Smart ID Services to 696 Branches

The Department of Home Affairs has increased the number of partner bank branches for ID services to 696 nationwide.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a clean, geometric architectural entrance portal, symbolizing the expansion of public ID services into bank facilities. — The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its Smart ID services to 696 partner bank branches across all nine South African provinces. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Department of Home Affairs has significantly expanded its collaboration with major financial institutions, reaching a total of 696 bank branches offering Smart ID card services. This nationwide initiative is now available across all nine provinces.

Why it matters

Expanding these services to bank branches allows citizens to complete identity documentation processes outside of traditional government offices, increasing accessibility. The effort reflects a push to modernise and decentralise the delivery of essential identification services.

The network now includes 696 total branches, marking an increase from 502 sites just one month ago. Capitec leads the partnership with 373 locations, followed by Standard Bank with 157, FNB with 136, and Absa with 30.

The players

Department of Home Affairs

This is the South African government entity responsible for the maintenance of the national population register and the issuance of identity documents.

Capitec

Capitec is a South African retail bank that now hosts 373 branches participating in the Smart ID service programme.

Standard Bank

Standard Bank is a multinational financial services group with 157 branches now facilitating Smart ID card services.

FNB

First National Bank is a major South African financial institution with 136 branches currently integrated into the ID service initiative.

Absa

Absa is a diversified financial services group operating 30 branches that provide Smart ID card services to the public.

The details

Citizens can access Smart ID Card re-issue services directly through participating branches of Capitec, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. The Department of Home Affairs maintains a specific partner-branch list to help residents identify eligible locations.

In September 2026, Home Affairs listed 502 participating bank branches.
On 25 October 2026, Home Affairs updated the total count to 696 participating bank branches.

Market Landscape

This public-private partnership follows the regulatory framework established by the South African Identification Act. The move represents a strategic shift toward digitising and decentralising government service delivery by leveraging existing banking infrastructure.

Citizens can now access essential ID services at a broader range of convenient banking locations, potentially reducing travel times and queues. Prospective users should consult the official Department of Home Affairs partner list before visiting a branch to ensure the location is participating.

The takeaway

The rapid expansion of service points highlights a successful collaboration between the public sector and commercial banks. Residents should verify if their local branch is participating before scheduling a visit for ID services.