Topic hub

Government Applications & IDs

Smart IDs, Passports, unabridged certificates, and 2026 fee structures.

Last reviewed: April 2026

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has modernized its systems. You can now apply for your Smart ID and Passport online via eHomeAffairs and capture your biometrics at participating bank branches to bypass long branch queues.

2026/27 Document Fees

Current administrative fees for essential civil documentation.

FREE

First-time

Smart ID

For citizens aged 16 and older.

All South African citizens turning 16 are eligible for their first Smart ID card entirely free of charge. Visit a bank branch to skip the DHA queues.

R140

Re-issue

Smart ID

Replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged cards.

Payments for re-issues at bank branches must be made online via the eHomeAffairs portal before booking an appointment. Participating bank branches do not accept cash.

R600

Standard

Passport

Standard 32-page adult travel document.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of return to South Africa, and must have at least two blank pages for stamps.

R1,200

Maxi

Passport

48-page document for frequent travelers.

Recommended for business travelers or those traversing multiple borders regularly. It provides extra pages to prevent the need for early renewal due to full visa pages.

R75

Standard

Unabridged Birth Cert

Required for traveling with minors.

An unabridged certificate contains the details of both parents. This is a strict requirement when traveling internationally across borders with children under 18.

R75

Standard

Marriage Cert

Official unabridged marriage certificate.

Required for spousal visa applications and major financial joint-bonds. The unabridged version contains comprehensive marital registry details.

Applying via Bank Branches

How to use the eHomeAffairs system to skip Home Affairs queues.

Register on eHomeAffairs

Create a profile on the eHomeAffairs portal. You will need your ID number and a working mobile number for OTPs.

Capture Details & Pay

Fill in the application form online. Upload necessary supporting documents and pay the required fee securely online.

Book a Branch Appointment

Select a participating bank branch (Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, ABSA, Discovery) near you and book a time slot for biometrics.

Visit Bank & Collect

Go to the bank at your appointed time for photos and fingerprints. You will receive an SMS when the document is ready for collection at the same bank.

Official Sources

Verified portals for final submission and validation.

eHomeAffairsehome.dha.gov.za/echannel

Online applications

DHA Main Sitewww.dha.gov.za/

Branch locator and general info