Cape Town – The Home Affairs Department has partnered with Capitec and FNB to allow clients to apply for smart IDs and passports directly through their banking apps, marking the first time such services will be available digitally.
The new model, part of a plan to expand Home Affairs services to 1 000 bank branches by 2029, aims to eliminate long queues, reduce travel distances, and phase out the vulnerable Green ID book.
“This collaboration dates back more than a decade and has, until now, seen the successful delivery of Smart ID and Passport services at only 30 branches across five different banks,” the department said.
Massive news: #TeamHomeAffairs is proud to announce Capitec and FNB as the first banks signed up to our new digital partnership model that will expand access to Smart ID and Passport services to 100s more bank branches across urban and rural areas – and to banking apps! 🇿🇦
On 30… pic.twitter.com/lpA1eTpfSc
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) August 11, 2025
Unlike the old system, which required costly duplication of staff and equipment in bank branches, the upgraded approach will leverage existing banking infrastructure and technology to reach both urban and rural areas.
Other banks have been invited to join, and further details will be announced at press briefings this week.
It remains unclear whether the initiative will include home delivery of documents.
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