Lost, stolen or damaged ID? Home Affairs has a warning for you

Johannesburg – The Department of Home Affairs has urged South Africans with lost, stolen or damaged identity documents to replace them as soon as possible ahead of the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections, warning that a surge in applications could put pressure on its services.

Home Affairs deputy director-general Thulani Mavuso told Newzroom Afrika that the department was anticipating a rush for replacement documents before election day. The IEC has confirmed that the 2026 Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November.

Mavuso said voters should not leave applications until the last minute because processing times could differ depending on where applications are submitted.

“A lot depends on where you are located. For example, if you are in Pretoria and you apply for the documents, because the IDs are printed in Pretoria, it is easy,” Mavuso said.

He added that applicants in other areas could face longer waiting periods because documents may have to be transported.

“If you are in Port Elizabeth, we will have to move documents, so that is why the number of days will vary significantly.”

Home Affairs said voters must have a valid green ID book or Smart ID card when voting. Those who cannot obtain a replacement in time can apply for a Temporary Identification Certificate (TIC), according to the Daily Investor report.

The department is also extending office hours ahead of the elections in an effort to manage increased demand.

Mavuso said the expansion of Home Affairs services through commercial banks had helped increase access to replacement Smart ID cards and reduce pressure on traditional Home Affairs offices.

“I mean, in the period from March till now, in September, the second week of September, those banks have actually given us 700,000 smart ID cards,” Mavuso said.

The expansion 

The expansion follows a broader push by Home Affairs to move Smart ID services into bank branches. SAnews reported in May that the department had expanded access to Smart ID replacement services by 47% within two months and planned to extend the service to at least 750 bank branches by the end of 2026.

BusinessTech has also reported that Capitec had processed tens of thousands of Smart ID applications through its participating branches, with the service available for replacement Smart IDs, including documents that have been lost, stolen or damaged.

Home Affairs has encouraged people who need replacement documents to act early, particularly as demand is expected to increase closer to election day.

The department will prioritise elderly people, people with disabilities and children applying for their first Smart ID cards, Mavuso said.