South Africa’s iconic Green ID Book will soon become a thing of the past. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is accelerating efforts to replace it with the more secure and modern Smart ID card. While no exact expiration date has been confirmed yet, officials indicate that the phase-out is planned to conclude between 2028 and 2031, depending on production capacity.
Let’s unpack what this means for citizens, how the rollout is being handled, and what steps you should take next.
For more details on the latest updates for South Africans, check out our article on Great News for South Africans Applying for a New Passport.
Why the Green ID Book Is Being Phased Out
The Green ID Book has served South Africans since 1986, but it no longer meets modern security standards. Its physical format is easy to forge and lacks biometric security features.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the document has become a major vulnerability:
“This expansion was designed to accelerate the phase-out of the 16 million remaining green ID books,”
Identity theft remains a growing problem in the country. Replacing the green book with a Smart ID card is a key move to enhance national identity security.
How Many Green ID Books Are Still in Use?
As of 2025, around 16 million Green ID Books are still in circulation across South Africa. These need to be replaced before the DHA can officially retire the document.
The process will be gradual. Citizens will not be cut off immediately, but are encouraged to switch to the Smart ID card within the next few years.
Smart ID Card Rollout and Production Capacity
The transition hinges on the capabilities of the Government Printing Works (GPW), which produces Smart ID cards. Here’s how current production affects the timeline:
- Practical output: 3 million cards per year → completion by 2031
- Expected output: 4 million cards per year → completion by 2029
- Maximum output: 5 million cards per year → completion by 2028
Bank Partnerships Set to Accelerate Rollout
To meet demand, the DHA has partnered with seven major banks — including FNB, Capitec, Absa, and Standard Bank. These partnerships will allow more citizens to apply for Smart ID cards at bank branches, including ones where they don’t hold accounts.
By March 2026, at least 153 bank branches will offer Smart ID and passport services, up from just 30 branches in the initial pilot programme.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted the benefit of this new approach:
“Home Affairs is now digitalising this long-standing partnership,” he said during the official announcement.
This digital-first strategy will also include options to apply through banking apps in the future.
What This Means for Citizens in Gauteng
Residents of Gauteng, especially those in urban areas, will be among the first to benefit from expanded access. However, the DHA has also promised improved availability in rural and township areas through existing bank infrastructure.
If you still use a Green ID Book, you have 3 to 4 years to make the switch. Early conversion is recommended to avoid queues and administrative delays in the final stages of the transition.
How to Apply for a Smart ID Card
You can apply in person at a Home Affairs branch with live-capture capabilities, or through one of the supported bank branches. Here’s what you need to know:
- First-time Smart ID applications (age 16+): Free
- Replacement from Green ID Book: R140 fee
- Required documents: birth certificate or green ID, proof of residence
Visit the official Home Affairs Smart ID portal for step-by-step instructions.
Learn more about document validity in our guide: How Long Do Certified Documents Last?
Security Benefits of the Smart ID
The new Smart ID card includes embedded chips, biometric data, and anti-fraud features. It aligns with global standards and is far more difficult to counterfeit.
According to security strategist Andy Mashaile,
“It is important for the government to discontinue green barcoded ID books. South Africa is number one in identity document fraud.”
Prepare Now to Avoid Last-Minute Pressure
The Green ID Book has served its purpose, but the future is digital. By taking early action, citizens can ensure a smooth transition to the Smart ID system. The government’s efforts to modernise identification will not only reduce fraud but also improve service delivery in the long run.
Find detailed locations and contact information in our full List of 30 Bank Branches for Smart IDs and Passports.
Stay informed, make the switch early, and be part of South Africa’s digital identity transformation.
