In a bid to make South African Smart ID and passport applications more accessible, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has partnered with several major banks. This collaboration enables South African citizens to apply for or renew their Smart ID cards and passports directly at selected bank branches. For Gauteng residents, this initiative has provided a quicker and more convenient way to get these essential documents.
With the rollout of this service, many are finding it easier to access DHA’s services without long queues or having to travel to DHA offices. Here is the list of 30 bank branches for Smart IDs and passports, how to access them, and the most affordable bank accounts to use these services.
What Are Bank Branches for Smart IDs and Passports?
Bank branches for Smart IDs and passports are physical locations where South African citizens can submit their biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition scans, required for applying or renewing their Smart ID cards and passports. In partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, selected branches of Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, and Investec have integrated eHomeAffairs services into their banking infrastructure. This allows you to complete the application process directly at the bank.
Gauteng, being a central hub of South Africa, boasts several of these branches, making it convenient for residents in the province to access DHA services with ease.
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List of 30 Bank Branches for Smart IDs and Passports in Gauteng and Nationwide
As of now, the following 30 bank branches are offering Smart ID and passport services across South Africa, with a significant concentration in Gauteng:
1. Standard Bank
Standard Bank has the largest number of branches offering Smart ID and passport services. Some of the participating branches include:
- Centurion Lifestyle Centre, Centurion
- Jubilee Mall, Hammanskraal
- Killarney Mall, Johannesburg
- Simmonds Street, Johannesburg
The cheapest account available at Standard Bank to access these services is the MyMo account, which costs R7.50 per month.
2. FNB
FNB follows closely behind Standard Bank in terms of branch availability. Key FNB branches offering this service are:
- FNB Centurion Lifestyle Centre, Centurion
- FNB Lynnwood, Pretoria
- FNB Greenpoint, Cape Town
- FNB Glen Shopping Centre, Johannesburg
FNB’s Easy PayU account offers access to Smart ID and passport services for R7.50 per month, while students can opt for the EasyY account with no monthly fees.
3. Nedbank
Nedbank also provides access to Smart ID and passport services at selected branches, including:
- Nedbank Arcadia, Pretoria
- Nedbank Rivonia, Sandton
- Nedbank St George’s Mall, Cape Town
The MiGoals account, costing R7 per month, is the most affordable account for using the service at Nedbank.
4. Absa
Absa offers Smart ID and passport services at several branches across South Africa, including:
- Absa Centurion Lifestyle Centre, Centurion
- Absa Sandton City, Sandton
- Absa Key West Krugersdorp, Krugersdorp
Absa customers can use the Absa Transact account at R6.50 per month, while students can opt for the Absa Student account with no monthly fees.
5. Discovery Bank
Discovery Bank is a newer player in the market but provides access to Smart ID and passport services at its head office in Sandton. However, the cheapest account for using these services at Discovery Bank is the Gold pay-as-you-transact account, which costs R32.50 per month.
6. Investec
Investec caters to high-net-worth individuals and offers Smart ID and passport services at select branches. However, because it is more geared towards wealthier clients, it is not the best option for most people seeking affordable access to the service.
Learn more about the upcoming changes in South Africa’s immigration system. The Department of Home Affairs Will Launch Two New Visas in SA.
How to Apply for a Smart ID or Passport at Bank Branches
The process of applying for your Smart ID or passport at one of these bank branches for Smart IDs and passports is simple and can be done in just a few steps:
- Visit the DHA’s eHomeAffairs portal: To begin, you’ll need to register and log in to the official eHomeAffairs platform on the South African Department of Home Affairs website.
- Choose a bank branch: When prompted, select one of the participating bank branches near you. Ensure that the branch supports biometric capture for Smart IDs and passports.
- Pay for your application: Once you’ve chosen a branch, proceed to make the necessary payment for your Smart ID or passport application. You must use an account from the same bank for the transaction.
- Submit biometrics: After completing the online application and payment, visit your chosen bank branch to submit your biometric data.
- Collect your documents: After processing, you’ll be notified when your Smart ID or passport is ready for collection.
It’s important to remember that you must be a customer of the bank where you’re submitting your biometrics.
Cheapest Bank Accounts for Accessing Smart ID and Passport Services
While several banks support the eHomeAffairs service, not all of them offer affordable account options. To make the process smoother, let’s take a look at the cheapest bank accounts that offer access to Smart ID and passport services:
1. Standard Bank MyMo Account – R7.50 per month
The MyMo account from Standard Bank is the most affordable option for most people who want to access Smart ID and passport services. At only R7.50 per month, it’s perfect for those who don’t want to commit to more expensive bank accounts.
2. FNB Easy PayU – R7.50 per month
FNB’s Easy PayU account is another great choice for users who need to access the service. Although it’s priced at R7.50 per month, it offers flexibility and ease of use for those who don’t have a student account.
3. Nedbank MiGoals – R7.00 per month
The MiGoals account from Nedbank is another low-cost option for those looking to access Smart ID and passport services. At R7.00 per month, it’s affordable while still offering a range of features.
4. Absa Transact – R6.50 per month
For those needing access to Smart ID and passport services at Absa branches, the Absa Transact account is a great option. At only R6.50 per month, it’s one of the more affordable options, especially for non-students.
Future Plans: Expansion of Bank Branches for Smart IDs and Passports
Looking ahead, the Department of Home Affairs has ambitious plans to expand the number of bank branches for Smart IDs and passports. By March 2026, the service will be available at 100 branches, with plans to roll out the service at 1,000 bank branches by March 2029. This expansion will make it even easier for South Africans to access the necessary documents without having to visit a traditional Home Affairs office.
Integration of Bank Infrastructure with DHA Services
Rather than deploying additional live capture systems at Home Affairs offices, the DHA plans to integrate its systems directly with the banks’ infrastructure. This makes use of existing biometric systems like fingerprint and facial recognition, allowing for faster service rollouts across the country.
Need assistance on weekends? Find out which locations are open. A List of Home Affairs Branches That Operate on Saturday.
The introduction of bank branches for Smart IDs and passports has undoubtedly made it easier for South Africans, particularly those in Gauteng, to access essential services. By partnering with major banks like Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, and Investec, the DHA has made the process of obtaining or renewing a Smart ID or passport faster and more convenient.
Whether you’re a current customer of one of these banks or you’re willing to open a low-cost bank account to access the service, there are several options to choose from. With the expansion plans in place, more bank branches will support this service in the future, making it even easier to get your documents when needed.
