South Africans can renew IDs at banks under new Home Affairs system

PRETORIA — 26 March 2025

South Africans can now renew identity documents at multiple banks under a new digital system replacing costly Home Affairs queues.

Previously, ID renewals required long waits at government offices or limited banking pilot sites. (Home Affairs statement)

Minister Leon Schreiber said the old model had “technical problems” and “costly duplication of staff and hardware”, which “often failed badly”.

The new ‘Home Affairs@home’ strategy will expand services to 1 000 bank branches nationally, prioritizing rural access. (Minister Schreiber)

Capitec and FNB are first to adopt the digital system, with ABSA, African Bank, Discovery Bank, and Standard Bank invited to join. (Daily Investor report)

Current ID/passport renewals are only available at 30 bank branches. Expansion requires a “new digital live capture system” to speed up processing. (Home Affairs announcement)

Schreiber urged remaining banks to participate: “It is safe to say that this marks the beginning of the end for Home Affairs queues, and the start of a new digital-first era in public service delivery.”