Retail Stores to Offer Smart IDs and Passport Services in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG — 3 September 2025

South Africans will soon renew passports and apply for Smart ID cards at retail stores through a partnership between the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and digital bank TymeBank.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed TymeBank has joined the department’s digital partnership model, becoming the eighth bank to collaborate on expanding services. (Department of Home Affairs statement)

TymeBank operates without traditional branches, instead using over 1,450 kiosks inside Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Foschini Group stores nationwide. These kiosks will serve as Smart ID and passport application points. (Company information)

A pilot phase will start in Johannesburg before expanding nationwide. “Customers will be informed when DHA services are available at their nearest TymeBank location,” the bank stated.

Other major banks including Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec and African Bank will also offer DHA services through their branches in coming months. (Bank commitments)

TymeBank CEO Karl Westvig said the move aligns with the bank’s mission to simplify essential services. “We are proud to bring our secure digital capability to support Home Affairs in delivering trusted, citizen-focused services,” Westvig said.

The rollout aims to move government services out of long queues into everyday spaces, allowing ID and passport applications during routine shopping.