Home Affairs has launched a new online platform to help South Africans find bank branches offering Smart ID Card services.

The tool forms part of the department’s wider plan to make identity services easier to access and speed up the move away from green barcoded ID books.

Platform connects users to nearby branches

The platform allows users to search for their nearest participating bank branch. Home Affairs said the information will be updated as more banking partners and branches join the programme.

The service was introduced on Monday, 3 August, during an event at Canal Walk in Cape Town. The launch took place in partnership with FNB.

The department’s Digital Partnership with banks now includes 372 participating branches across South Africa. These branches provide an alternative to visiting a traditional Home Affairs office for Smart ID services.

More than 500,000 applications processed

Home Affairs said more than 500,000 South Africans have applied for Smart ID Cards through participating banks since the expanded partnership launched on 9 March 2026.

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the new platform aims to remove barriers and make it easier for people to replace their green ID books.

“This new online service makes it easier than ever for South Africans to find their nearest participating bank branch and switch to the secure Smart ID Card,” Schreiber said.

He added that each reform should make government services easier to access.

Green ID holders urged to switch

Schreiber encouraged South Africans who still use green barcoded ID books to move to Smart ID Cards.

Home Affairs has warned that the older document carries greater risks of fraud and identity theft. The department says the Smart ID Card offers stronger security.

According to Schreiber, the number of applications completed through banks shows that South Africans are responding to more convenient access points.

“More than half a million South Africans have already made the switch from the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book through our banking partners,” he said.

The new platform is expected to make it easier for residents to identify where the service is available as the banking network continues to expand.