South Africans can now apply for a smart ID card at 753 bank branches across the country, after the Department of Home Affairs hit its expansion target more than four months ahead of schedule.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber announced on Wednesday, 11 November, that the department had surpassed its target of reaching 750 branches by the end of the 2026-27 financial year. The service launched on 9 March 2026 as part of the minister's Home Affairs @ home reform programme, in a digital partnership with the banking sector, according to the South African Government.

967 places to apply, up more than 350%

When the current administration began, only 214 Home Affairs offices nationwide could process smart ID applications. The addition of 753 bank branches over the past eight months has expanded that footprint to 967 locations, an increase of more than 350% in 246 days, which the minister described as the fastest service expansion in the department's history.

More than one million South Africans have already used the bank-branch service. Citizens can walk into a participating branch of Absa, Capitec, First National Bank or Standard Bank, with no prior booking, paperwork or queues, and have an application processed using secure biometric technology in about five minutes, Daily Investor reported.

Green ID book being phased out

The expansion also supports the department's plan to phase out the fraud-prone green ID book in favour of the more secure smart ID card. The department says the green book is a key pull factor for illegal immigration and identity theft. More banks and more services are set to join the project, and people can find their nearest participating branch on the Home Affairs website.