Smart ID card applications open in February, 24 Jan 2014

The roll-out of smart ID cards is set to start in February 2014. The first group of people who will be invited to apply for cards are pensioners born in January. People will be called in to make their applications in groups according to their month of birth.

The Department of Home Affairs has added twenty-five offices to the three pilot offices that were opened in October 2013. From 1 February all first-issue applicants and pensioners born in January applying at these 28 offices will receive smart cards and not the green ID book. Offices with digital facilities will now focus primarily on the smart card and passports. The department aims to issue 100 000 smart cards by 31 March 2014.

Steps for applying:

1. wait to be invited to apply by month of birth for smart cards.
2. invitations will be by month of birth
3. sixteen-year-olds and pensioners will receive their card for free
4. be patient as we renovate more offices to install digital facilities

The smart ID card is an automated paperless application and issuing process. It utilizes modern biometric technology to record your details on the card.

>> Minister Naledi Pandor: Address on Home Affairs matters during The New Age/SABC Morning Live breakfast show