South Africa Permanent Residents Smart ID Cards 2025 for Naturalised Citizens Eligibility & How to Apply

From a policy renewal perspective, the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has, after decades, opened up registration for Smart ID cards for permanent residents and naturalized citizens. Secure high-tech ID cards were an exclusive preserve of South African-born nationals until May 2025. But for the first time, other South Africans living in South Africa have doors ajar, to be swung open to a mighty pillar of digital identity in a highly dynamic world.

This report does everything for you: applications, qualifications, Smart ID benefits, priority schedules, and FAQs.

The Smart ID card is the high-tech version of the former green barcoded ID book. The Smart ID card, introduced in 2013, is the official identification document of South Africa. It features an embedded microchip with an anti-ID theft and anti-fraud module, as well as personal and biometric data.

The last ten years were transition years from manual identity processing to this platform, and reaching 2025 keeps the number of permanent residents and naturalized citizens on an even keel.

Who Qualifies Now?

Naturalized Citizens

If a person is legally a South African but a national of another country, they are a naturalized citizen. They would have had to qualify under the South African Citizenship Act, i.e., be lawfully resident here for a few years and integrate into society.

Permanent Residents

Permanent residents are roll-over eligible citizens of the nation who can work, study, and live in South Africa for life without ever becoming a citizen. They can even obtain a Smart ID card.

What Documents Will You Need to Apply

The following is what you’ll need to apply successfully:

For Naturalized Citizens:

• Original Certificate of Naturalisation
• Certified copy of certificate
• Correctly filled out the BI-9 application form
• Proof of residence (lease contract or electricity bill)

Permanent Residents:

• Copy of Permanent Residency Certificate back-stamped for use on verification stage
• BI-9 form
• Proof of residence

General Requirements:

• Two identical colour passport-type photographs (alternative to photograph by electronic means not possible)
• Valid passport or green ID book (as appropriate)

Note: If your naturalization or permanent residence certificate was tampered with or lost, you must apply for a copy before applying for the Smart ID card.

Where and How to Apply

Option 1: Apply online via e-Home Affairs

It is the fastest way of applying.

• Register on ehome.dha.gov.za
• Complete online application form
• Post supporting documents
• Book at a DHA office or bank to capture biometrics

Option 2: Visit the Home Affairs Office

You can also pop in at some Home Affairs offices in South Africa if your office has already pre-booked for Smart ID launches—book in advance.

2025 Weekend Service Dates

By distributing demand, windows at DHA offices will be open on the following Saturdays in May.

• May 17
• May 24
• May 31

Business hours: 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM

Costs and Fees

• New Applicants: None (plain green ID book converter)
• Replacement Cards (lost or stolen): R140 or about
• Correction of Details (DHA error): None
• Correction of Details (user error, submitted): Possibly incurred

Smart ID Card Advantages

This is not just a cosmetic, innovative ID card upgrade—security, efficiency, and web-readiness.

Improved Security

Smart IDs are biometrically enrolled and thus never victims of document fraud or identity theft.

Digital Compliance Plus

The card will symbolically comply with the growing number of South Africa’s digitally active citizens, as lending is easily accessible online and to governments.

Banking on Easier Convenience

Banks will utilise a Smart ID to open accounts, as it can be traced and secured, leading to increased transaction volume.

Voting Eligibility

Smart ID voting cards shall be utilized and tracked in subsequent city and country elections.

Long Duration

Intelligent ID is a long-duration, long-life hard plastic that is waterproof, tear-proof, and lasts longer than paper IDs.

FAQs

Q1: Is Smart ID an international travel document for permanent residents?
A: No. Intelligent ID is not an international travel document. Permanent residents will continue to hold a country-of-origin passport overseas.

Q2: I lost my naturalization certificate. Can I apply?
A: No. You will initially apply for a copy certificate at Home Affairs, which you can use to obtain your Smart ID.

Q3: Do I need to use a Smart ID card?
A: Sort of. It’s not yet necessary, but highly recommended since most offices will freeze the green ID book anyway. One day, the DHA will at least freeze it.

Q4: Can I get a Smart ID application form from a bank?
A: Yes, private Standard Bank, Nedbank, and ABSA bank branches are issuing Smart ID services on behalf of the DHA authority. You do it online and do not lose time away from your bank via the eHomeAffairs portal.

Q5: How many days should I wait for my Smart ID card?
A: Your waiting time won’t be your cost. You will receive an SMS invitation 10 to 14 working days after your card processing receipt.

Q6: I’ve got an error on my Smart ID. What do I do?
A: If it was meant to be an error on Home Affairs’ behalf, they will correct it for you free of charge. If the applicant made a mistake (e.g., a typo), correcting it incurs a cost.

• Time to get it right if you’re one of them. These step-by-step instructions on how to get it done will help you:
• Obtain your naturalization or permanent residence certificate
• Gather your supporting documents
• Register and apply on ehome.dha.gov.za or at offices close to you
• Schedule a biometric appointment
• Have your phone with you so that you receive SMS in one sitting
• Obtain a card and enjoy the rollout of the benefits!

SmartforD to naturalized residents is a significant step towards an open and digital South African government. It ensures all legally resident citizens, regardless of their background, will be able to use theirs with whatever it has cost them to be somewhere else where they might be able to buy their stake and be as interested in it as any stake in society, have an account at the bank, get a job, or even vote in the councillor’s ward council election.