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South Africans with green ID books have at least three more years before transitioning to smart ID cards. Discover the updated Home Affairs timeline, benefits of smart IDs, and how bank partnerships will speed up the rollout by 2028.
Introduction
For decades, the green barcoded ID book has been the cornerstone of identity in South Africa. It has been used to access financial services, government benefits, employment opportunities, and voting rights. However, with the rapid rise of fraud and identity theft, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has been pushing for the replacement of the green ID with the modern smart ID card.
In 2025, South Africans received good news: green ID books will remain valid for another three to four years before being fully phased out. This means that millions of citizens still holding onto the traditional green ID have more time to transition without worrying about immediate invalidation.
This article breaks down the official timelines, production challenges, benefits of smart IDs, and what South Africans can expect between now and 2028.
Why the Green ID Book is Being Phased Out
The paper-based green ID book has served South Africans since the 1980s. While reliable in the past, it has become increasingly susceptible to fraud and forgery.
Key reasons for the phase-out:
- Fraud Risk: Green ID books are easily duplicated and tampered with.
- Durability Issues: Paper-based documents wear out quickly.
- Modernisation: South Africa is aligning with international identity standards.
- Banking & Services: Many financial institutions now prefer or require the smart ID card.
According to research by Smile ID, the green ID book is Africa’s most exploited identification document for fraud, making its replacement a national security priority.
The Smart ID Rollout: Progress and Challenges
Home Affairs has expanded efforts to roll out smart IDs, working with the Government Printing Works (GPW) and forming partnerships with major banks.
Currently, 30 bank branches support smart ID and passport applications, but by early 2026 this number will grow to 180 branches, with a target of 800 branches by the end of next year.
Combined with Home Affairs’ offices, this could mean over 1,000 application points nationwide by late 2026.
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Estimated Timeline for Full Replacement
One of the main challenges is production capacity. Even with partnerships and expansion, producing enough smart IDs to replace the 18 million active green ID books will take several years.
The Government Printing Works can produce:
- Practical capacity: 3 million cards/year
- Expected capacity: 4 million cards/year
- Maximum capacity: 5 million cards/year
Replacement Projections
| Production Level | Cards per Year | Time to Replace 18 Million | Expected Year for Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Capacity | 3 million | 6 years | 2031 |
| Expected Capacity | 4 million | 4.5 years | 2029 |
| Maximum Capacity | 5 million | 3.6 years | 2028 |
At best, all green ID books will only be replaced by 2028, meaning South Africans have several more years before the old system is invalidated.
Green ID Books Still Widely in Use
Despite progress, about one-third of Home Affairs offices still only issue green ID books. While the department initially planned to stop production by the end of 2025, this will only happen once every office is either upgraded or paired with a nearby bank branch offering smart ID services.
This delay ensures that no citizen is unfairly cut off from identification services, especially in rural areas where access to banks is limited.
Legal and Human Rights Considerations
The Department of Home Affairs has previously faced legal challenges for blocking IDs without due process. In one case, over 2.5 million IDs were suspended due to suspected fraud, cutting people off from critical services like banking and grants.
As a result, any final invalidation of green IDs will require a reasonable deadline and widespread public communication.
Benefits of Switching to the Smart ID Card
Even though green ID books remain valid, South Africans are encouraged to transition sooner. The smart ID card is:
More Secure
- Built with tamper-resistant materials.
- Captures biometric data during issuing.
- Difficult to duplicate or forge.
Compact & Durable
- Plastic format is more resilient than paper.
- Easier to carry and less prone to damage.
Widely Accepted
- Preferred by banks and financial institutions.
- Accepted in more official and international transactions.
Smart ID Card vs Green ID Book – Comparison
| Feature | Green ID Book | Smart ID Card |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Paper-based booklet | Durable plastic card |
| Security Features | Minimal – easy to forge | Biometric data, tamper-resistant features |
| Durability | Prone to tearing, damage, and fading | Long-lasting and resilient |
| Fraud Susceptibility | High – widely exploited by criminals | Low – advanced anti-fraud systems |
| International Standard | Outdated, not aligned with global standards | Meets international ID requirements |
| Acceptance | Still used, but some banks reject damaged copies | Preferred by banks, employers, and services |
What This Means for South Africans in 2025
The extension of the green ID validity provides relief to millions of citizens, especially in rural areas where access to smart ID application points remains limited.
However, South Africans are urged not to delay:
- By applying early, citizens avoid long queues as deadlines approach.
- Early adopters benefit from stronger security and service acceptance.
- Transitioning early helps reduce fraud risks linked to the old ID system.
What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond
- 2025–2026: Expansion of bank branches offering smart ID applications.
- 2026: Over 1,000 service points available across the country.
- 2027–2028: Ramp-up in production capacity to replace the remaining green ID books.
- 2028 (earliest): Full invalidation of green ID books if production targets are met.
- 2029–2031: Contingency years if production delays occur.
How to Apply for a Smart ID Card
South Africans can apply for a smart ID card in two main ways:
- Home Affairs Offices – Visit a designated office that issues smart IDs.
- Bank Partnerships – Apply through participating bank branches such as Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, and ABSA (with expanded rollout in progress).
Required Documents:
- Green ID book (for replacement)
- Birth certificate (for first-time applicants)
- Proof of residence
- Applicable fees (free for first-time IDs, charges apply for replacements)
Fraud Prevention and National Security
The shift to smart IDs is not only about convenience—it’s about national security. The green ID book has long been targeted by criminals due to its ease of duplication.
Smart ID cards use live capture technology (biometrics like fingerprints and photos), making identity theft far more difficult. This aligns South Africa with global digital identity standards, ensuring safer transactions both locally and internationally.
Conclusion
The green ID book will remain valid until at least 2028, giving South Africans more time to transition to the smart ID card. While this is welcome news, citizens are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute rushes and to enjoy the benefits of enhanced security, durability, and wider acceptance.
The Department of Home Affairs, together with banks and the Government Printing Works, is steadily expanding capacity to make the transition smoother for all South Africans.
Bottom line: The future is digital. The smart ID card is not just an upgrade—it is a safeguard against fraud, a step toward efficiency, and a vital part of South Africa’s modernization journey.
