South Africans looking to apply for a Smart ID may soon spend far less time waiting in government queues after a new system allowing applications at selected bank branches was launched.
A partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and major banks is introducing a faster way for citizens to submit Smart ID applications directly inside participating bank branches.
The rollout will initially see 17 branches across the country offering the service, with the new setup allowing clients of Capitec and Standard Bank to apply for a Smart ID without visiting a traditional Home Affairs office, as per News24.
According to Leon Schreiber, the process is designed to be quick and fully digital, with applications expected to take between five and ten minutes to complete.
The new service relies on a digital gateway linking bank systems with the Home Affairs platform, allowing applications to be processed electronically without paperwork.
Inside these branches, dedicated machines and digital tools enable customers to submit their information directly through the system, dramatically speeding up what has historically been a time-consuming process at government offices.
The initiative marks the start of a broader programme aimed at transforming how South Africans access civic services. Officials say the goal is to make services such as Smart ID applications more accessible by bringing them closer to where people already conduct everyday transactions.
The 17 branches launching this week represent only the first phase of the expansion. Authorities expect more banks and additional locations to join the programme as the system grows.
If the rollout continues as planned, the partnership between government and the banking sector could significantly change how citizens access identification services, reducing long queues and improving convenience across the country.
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