HOW-TO

How to Report a Lost or Stolen ID and Get a Replacement

This guide provides a step-by-step process for reporting a lost or stolen ID in South Africa, obtaining a temporary certificate, and applying for a replacement Smart ID card.

Step by step

1. Report it at a SAPS stationGo to your nearest South African Police Service station and report the ID as lost or stolen. A Commissioner of Oaths there will help you make a sworn affidavit stating what happened. Affidavits are a standard SAPS service and are free of charge.
2. Alert your bank and key accountsA stolen ID can be used for identity fraud. Phone your bank's official fraud line (from the number on your card or statement) to flag the loss. Do this from a phone you trust, and never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, even someone claiming to help.
3. Apply for a replacement Smart ID cardComplete Form BI-9 at a Home Affairs office or start on ehome.dha.gov.za. Bring your affidavit and, if you have it, your birth certificate. The re-issue fee is about R140 as of 2026; confirm on dha.gov.za.
4. Get a Temporary Identity Certificate if neededIf you need proof of identity before the new card arrives, request a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) at a Home Affairs office. It costs about R70, is valid for two months, and is issued after your fingerprints are verified.
5. Complete Live CaptureFor the Smart ID card you attend an in-person Live Capture appointment for fingerprints and a photo, at a Home Affairs office or a participating bank branch. This confirms your identity and cannot be done online.
6. Track and collect the new cardFollow your application by SMS or the status service, then collect the card where you applied. If progress stalls, see our guide on checking your Home Affairs application status.

Losing your ID is a stressful experience, but taking immediate action is crucial to protect yourself from identity fraud. This guide will walk you through the process of “How to Report a Lost or Stolen ID and Get a Replacement” in South Africa, ensuring you regain your identity documents as quickly and safely as possible.

Whether your ID has been lost or stolen, it’s important to act swiftly. This comprehensive guide will cover the steps to report the incident, obtain a temporary certificate, and apply for a replacement Smart ID card, providing you with the necessary information to navigate this challenging situation.

What should I do immediately after losing my ID?

What should I do immediately after losing my ID?

Losing your ID can be distressing, but taking immediate action is crucial to protect yourself from potential identity fraud. Here are the essential steps you need to follow as soon as you realize your ID is lost or stolen:

• Report the loss to the police: Visit your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station to report the ID as lost or stolen. A Commissioner of Oaths at the station will assist you in creating a sworn affidavit detailing the loss. This service is free of charge and is a vital document for your next steps.
• Alert your bank and other key accounts: Contact your bank’s official fraud line immediately. Use the number provided on your bank card or statement to ensure you reach the correct department. Be cautious and only call from a trusted phone. Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be helping you.
• Consider additional security measures: If you have other sensitive accounts, such as email or social media, consider changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication if you haven’t already.

Once you have reported the loss and secured your accounts, you should start the process of applying for a replacement Smart ID card. Here’s what you need to know:

Remember, the Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) is valid for two months and requires your fingerprints to be verified. For the Smart ID card, you will need to attend an in-person Live Capture appointment at a Home Affairs office or a participating bank branch for fingerprints and a photo. This step is essential to confirm your identity and cannot be completed online. Keep track of your application by SMS or through the status service, and be ready to collect your new card once it is ready.

How do I report a lost or stolen ID at a SAPS station?

How do I report a lost or stolen ID at a SAPS station?

Reporting a lost or stolen ID at a South African Police Service (SAPS) station is a critical first step to protect yourself from identity fraud. This process is straightforward and ensures you have an official record of the incident. Here’s what you need to do:

Visit your nearest SAPS station and inform the officer at the front desk that you need to report a lost or stolen ID. You will be directed to a Commissioner of Oaths who will assist you in completing a sworn affidavit. This affidavit is a formal statement detailing the circumstances under which your ID was lost or stolen. It is important to be as accurate and thorough as possible when providing this information.

The process of obtaining a sworn affidavit is a standard service provided by SAPS and is free of charge. Here are the key steps involved:

• Visit the SAPS station: Go to the nearest police station to your location.
• Request a sworn affidavit: Inform the officer that you need to report a lost or stolen ID and request assistance with the affidavit.
• Provide necessary details: Work with the Commissioner of Oaths to provide all required information about the loss or theft.
• Sign the affidavit: Once the affidavit is completed, you will be required to sign it in the presence of the Commissioner of Oaths.

After obtaining the sworn affidavit, it is also advisable to alert your bank and other key accounts about the loss. This can help prevent unauthorized access and potential identity fraud. Contact your bank’s official fraud line using the number provided on your card or statement. Remember to never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be helping you.

Here is a summary of the documents and fees involved in reporting a lost or stolen ID:

By following these steps, you can ensure that your lost or stolen ID is properly reported and begin the process of protecting your identity.

What documents are required to report a lost or stolen ID?

What documents are required to report a lost or stolen ID?

Reporting a lost or stolen ID promptly is crucial to protect yourself from potential identity fraud. To initiate the process, you need to visit your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station. At the SAPS station, a Commissioner of Oaths will assist you in completing a sworn affidavit, which is a standard and free service provided by SAPS. This affidavit is a vital document that officially records the loss or theft of your ID.

Here are the key documents and steps you need to be aware of:

• Sworn Affidavit: Obtain this document from the SAPS station. It is free of charge and serves as an official statement of the loss or theft.
• Identification Documents: While not always mandatory, if you have any form of identification or a copy of your lost ID, bring it along. This can help expedite the process.
• Proof of Address: Although not always required for the affidavit, having proof of address can be helpful, especially if you plan to apply for a replacement ID immediately.
• Birth Certificate: If you have your birth certificate, it is advisable to bring it along when you apply for a replacement Smart ID card. This can facilitate the process at the Department of Home Affairs.

After obtaining the sworn affidavit, it is also recommended to alert your bank and other key accounts about the lost or stolen ID. This step is crucial to prevent any unauthorized access or fraudulent activities. Contact your bank’s official fraud line using the number on the back of your card or on your statement. Ensure you make the call from a trusted phone and never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.

Once the affidavit is in hand, you can proceed to apply for a replacement Smart ID card. This can be done via the eHomeAffairs website or at a Home Affairs office. The re-issue fee is approximately R140, but it is always wise to confirm the current fee on the official Department of Home Affairs website at dha.gov.za.

If you require proof of identity while waiting for your new Smart ID card, you can apply for a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) at a Home Affairs office. The TIC costs about R70, is valid for two months, and is issued after your fingerprints are verified.

How do I apply for a replacement Smart ID card?

How do I apply for a replacement Smart ID card?

To apply for a replacement Smart ID card after losing your ID, you need to follow a specific process through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Begin by completing the necessary application form, Form BI-9, which is available at any Home Affairs office or can be initiated online via the eHomeAffairs platform at ehome.dha.gov.za. This form is crucial for initiating the replacement process.

When applying, ensure you have the following documents and information ready:

• A sworn affidavit from your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station confirming the loss or theft of your ID. This service is free of charge.
• Your original birth certificate, if available. While not always mandatory, it can facilitate the process.
• Proof of address, if required.

Once you have these documents, visit a Home Affairs office to submit your application. At the office, you will need to undergo a Live Capture process, which involves taking your fingerprints and a photograph. This step is essential for identity verification and cannot be completed online. After the Live Capture, you will be given a tracking number to monitor the progress of your application.

The fee for a replacement Smart ID card is approximately R140, as of 2023. This fee is subject to change, so it is advisable to confirm the current amount on the official DHA website at www.dha.gov.za before proceeding. If you require immediate proof of identity while waiting for your new Smart ID card, you can apply for a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) at a cost of about R70. The TIC is valid for two months and is issued after your fingerprints are verified.

Here is a summary of the key details:

After applying, you can track your application status via SMS or through the DHA’s online status service. Once your new Smart ID card is ready, you will be notified for collection.

What is a Temporary Identity Certificate and how can I get one?

What is a Temporary Identity Certificate and how can I get one?

If your ID has been lost or stolen, you may need immediate proof of identity while waiting for your replacement Smart ID card. A Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) serves this purpose. It is a temporary document issued by the Department of Home Affairs that verifies your identity for a limited period.

To obtain a TIC, you need to visit a Home Affairs office. Here’s what you need to know:

• Validity: The TIC is valid for two months, providing ample time for you to apply and receive your new Smart ID card.
• Cost: The fee for a TIC is approximately R70. It is advisable to confirm the exact amount on the official Department of Home Affairs website at dha.gov.za as fees may be subject to change.
• Requirements: When applying for a TIC, you must provide a sworn affidavit from the SAPS stating that your ID has been lost or stolen. Plus, you may need to present your birth certificate or any other supporting documents that can help verify your identity.
• Fingerprint Verification: Your fingerprints will be taken and verified as part of the application process. This is crucial for ensuring the security and authenticity of the TIC.

Here is a summary of the key details regarding the Temporary Identity Certificate:

Remember, the TIC is not a replacement for your Smart ID card but a temporary solution. Once your new Smart ID card is ready, you should collect it and discontinue using the TIC. This ensures that you always have the most up-to-date and secure form of identification.

What are the fees and timeline for getting a replacement ID?

What are the fees and timeline for getting a replacement ID?

When you need to replace a lost or stolen ID, it’s important to understand the associated costs and the timeline for the process. The primary step is to report the loss or theft at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station, which is free of charge. Once you have your sworn affidavit, you can proceed with applying for a replacement Smart ID card.

The application for a replacement Smart ID card can be done via eHomeAffairs or at a Home Affairs office. The fee for a new Smart ID card is approximately R140, as of 2023. This fee is subject to change, so it’s advisable to confirm the current amount on the official Department of Home Affairs website at dha.gov.za. If you require immediate proof of identity while waiting for your new Smart ID card, you can apply for a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) at a Home Affairs office. The TIC costs about R70 and is valid for two months.

Here’s a breakdown of the fees and timeline:

To apply for the Smart ID card, you will need to complete Form BI-9 and provide your affidavit and, if available, your birth certificate. The application process includes a Live Capture appointment for fingerprints and a photo, which can be done at a Home Affairs office or a participating bank branch. The new card typically takes 4-6 weeks to be issued, but you can track your application via SMS or the online status service.

You should act quickly to minimize the risk of identity fraud. By following these steps and being aware of the associated fees and timeline, you can ensure a smoother process in replacing your lost or stolen ID.

How can I protect myself from identity fraud after losing my ID?

How can I protect myself from identity fraud after losing my ID?

Losing your ID can be distressing, but taking immediate action is crucial to protect yourself from identity fraud. The first step is to report the loss or theft to your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station. At the station, a Commissioner of Oaths will assist you in creating a sworn affidavit detailing the incident. This service is free of charge and essential for documenting the loss officially.

Once you have your affidavit, it’s important to alert your bank and any other key accounts about the lost ID. Contact your bank’s official fraud line using the number on your card or statement. Ensure you make the call from a trusted phone and never share sensitive information like your PIN or OTP, even if someone claims to be helping you. This step is vital to prevent unauthorized access to your financial accounts.

To further safeguard yourself, consider the following additional measures:

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
• Notify Credit Bureaus: Inform credit bureaus about the lost ID to prevent fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name.
• Change Passwords: Update passwords for all your online accounts, especially those linked to sensitive information.
• Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited communications asking for personal information.

While these steps help protect you from immediate risks, replacing your ID should be a priority. You can apply for a replacement Smart ID card through the eHomeAffairs portal or at a Home Affairs office. The process involves completing Form BI-9 and may require your birth certificate. The re-issue fee is approximately R140, but it’s advisable to confirm the current fee on the official Department of Home Affairs website.

If you need temporary proof of identity, you can obtain a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) at a Home Affairs office. This document costs about R70, is valid for two months, and requires fingerprint verification. Remember, the TIC is not a replacement for your Smart ID but serves as a temporary solution until your new card arrives.

By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of identity fraud and ensure a smoother process in replacing your lost or stolen ID.

CluedUp is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.