How to Apply for a Smart ID Online on eHomeAffairs (2026)

Apply for your Smart ID online via the eHomeAffairs portal, then book a short branch visit for biometrics. An independent, step-by-step CluedUp guide.

Step by step

1. Register or log in to eHomeAffairsGo to services.dha.gov.za, create an account with your ID number and verify your email and cellphone, then sign in.
2. Start a Smart ID applicationSelect the Smart ID card service and choose first-time issue or re-issue.
3. Complete your detailsConfirm your personal information and answer the application questions carefully.
4. Pay onlinePay any applicable fee with your bank card through the portal's secure payment step and keep the reference.
5. Book your branch visitChoose a participating Home Affairs office or bank branch, plus a date and time, for your biometrics.
6. Attend for biometricsGo to the branch at your slot so staff can capture your fingerprints, photo and signature.
7. Collect your Smart IDReturn to collect the card when notified, or collect at the branch where you did biometrics.

You can apply for a Smart ID online through eHomeAffairs, the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal at services.dha.gov.za (also reached via ehome.dha.gov.za). You register an account, complete the application, pay online, then book a branch visit so your fingerprints and photo can be captured.

CluedUp is an independent guide. We are not the Department of Home Affairs and this is not the official portal. Always confirm the current process, fees and requirements on the official site at services.dha.gov.za.

What is eHomeAffairs?

eHomeAffairs is the Department of Home Affairs’ online self-service portal for Smart ID card and passport applications. You reach it at services.dha.gov.za or ehome.dha.gov.za. It lets you start and pay for your application from home, so your in-person branch visit is shorter and focused on biometrics and collection.

It helps to know the difference between two Home Affairs systems. eHomeAffairs is where you apply and pay online for a Smart ID or passport. BABS (the Branch Appointment Booking System) is the separate tool for booking a general appointment at a Home Affairs office. For an online Smart ID application you work mainly in eHomeAffairs, which also schedules the visit for your biometrics.

Who can apply for a Smart ID online?

The online route is open to South African citizens and permanent residents who are 16 years or older and eligible for the Smart ID card. You can apply online whether this is your first-time Smart ID or a re-issue (replacing a green barcoded book, or a lost, stolen or damaged card).

• You need a valid South African ID number.
• You need a working email address and cellphone number for the account and one-time passwords.
• You need a bank card to pay online where a fee applies.

If you cannot complete the online steps, you can still apply in person at a Home Affairs office or a participating bank branch.

How to register and log in

If you do not yet have an eHomeAffairs account, you register one before applying. The login page is the same place you return to later to check or continue an application (“smart id online application login”).

1. Go to services.dha.gov.za and choose to register.
2. Enter your ID number and personal details, then create your username and password.
3. Verify your email address and cellphone number using the codes sent to you.
4. Log in with your new credentials to reach your dashboard.

Step-by-step: applying online

1. Log in to eHomeAffairs. Sign in at services.dha.gov.za with your registered account.
2. Start a Smart ID application. Select the Smart ID card service and indicate whether it is a first-time issue or a re-issue.
3. Complete your details. Confirm your personal information and answer the application questions carefully.
4. Pay online. Pay any applicable fee with your bank card through the portal’s secure payment step, and keep the reference.
5. Book your branch visit. Choose a participating Home Affairs office or bank branch, and a date and time, for your biometrics.
6. Attend for biometrics. Go to the branch at your slot so staff can capture your fingerprints, photo and signature.
7. Collect your card. Return to collect the Smart ID when notified, or collect at the branch where you did biometrics.

Documents and requirements

• Your existing ID (green barcoded ID book) or a report if it was lost or stolen.
• Your South African ID number and confirmed personal details.
• Proof of payment or the online payment reference from eHomeAffairs.
• For a re-issue after loss or theft, any supporting documents the portal asks for.

Requirements can change, so check the current document list for your situation on services.dha.gov.za before you travel to a branch. See also our guide on how to apply for a Smart ID card.

Fees, timing and collection

A first-time Smart ID for qualifying applicants is often free, while a re-issue usually carries a fee. Amounts are set by Home Affairs and change from time to time, so check the current amount on services.dha.gov.za rather than relying on a figure you saw elsewhere. Processing times also vary by branch and demand. When your card is ready you will be notified; you can track progress with our guide on checking your ID collection status.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Login or OTP issues. Make sure your email and cellphone number are correct so one-time passwords reach you; try resetting your password from the login page.
• Payment not confirming. Do not close the browser mid-payment. If a charge does not reflect, log back in to check the application status before paying again.
• No slots at your preferred branch. Try another participating office or a bank branch offering Home Affairs services.
• Beware third-party “booking” sites. Only use the official eHomeAffairs portal. Avoid sites that charge extra “agent” or “booking” fees to do something you can do yourself for free at services.dha.gov.za.

Planning other Home Affairs errands? See how to book a Home Affairs appointment and how to apply for a South African passport.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a Smart ID online?

Yes. You can apply for a Smart ID online through eHomeAffairs at services.dha.gov.za. You register, complete the application and pay online, then book a short branch visit for your fingerprints and photo.

What is the eHomeAffairs website address?

The official portal is at services.dha.gov.za, also reachable via ehome.dha.gov.za. Avoid third-party sites that charge agent or booking fees for the same service.

Do I still have to go to a branch if I apply online?

Yes. Biometrics (fingerprints, photo and signature) must be captured in person, so you book a visit to a participating Home Affairs office or bank branch after applying and paying online.

How old must I be to apply for a Smart ID online?

You must be 16 years or older and eligible for the Smart ID card. Both first-time applicants and people replacing an old ID can use the online route.

How much does a Smart ID cost?

A first-time Smart ID is often free for qualifying applicants, while a re-issue usually carries a fee. Fees change, so check the current amount on services.dha.gov.za.

What is the difference between eHomeAffairs and BABS?

eHomeAffairs is where you apply and pay online for a Smart ID or passport. BABS is the separate Branch Appointment Booking System for general Home Affairs appointments.

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.