How long does an ID take?

It takes 14 working days from the date of application to receive your ID, provided it is a straightforward application that meets all the requirements.

Also, the card will not be delivered by courier to citizens and permanent residents’ address of choice. Citizens and permanent residents will have to present themselves at the office where they applied to collect the card.

Where a citizen or permanent resident is issued with a New Smart ID Card, the Department will take back the green barcoded ID book to be cancelled in accordance to the Identification Act.

The identity card will help combat identity theft, and fraudulent activities related to driver’s licences, social grants, financial institutions as well as insurance. This comes with high levels of security features to prevent hacking. It will be extremely difficult to intercept or to duplicate the Smart ID Card.

It is possible to track the progress of your application with the DHA so you can contact them for any information you require.