South African identity card

South African Identity Card
South African Smart Card (front)
Reverse
TypeIdentity card
Issued by
PurposeProof of identity
Valid in South Africa
EligibilitySouth African citizenship and birth within South Africa

The South African smart identity card – known as a Smart ID Card – replaces the old green bar-coded identity book.[1] Both are identity documents that serve as proof of a person's identity. This proof includes a person's photograph, their full name, their date of birth, their place of birth, and their unique identity number. The identity card securely stores the biometrics (face and fingerprint) information of the individual.[2] The card also has space to securely store additional info, such as evidence of votes cast in local and national elections, as a means to prevent voter fraud.

Identity documents are issued to South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders who are 16 years or older. People, including spouses and children, who are working for the South African government or one of its statutory bodies outside of South Africa also qualify to receive a South African identity document.[1]

The smart ID card was introduced in 2013. All South African citizens in South Africa can apply for the smart ID card. For identity document-purposes, the old green ID book will be phased out.[3]

Identity documents are issued by South Africa's National Department of Home Affairs.[4]

Despite South Africa having twelve official languages, the identity card is printed in English only.

Applications for a Smart ID cost R 140.

  1. ^ a b "Department of Home Affairs – Identity Documents". www.dha.gov.za. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
  2. ^ "Smart ID cards to combat fraud and identity theft launched". itweb. 28 January 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Applying for an Identity Document". Western Cape Government. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  4. ^ "Department of Home Affairs – HOME". www.dha.gov.za. Retrieved 2017-11-23.

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