You can now apply for a smart ID and passport at Capitec branches – Here’s how

South Africans can now apply for a smart ID at Capitec branches, thanks to a new partnership with the Department of Home Affairs.

By / / News
capitec branch

Starting in October 2025, selected Capitec branches will allow customers to apply for a smart ID at Capitec and renew their passports, through a partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Capitec joins Home Affairs to offer smart IDs and passports

Until now, FNB was the only bank offering these limited Home Affairs services. This expansion means more South Africans — including those in rural areas — will have easier access to essential identity documents.

According to Capitec CEO Graham Lee, the move is aimed at “removing friction for South Africans and making essential services faster, simpler, and more accessible.”

Smart ID cards and passports are essential documents for everyday life. You need them for things like applying for a job, opening a bank account, or travelling overseas.

But for many people, getting these documents has meant long queues at Home Affairs offices, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

By offering these services at bank branches, Capitec and the DHA hope to make the process quicker and more secure.

How to apply for a smart ID at Capitec

Here’s how the process will work at selected branches:

  1. Photo capture – If Home Affairs doesn’t already have a suitable ID photo of you, Capitec will take a new one at a special Smart ID terminal in the branch.
  2. Biometric verification – You will enter your ID number, have your photo taken, and your fingerprints verified against the DHA database in real time.
  3. Collection – Your smart ID card will be ready for collection at the same Capitec branch within a few weeks.
  4. Future expansion – Capitec plans to add more services, including passport renewals, application tracking via the Capitec app, and even home delivery.

Where and when to access the service

The rollout will begin at 10 Capitec branches from October 2025. By early 2026, the service is expected to be available at 100 branches nationwide.

To check if your nearest branch is part of the pilot programme, Capitec advises contacting their customer care line on +27 21 809 0000 or visiting their website for updates.