If you’ve still got your trusty green South African ID booklet tucked away in your wallet, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s still valid.
But big changes are coming. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is officially preparing to phase it out for good by the end of the decade.
This shift is part of a much bigger digital transformation, and under the new leadership of Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, the department has started to outline some serious goals in its Strategic Plan 2030.
Green ID Book Will Be Discontinued—But Not Immediately
Let’s clear up the biggest question first: your green ID is still valid for now.
What the DHA is saying is that it plans to stop issuing the old ID book by 2030—emphasis on the word “target”.
So if you haven’t yet made the switch to a Smart ID, there’s still time, and there’s no need to panic or rush to the nearest Home Affairs office.
The move is aimed at improving security, efficiency, and access to government services.
As the department puts it, the future is digital, and the old ‘green mamba’ ID is slowly being retired.
Smart ID Cards and Digital Access Are the Future
Instead of the booklet, South Africans will eventually be required to use the Smart ID card—a more secure, tech-savvy version of your national identity document.
But that’s only part of the transformation. The DHA’s Strategic Plan 2030 includes some impressive digital upgrades across the board.
One of the biggest goals? Setting up DHA service access at 1,000 bank branches across the country by 2030.
The idea is that, just like you can now file your taxes from your couch using SARS eFiling, you’ll soon be able to update your ID info or apply for a passport at your local bank—or even through a secure app on your phone.
Banks May Soon Help You Access Home Affairs Services
This digital convenience won’t happen overnight, but talks are already underway.
The Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) has confirmed that it’s in discussions with the DHA about service-level agreements that would allow branches and banking apps to process ID services in the near future.
If it all goes as planned, this could be one of the most user-friendly changes to public service delivery in years—cutting queues, reducing paperwork, and giving South Africans easier access to vital services.
Have You Made the Switch to a Smart ID Yet?
If you’re one of the many South Africans still using the green ID book, this is your reminder that it’s probably a good time to consider upgrading.
While there’s no urgent rush, switching to the Smart ID card now will put you ahead of the curve and give you access to the newer, faster systems once they roll out.