South Africa’s long-standing green barcoded identity book is approaching its final chapter, with Home Affairs announcing when the document will stop being recognised as valid identification.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the new timeline on Thursday, 1 October 2026, during the launch of the department’s Quantum Leap programme. Under the plan, existing green ID books will remain recognised for a further year after production ends.
Green ID Books Will Become Invalid in 2028
The key date for current holders is 31 March 2028.
From that date, the green ID book will no longer be recognised as a valid identity document under the Identification Act. People who still depend on the document will therefore need to have moved to a Smart ID card before the deadline.
The announcement gives millions of existing holders a defined transition period rather than an immediate end to the document.
Production Will Stop a Year Earlier
Although the books will remain valid until 2028, Home Affairs will stop producing them much sooner.
The department plans to shut down and permanently decommission the machines used to produce green ID books by 31 March 2027. Existing holders will then have another 12 months to replace their documents with Smart ID cards.
The department says approximately 14.7 million citizens and permanent residents currently have only a green ID book, down from about 16 million following increased replacement activity.
Why Home Affairs Is Replacing the Green Book
The move is part of a broader effort to modernise South Africa’s identity system and reduce vulnerabilities associated with the paper-based document.
Schreiber has cited identity theft and fraud concerns, while Home Affairs has previously identified the green barcoded ID book as particularly susceptible to manipulation. The Smart ID card is designed with stronger security features and biometric verification capabilities.
The department has been pursuing the replacement of green ID books for years as part of its wider digital transformation programme.
Smart ID Is Becoming the Main Form of Identification
The transition is expected to have consequences beyond simply replacing the document carried in a wallet.
Home Affairs has previously highlighted the importance of valid identity documentation for services and transactions, including dealings with financial institutions and applications for employment. Its current plans are aimed at moving eligible people onto the Smart ID system.
The department is also expanding digital and smart identity services, including partnerships intended to make applications more accessible through participating bank branches.
Some Groups Will Get Access Before the Cut-Off
Home Affairs has also addressed groups that have historically faced difficulties obtaining Smart ID cards.
Schreiber said the department would ensure that naturalised citizens, permanent residents and South African citizens living abroad are able to obtain Smart IDs before green ID production ends in March 2027.
The stated aim is to ensure that all eligible people have access to the newer identification system before the old books ultimately lose their legal recognition.
Some Applicants Will Remain Exempt From Fees
The department has also confirmed that first-time applicants and people aged over 60 will continue to be exempt from the Smart ID application fee.
For those still holding only a green ID book, the timeline is therefore straightforward: production ends on 31 March 2027, followed by a 12-month transition period, with the old document ceasing to be recognised on 31 March 2028.
