ABSA, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), offers Smart ID and passport application services at select branches in South Africa. This means you can start your application online and then visit a participating ABSA branch to complete the process. This initiative aims to make applying for essential documents more convenient and to reduce long queues at Home Affairs offices.

How ABSA Helps with Your Smart ID Application

No, ABSA doesn't issue ID cards directly like the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) does. Instead, ABSA participates in a partnership with the DHA that allows you to complete certain steps of your Smart ID or passport application at specific ABSA branches. This collaboration means you can skip some of the traditional queues and have a more streamlined experience.

Here's a quick breakdown of how it works:

• Online Start: You begin by registering and completing your application on the official eHomeAffairs website. This is where you fill in your details and upload any required documents.
• Payment: After filling out the form, you'll pay the application fee online. Your first Smart ID card is usually free, but reissues or replacements cost R140. You'll generally need to use your ABSA online banking details for this step as you typically need to be a client of the bank you choose for the physical appointment.
• Book an Appointment: Once your payment is done, the eHomeAffairs system lets you book an appointment at a participating ABSA branch.
• Branch Visit for Biometrics: On your appointment day, you go to the selected ABSA branch. DHA officials at the branch will capture your fingerprints using a biometric system and take your photo. No need for separate ID photos!
• Collection: Once your Smart ID is ready, you'll get an SMS notification, and you can then collect it from the same branch where you had your appointment.

I remember when I had to get my first Smart ID, I was really dreading the long queues. I'd heard stories from friends about spending a whole day waiting at Home Affairs, so I put it off for ages. But then a colleague told me about applying through a bank. It was a game-changer! Doing most of the paperwork online from home saved me so much time and stress.

The Convenience Factor

The partnership between banks like ABSA and the Department of Home Affairs is a big step towards making essential services more accessible. It means less waiting and a more organised process. Instead of spending hours in a queue, you can get your biometrics done and collect your ID in a much more efficient way.

From August 2025, ABSA partnered with the DHA to expand Smart ID and passport services to more bank branches and even their banking app. This digital partnership aims to give customers faster and easier access to these services anytime and anywhere.

Just last month, my cousin needed to renew his passport. He was worried about taking a whole day off work. I suggested he check the eHomeAffairs portal and see which ABSA branches offered the service. He booked an appointment for his lunch break, and he was in and out in less than 30 minutes for his biometrics. He was so surprised at how smooth and quick the process was, especially compared to how things used to be.

Important Things to Remember:

• You generally need to be an ABSA client to use their branches for this service.
• Not all ABSA branches offer this service. Currently, ABSA has six participating branches, with plans to expand this number. Make sure the branch you select is one of these designated locations.
• For first-time applicants (16 and older), you'll typically need your birth certificate and both parents' ID documents. If you're replacing a lost ID, a police statement might be required.

This modern approach to ID card applications is definitely a welcome change for many South Africans. It truly helps in getting your important documents without the old frustrations.

And speaking of making things easier, did you know that with the Points Castle App, you can earn rewards for everyday activities? It's a smart way to get more out of your day, just like using a bank for your ID application saves you time!