The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the production of South Africa’s green barcoded ID book will officially end on 31 March 2027, giving millions of citizens an opportunity to transition to the Smart ID.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday, saying approximately 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents still hold only the green ID book.
Schreiber said these individuals will have a further 12 months after production ends to switch to the Smart ID. This means the green ID book will no longer be recognised as a form of identification from 31 March 2028.
The department says the green ID book has weak security features and is vulnerable to forgery, replacement and manipulation. The Smart ID, by comparison, incorporates digital security features designed to make tampering more difficult.
Schreiber said the continued use of the green ID book is no longer compatible with the demands of modern society.
First-time applicants and people over the age of 60 will remain exempt from paying the Smart ID application fee.
