On Monday, 11 August 2025, Home Affairs announced that Capitec and FNB had elected to sign up for the Department’s new digital partnership model.
The Department has finally partnered with the two banks to allow clients to apply for Smart IDs and passports through their banking apps and to turbocharge the number of branches where applications can be made.
It has been reported that a whopping 13 million South Africans use the Capitec app as of a results presentation earlier this year. FNB has 7.4 million digitally active customers.
This model is expected to enable Smart ID and passport applications through banking apps and facilitate applications at hundreds more bank branches across the country.
Five banks have already partnered with Home Affairs to allow applications for Smart IDs and passports at selected branches.
The statement indicated that while the service is currently available at 30 branches, the medium-term development plan has tasked Home Affairs with expanding this service to 1 000 bank branches by 2029.
Home Affairs hinted that a new and improved model will be used to facilitate applications through banks.
“That original model relied on the costly duplication of Home Affairs staff and hardware inside bank branches, and failed to take advantage of technology to dramatically expand services into all rural and urban areas where banks branches already exist, as well as onto secure banking apps that have come to be widely used across society,” the statement read.
This is the first time it will be possible to apply for these documents through banking apps.
Ikageng resident asked if the Department and banks partnership will facilitate home delivery of passports and IDs.
“I’m still using my green book. The long queues are frustrating and time consuming.”
Minister Leon Schreiber’s goal is to allow applicants to receive documents without ever visiting a Home Affairs branch.
“Home Affairs is now digitalising this long-standing partnership after Capitec and FNB became the first banks to respond positively to our invitation,” said Schreiber. “It is safe to say that this marks the beginning of the end for Home Affairs queues, and the start of a new digital-first era in public service delivery,” said Schreiber.
Using banking apps to provide access to government services is not unprecedented. Several banks have integrated the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) online booking platform for driving licenses into their banking apps.
In response, Capitec confirmed that they are planning to add support for smart ID cards and passport applications at 100 bank branches by early 2026, with the first branches going live with the service in October 2025.
The bank is pleased to collaborate with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to offer the issuing and renewal of smart ID cards and passports at its branches. “Identity documents unlock opportunity, whether you’re applying for a job, travelling for work, or opening a new bank account,” Capitec stated. “Using our robust security infrastructure and digital technology, we support the modernisation of DHA’s processes and lay the foundation for a more efficient future.”
The bank said it would take a phased approach to the rollout to ensure it delivered the highest-quality service. It will initially only offer smart ID card applications and collections.
“We will start by rolling out the service at 10 branches and then expand to 100 branches by early 2026,” the bank said. “Our goal is to continuously enhance the process for the optimal client experience.”
“Beyond convenience, this initiative is about making a difference by providing simple and accessible services.” Capitec CEO Graham Lee said the partnership was the first proof of the bank’s commitment to working closely with the government. Lee said the collaboration sought to solve real problems, remove friction for South Africans, and help the country grow. “By combining our technology, branch network, and client-first approach with the DHAs’ mandate, we are making essential services faster, simpler, and more accessible for millions from suburbs to rural areas,” Lee said.
