Residents of KwaZulu-Natal can now apply for smart ID cards at select bank branches, thanks to a new partnership between the South African government and major banks.
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Residents of KwaZulu-Natal are set to benefit from an innovative partnership between the South African government and major banking institutions, with five bank branches across the region now offering smart ID card applications.
This initiative forms part of a broader national effort by the Department of Home Affairs to streamline and digitise services, making them more accessible to the public.
The newly introduced service is available at selected branches in Durban and the Midlands, which have become more convenient alternatives to traditional Home Affairs offices.
In Pietermaritzburg, Capitec’s Central branch will provide the service. Capitec in Howick is the other Midlands bank that can accommodate walk-in applicants for smart ID cards during regular trading hours.
Three banks in Durban — FNB Cornubia, Nedbank Durban North, and Standard Bank Kingsmead — will accommodate smart ID processing for applicants who book online appointments.
The number of bank branches participating in the smart ID application initiative across South Africa has now expanded from 32 to 49.
The following branches are now operational in KwaZulu-Natal:
• Capitec Pietermaritzburg Central: Shop 2, 400 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201. Contact: 086 010 2043. Walk-ins accepted. • Capitec Howick: Harvard Street, Howick, 3290. Contact: 086 010 2043. Walk-ins accepted. • FNB Cornubia: Shop U56, Cornubia Boulevard, corner of the N2 Highway and M41, Durban. Contact: 031 308 7900. Online booking required. • Nedbank Durban North: 57 Adelaide Tambo Drive, Durban North, 4051. Contact: 0800 555 111. Online booking required. • Standard Bank Kingsmead: 1 Kingsmead Way, Durban. Contact: 031 308 7900. Online booking required.
While these branches are currently able to process smart ID card applications, they may also be able to produce passports in upcoming phases of the programme.
During the national rollout, Home Affairs aims to expand the availability of these services to more bank branches across KwaZulu-Natal as the programme evolves.
FNB has ambitious plans to reach 240 locations by March 2027, while Absa plans to activate the first phase of new sites beyond its current six branches.
TymeBank is also set to join the programme in a future phase, which will enable smart ID applications through mobile banking apps.
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