Applying for official documents from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has become a whole lot easier.Â
Apply online
You can apply for your Smart ID or Passport online via the eHomeAffairs website. You will still need to do your biometrics in person at a Home affairs office or participating bank. You can select the office or bank during your application. You do not have to be a customer of the selected bank.
 Read a personal account of applying for a passport online for more information and tips.
Booking an appointment for applying at a department office
If you do not want to submit your application online, you can now make an appointment at Home Affairs via the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS).
Not all branches are participating in the online booking system. You can find a list of participating offices here
New branches at shopping malls
The department plans to open branches at selected shopping malls. This will, according to the Deputy minister, help alliviate the problem of queuing in the sun or rain. It is not clear if the full range will be available at these branches.
The following malls are on the list and the expectation is that they will be operational in September 2022:
- Tygervalley mall (Cape Town)
- Menlyn mall (Pretoria) – Pilot
- Cresta Mall (Johannesburg)
- Southgate Mall (Johannesburg)
- The Pavillion (eThewkwini)
Resources on the web
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