Over 7,000 Smart IDs processed via the new digital model, adding to the 570,000 Smart IDs and passports since inception

 FNB and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) are accelerating the rollout of Smart IDs and passport services across South Africa with plans to expand the service to 240 FNB branches nationwide by December 2026. The expansion builds on the successful processing of more than 570 000 Smart IDs and passports through participating branches since inception in 2015.

The new digital collaboration with the Department now enables customers to apply for the reissue of a green ID book to Smart IDs by visiting one of our participating branches, thereby supporting the government’s efforts to improve service delivery and broaden access to essential identity services. Customers who have had their Smart ID card lost or stolen can also apply to get their Smart ID card reissued through one of our participating branches. Since launch earlier this year, the partnership has already delivered meaningful impact at scale. FNB has issued more than 14000 Smart ID cards under the new digital model.

“From the outset, our ambition has been to meaningfully shift how South Africans experience access to essential services, making it more seamless, more inclusive and more responsive to their everyday needs,” says Lytania Johnson, CEO of FNB. “What we have achieved thus far demonstrates the power of institutions aligning behind a shared purpose to drive real help at scale. As we continue with the next phase of expansion, our focus remains on extending access to more communities across the country through a branch network that customers already know and trust.

We see this as a long-term collaboration that will keep evolving to deliver greater ease, dignity and impact for South Africans across the country,” adds Johnson. The rollout is currently live in more than 51 branches nationally, with coverage across all provinces and more being added every month.

Zibu Nqala, CEO of Retail and Business Banking Distribution at FNB, says the expansion reflects a growing demand for more accessible public services.

“We’ve deliberately scaled this capability to bring these services closer to where customers live and work. By integrating Home Affairs services into our branch network, we have been able to reduce friction, saving time, and improving the overall experience for customers across the country. What we’ve seen to date is the real difference this makes in people’s lives, from customers being able to avoid long queues and multiple trips, to completing applications more efficiently and with greater certainty.”

Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, says the ongoing partnership with FNB and the expansion of services into branches marks another milestone in the Home Affairs @ home reform programme. “More than half a million South Africans have already made the switch from the fraud-prone green barcoded ID book through our Digital Partnership with the banking sector in less than five months. Today’s launch of our new online service, together with FNB’s growing network of Smart ID service points, makes it easier than ever for South Africans to join them. Every Smart ID Card issued means one fewer vulnerable green ID book in circulation and another step towards secure Home Affairs services that are closer to where people live, work and bank.”

Clients continue to pay only the standard DHA application fee of R140, with no additional convenience or logistics fees applied, underscoring the partners’ commitment to equitable access and cost-neutral service delivery.

“This is ultimately about driving meaningful, measurable change in how South Africans experience essential services. As we scale, our focus is on raising the standard by improving accessibility, strengthening reliability, and delivering a seamless, customer-centred experience at every touchpoint,” says Nqala.

“Looking ahead, we see significant opportunity to expand this model, deepen integration, and strengthen our partnerships to drive even greater impact. Our focus remains on using technology, infrastructure and public-private collaboration to remove barriers and deliver a more seamless, accessible experience for our customers,” she concludes.

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