Scroll down for information on how to apply for an ID online
South Africans can apply for a passport online , and renew their expired passports online too. Here is my detailed guide on how to do an online passport application. For updates on the " How to apply for a passport online process", be sure to enter your email address here. Don't forget to click on the confirmation link in the email you receive.
When travelling abroad the general rule is that your passport needs to be valid for 6 months. Most countries require this. My children’s passports were expiring in 2 months time which was a bit of a problem. We tried going to Home Affairs a while ago but one look at the long line snaking outside the office and we were out of there. After mustering up enough courage, I scheduled another trip to Home Affairs a few months later.
Before going in, I phoned to find out what the queue was like. The woman on the other end of the line said that it was worse than Christmas and New Year on the beach. I gave up. Then I decided to look into applying online. I remembered seeing somewhere that it was only available for adults between the age of 25 to 40 but I thought I’d check it out anyway.
South Africa passports
I went to the Department of Home Affairs’ website and saw a link to apply for your South African passport or Smart ID online. It took me to https://ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel . I registered on this website then found options to apply for a passport online for myself or for minors. I selected the Minor Passport option, completed the forms and submitted them online.
The questions were quite straightforward however there was one unusual question – “How many spouses do you have?” . Maybe, it's not so unusual in the South African context though.
I was required to select a branch where I wanted to collect my passport. Apart from Home Affairs branches all over the country, there were options to select certain ABSA and Standard Bank branches in Johannesburg and Pretoria (about three of each bank) as well as Cape Town. I selected Standard Bank Killarney which was most convenient for me. Mine and my husband’s ID copies were required, which I uploaded and submitted online.
I was then required to initiate a payment instruction, by entering my bank account details. Thereafter I logged into my Standard Bank internet banking account and found the My Bills option under Payments. I selected the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary. The payment instruction then appeared under My Bills. I entered my reference number and approved the payment. The passport renewal fee is currently R400 for a normal passport.
Once the payment had been registered by the Department of Home Affairs, I was taken to a page to book an appointment for biometrics (fingerprints). Note that if you want to go to Home Affairs for this step, no booking is necessary. (Just expect to wait in long lines). I selected Standard Bank Killarney again and then had to select a time slot.
I received an appointment confirmation which I had to take with me to the bank.
At every step above, I would receive an email and SMS notification.
I went to Standard Bank Killarney in Johannesburg on Friday at 2pm - which was the latest appointment I could get. They had a separate Home Affairs section within the Bank. There were no queues at all. They took photos of my kids in the photo booth and asked for mine and my husband’s electronic thumbprints and signatures. I didn’t even have to give in photos or any other documents however do take your ID book/card and old passport with ( if you have one). I was told that I would receive a notification to collect the passports in 2- 3 weeks. The staff were efficient and compared to Home Affairs, the whole process was a pleasure.
I received an SMS and an email on 22 August (10 days later) to say that the passports were ready for collection.
1. Go to https://ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel . Select the option to apply for a passport online.
2. Complete the forms and submit them. Select the branch where you want to do your biometrics and collect your passport.
3. Initiate a payment instruction by entering your bank account details, and logging into your Internet Banking.
4. Book your biometrics appointment.
The process of applying for an ID online is similar to that of the online passport application. The system will guide you through the process.
1. Go to https://ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel
2. Indicate whether the application is for yourself or a minor.
3. Click on "Create New Application"
4. You will be asked " How are you a citizen". Once you have selected the correct option, go to the next step.
5. When asked what are you applying for, select " First Application" or "Re-Issue" under "Identity Card Application". If you want to apply for both an ID and a passport at the same time, you will need to select both options on this page, as you will not be able to create 2 separate applications simultaneously.
6. Complete the form. For minors, you will have to provide the parents' details as well. Select which home affairs or bank branch, you want to collect your ID from.
7. Upload the required documentation.
8. Process payment as above. The first issue of an ID is free. A re-issue will cost R140.
9. Make your bank branch booking for biometrics. Take the relevant supporting documents with you to the bank with a printout of your booking confirmation. This includes the birth certificate and parent ID for a minor, and any documents that you were asked to upload during the booking process.
10. After you have been for your appointment, you will be informed when your ID is ready for collection.
Good to know
ABSA passport applications
FNB passport applications
Nedbank passport applications
Standard Bank passport applications
Investec passport applications
Investec Bank Sandton (Johannesburg)
Discovery Bank passport applications
Discovery Place Sandton (Johannesburg)
It is now possible to book an appointment online for a passport or ID application at Home Affairs offices using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS). This is ideal for those who don't live near banks that provide these services, or don't have accounts with the relevant banks or simply cannot get an available appointment slot at a bank online. To use this service, go to the DHA website and click on BABS to proceed. You can book up to four weeks in advance.
The BABS service is currently available at the Home Affairs offices listed below. Applicants are encouraged to use the BABS online booking system because, eventually. only clients who have booked an appointment online will be attended to for ID and passport applications. You will also be notified if Home Affairs' systems are offline to avoid an unnecessary trip to their offices.
For more updates on this process and the roll-out to the rest of the country, be sure to enter your email address here. Don't forget to click on the confirmation link in the email you receive.
Adult or child passport (32 pages): R600
Maxi tourist passport (48 pages): R1200
Document for travel purposes : R600
Emergency travel certificate: R140
Did you do a passport renewal or passport application online ? Tell us about it in the comments below.
How to apply for a #passport online https://t.co/h6q9QjfddP #southafrica #wedotourism #Travel pic.twitter.com/YFBBc0GIU7
— Sara Essop (@InAfricaNBeyond) May 2, 2018
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Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
ineed passport please
Thanks for an informative report. Please note that the online services are only available to South African Citizens born in South Africa. I have been a citizen since 1983 but I'm not able to apply online. I'm forced to go itno Home Affairs offices.
Hello there! I just want to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have right here on this post.
I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
hi Sarah, I cant seem to sign the on line application for passport
Hi Lynette. Try clicking on the submit button without signing. It should allow you to proceed. Only the fields bordered in red are compulsory.
Hi please advise how I can process my payment with ABSA online bank. I am not able to process my payments. I have tried it about 4 times.
Thanks
Hi. Please contact your bank. They will be able to assist you.
Nice system in theory. Unfortunately it does not allow you to use it if you are an SA citizen not born in this country.
Hello,
I have tried selecting the kingsmead branch but it says no time slots available. What do I do now?
You will have to try again every day until you find a slot.
change the last year to 2023 it will give u plenty dates
Hi there,
I bank with Standard Bank as well, yet I cannot find the DHA as a beneficiary on my banking app. Does it specifically have to be done with Internet banking or can a banking app suffice?
Please advise.
Thank you
You need to go to the My Bills option under Payments and select the Department of Home Affairs. I tried doing it on the app but found it much easier on the Internet Banking website.
There is only one bank in my town who offers this service, but you can only use the service if you move ALL your banking business including debit orders etc over to them, which feels like borderline blackmail.
So great for existing clients or folks in the city with more banks to choose from but basically useless in smaller places.
That's strange. As far as I am aware you only need 1 account with internet banking with a bank to be able to apply for passports online. You should complain to their head office.
Thanks for your reply Sara.
It does seem you have to be a client of the relevant bank as you state in your article ( ie can’t apply through Nedbank as an FNB client) but having to move all your business seems wrong.
With Nedbank you can also open an account online, I might try this route, it seems problems arise when you start dealing with bank employees and they realise you are only opening the bank account in order to apply for the passport.
Doing everything online up to the fingerprint and photo point might be a workaround
I am trying to select a date to do my biometrics at FNB Cornubia but the "get available timeslots" button is not allowing me to click on it. What is the correct date format to use so I can get this to work?
Hi. The dates are provided by Home Affairs. You just have to click on the required dates in the calendar provided. If you can't click on them , then please contact Home Affairs. They will be able to assist you.
Please would you advise me how to get a barcoded "application confirmation"? I have completed the application process, have an appointment for biometrics, and have an email confirming the appointment, but I have no idea where to get the application confirmation.
Hi
This is normally issued online as soon as you make the appointment. Log into the Home Affairs website and see the Application Workpage. It should be there.
Thank you for your help, Sara. However, there is still nothing about an "application confirmation" anywhere on the application workpage. (I have now lodged applications for both of my children and there has been no "application confirmation" for either of them, although in both instances I have received email confirmation of the booking.) And I have seen a similar query from someone else on another site, dated last week, asking what "secret ritual you need to perform to see this mystical barcoded "Application Confirmation"".
Mine was issued automatically and appeared on the application workpage. Do you have popups disabled? Also try using a different browser. If it still doesn't work then call Home Affairs.
Sara, might be delayed but I'm stuck at the exact process. Finding the barcoded eHomeAffairs "Application Confirmation".
My pop-ups are enable and I've checked on several browsers.
Hi Jarrod. Please contact Home Affairs. They will be able to assist you.
I have the same problem - I can find no indication anywhere of where I might find the "barcoded eHomeAffairs Application Confirmation" mentioned in the emails.
Contact Home Affairs??? I have been trying all morning...they do not yet appear to have caught up with the invention of the telephone as anything other than a room decoration that occasionally makes an annoying ringing noise...
Hi . Are you making an appointment at bank or are you going to a Home Affairs office?
Hi.
I eventually just ignored this "application confirmation" thing and went into the bank without it, just with proof of my appointment (and my ID). Had no problems, for myself or my children. I don't think the system generates this document any more.
It seems that the "Application confirmation" letter only applies to those people who make appointments at banks.
"When visiting the branch for your biometric capture please take a printed copy of the barcoded eHomeAffairs "Application Confirmation" with you." The inclusion of "branch" makes me wonder about this?
Any suggestions? I'm planning on going to the Home Affairs office.
Hi Caitlin
Yes, it does apply to people booking at banks only. If you are going to a Home Affairs office, you won't get one.
Nedbank Kensington does not do passport applications. Please remove this from the list.
Hi, thank you for information. I updated the form and we have to sign above the two lines with the "x". I cannot sign hence cannot submit and go to step 3 to load the documents. Can you please assiat me. Thank you
Try clicking on the submit button without signing. It should allow you to proceed. Only the fields bordered in red are compulsory.
Hi
I am struggling to get a booking slot for FNB Cornubia. No slots available. Also checked Gauteng and western cape. no slots. only available slot in Limpopo out of interest.
Is there an issue with the booking slots?
Dean
Hi. Yes, bookings are hard to get at the moment as the service grows more popular - and because of the backlog caused by lockdowns. I would suggest trying first thing in the mornings as they add new slots daily.
Hi Sara, once you have filled out the passport application online do you have to print it and sign then upload it or add in a digital signiture or do you sign the document when you collect your passport?
I don't want to submit if I still have to sign.
Hi Jenny. You don't have to sign a printed copy or add a digital signature. They ask you to sign when you go in for biometrics.
Hi Sara,
Thank you for the information, I urgently require a passport, tried the online application to renew passport. From the very beginning cannot submit, comment is I already have an application with home affairs that is in progress.
I have been to the homeaffairs department they sent email, accordindly, my previous passport that was issued to me overseas was not cleared.Homeaffairs received email stating they cleared it.
Still no success to submit my online application,response is I already have an application in progress with home affairs.
Any advice, thank you
Hi. This happened to me too. You have to phone Home Affairs and they will clear it for you on the phone.
Good day, please can you assist me which home affairs do i conatct to clear the "rejected" comment on my daughters passport its not allowing me to apply online
Hi. You will have to phone Home Affairs and they will assist you. The number is 0800 60 11 90.
Hi,
What time frame ia there for selection on appointments? For instance, 1 week, 2 weeks or more.
Thanks for great info provided
Hi
It's around 2 weeks.
Hi Sara, thank you for the great advice. I want to just ask, if I fill out the forms online for my minor daughter and then log in to pay with my mother's standard bank bank details (with her with me of course for permission), at what point is that an issue? Will they check at the bank appointment that I am a standard bank customer or are they just happy that it has been paid for with a standard bank account?
Hi Tracy . As far as I'm aware it has to be your bank account.
2nd week of March 2020 - the form for Passport renewal is again not loading :-(. Tried Safari on a Mac, Firefox and Internet Explorer on a Windows machne, no go 🙁
Please cancel my previous comment. After a long struggle the field loaded properly with an actual dropdown menu to select from.
I have followed the whole process, but when it comes to booking a slot for biometrics at my bank of choice, I have to complete a Date Range. There is no indication in which format the dates should be entered (it is free text) and nothing I have tried has worked, so I am unable to make a booking. How do I approach this?
I have been trying to use their website for more than a month in order to apply for a new passport - without success. When I get to the stage where I am told to complete my selected application form, the form simply does not load - no matter how long I wait, or which buttons I click etc. Have used Chrome, Edge and Firefox, with the same result. I have a strong internet connection so that can't be the problem either.
I have tried to contact them at csc@dha.gov.za but have not yet received a response.
Try contacting them on webmaster@dha.gov.za/ hacc@dha.gov.za or 0800 60 11 90
[…] seriously. Even if you just go out casually, you should always have your passport with you. In Pakistan, you might cross a random military checkpoint somewhere and be asked to […]
[…] Learn how to apply for a passport online. […]
I'd forever want to be updated on new posts on this website. Saved to my bookmarks!
How to apply for a passport online in South
Africa easily is very useful, I also shared it on my facebook.
This was an incredibly wonderful post.
Thank you for providing this information.
You are welcome. I'm glad to have helped.
Hi There,
Great article. I see the home affairs echannel website is currently offline during the lock down (which makes no sense), any idea on the current status of passport renewals online?
Thanks Justin. I believe that they're only doing passports for essential services at the moment.
Great article.|
Thank you so much for this informative and step-by-step blog. It helped tremendously. I got my passport within 5 working days. It was super impressive!
That's wonderful. I'm so glad you found it useful. Please do share it with all your contacts.
Thanks - very interesting blog!
Thanks for sharing sweetie.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post!
Thanks for sharing!
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I've shared your website in my social networks!|
Very interesting information! Just what I was searching for!
Thank you for sharing
Thank you. Helpful information!
I have been trying for 2wks now to renew our (family) passport online but to now avail. The 1st week the forms were not downloading, the 2nd week the OTP was not coming through. I tried calling the Home Affairs call center i stayed on the phone for hours waiting for someone to answer the phone but nothing until it got cut. I am so frustrated!!! What is the other alternative? Because it seems calling Home Affairs is a futile exercise.
Please somebody help me with a workable solution...i am almost in tears from frustration.
I'm sorry to hear that you have been experiencing problems. you can try emailing Home Affairs or you will have to go in to a branch.
Tried to use the service today. Asked me to record the OTP. None arrived. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Please contact Home Affairs for assistance.
I am resident in Germany and tried to do an on-line application for a second business travel passport so I can submit one for visas while travelling on the other one.
On the registration page it says my ID is registered and wont let me change to my German cell number so even when I go to the logon screen it sends to OTP to my old phone (not in Germany).
How can I "update" my online profile?
Thanks kindly
Hi John. You will have to contact Home Affairs for assistance.
Hi,
I feel really dumb....on the payment page of the DHA online application there is a field titled "Bank Access Number" which is a mandatory field to complete.....where does one get this number from please ? The Bank has no idea (although the "?" next to the field says this number comes from the bank !)
Please help a Cyber dummy !
Thanks
Hi, Just want to check if you can open any standard bank account and then apply or are there any min requirements of transactions in the account before you apply
Eg : must be open for a certain time before youcan apply or you must have min funds or transaction
thinking of opening an account for this purpose only?
Thanks
Hi Liezl. As far as I'm aware, any account is fine as long as you have internet banking with it.
Hey, thanks for the helpful info.
Can you make a booking for biometrics on a Saturday? I can't find any info online re the office hours.
THANKS!
Hi. I believe they're closed on Saturdays.
Hi, I would like to apply for passport.
Please follow the steps in the article.
We are trying to apply online to renew our passports. We have been trying for over 24 hours to download the application form but to no avail. Is there a way around this. We are currently in New Zealand and will be arriving in South Africa on 4 July 2019.
Hi. The application form needs to be completed online. If you are unsuccessful, please call Home Affairs.
HI there, I wonder if you can help me? I have completed the booking with the bank online. I was however unable to upload the barcoded application confirmation, despite having the latest Adobe installed. Are you able to advise me whether I will still be able to proceed with the appointment when I arrived at the branch (I am coming from the UK). I do have the ebooking confirmation that was sent to me, however I don't have the barcoded Application Confirmation mentioned on the website. Thank you!! Anne ps - Home affairs help lines and email not responding....
I became a SA citizen by naturalization and when I try to register on the website it does not work. It says the online system currently available for SA citizen who born in SA.
Hi Shane. You will have to call Home Affairs for assistance.
I'm having the same problem.
In so many article I have read it says online applications now open to ALL South African citizens.
But I'm getting the This function is not available to SA citizens not born in SA..
Really frustrating. I'm a SA citizen. I have a SA ID book and I have a SA passport but because I was born in Rhodesia I cant book online......very wierd indeed
I cannot thank you enough for the blog post. Looking forward to read more. Awesome.
Very good blog post. Thanks!
Hi there! Such a great article, thanks!
All well and good, but how or where does one get the "bar-coded confirmation letter" if selecting to visit a Home Affairs office, rather than an approved bank? Please someone help me?
Good day
I'm in the USA at the moment. The wife need to renew the kids passports. I cant go to a S A. Embessy at the moment is there any way to renew the kids passports with only o e parent there
Both parents are required when applying. Please check with Home Affairs if they will allow one parent only.
Amazing! It's an awesome post, I have got a much clearer idea from this article.
Hi,
I live in the Solomon Islands and my passport has expired. Where or how do I get this renewed?
Use Internet Explorer/'Edge' to open Home Affairs page - it doesn't like other browsers (same as for Sars e-filing).
Thanks for the tip Ashley
Thanks for sharing this information.I have shared this link with others. Keep posting such information..
I have tried 4 times to get registered on this website - https://ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel
and they never send the promised verification email - I have even emaied them and had no response
Hi Colleen , Try calling them.
Brilliant article thanks!
Does anyone know about the "old system"? I tried the online application in 2016 and could not complete due to slow internet. Tried to apply now again, but when I submit it says I have an open application on the old system. How does one access the old system to delete the previous application?
I live overseas, and visiting SA soon for a week only, so really need to get this done. Any suggestions highly appreciated!
Thank you!
Hi Roelien , Did you try editing the old application, as it may be possible. If you can't do that, then you'll have to call Home Affairs unfortunately.
Good day,
Your experience sounds relatively painless. But you are in Jhb!
I live in Durban, I need to have my passport renewed, but don't want to go stand in long lines at the Home Affairs offices.
Are there still no banks available in Durban who can assist with the process!
Regards,
Jill
Hi Jill. Unfortunately not. Hopefully soon.
Thank you!!
Hi
I need to apply a passport for my younger brother 14yrs of age. Our both parents are deceased and he is staying with me and my husband. Are death certificates fr both parents sufficient for online application.
Hi Beauty, As this is situation is different, please call Home Affairs to ask them.
Great article. I had no idea that there was such a service available. Very informative
Thanks Simone. I only found out about it because I was desperate to avoid the Home Affairs queues 🙂
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it. You have made my day! Thanks again!
PLease confirm if i can apply to renew my passport in any banks in durban on the north coast areas.
As far as I am aware, this service is not available in Durban.
Absolutely loved this post
Thanks for sharing this information. Have shared this link with others. Keep posting such information..
I’ve been trying to do my daughters passport online, I’ve completed payment but cannot seem to book an appointment at a bank. I use FNB and this has been going on since June where I cannot seem to get a date
Sorry, only Home Affairs can help you with this one. Maybe try another bank branch?
I completed an online application - however every time I selected all dates available for a booking it came up blank. tried for 2 weeks. I called the call center and the said then there are no bookings available and all dates are full. So this doesn't really help as I now have to go stand in a queue and i couldn't print the confirmation of my application.
What do i do now?
Sorry, only Home Affairs can help you with this one. Maybe try another bank branch?
Checking the status of my passport .
where can I collect it
Please contact the Department of Home Affairs
If I applied for a new passport as I lost my passport (have had fingerprints done) and have now found my old passport, will I still be able to use my old passport or would it have already been cancelled?
Hi Adele. It should still be valid but do double-check with Home Affairs.
Can someone else collect the passport on my behalf or must I collect it myself?
I`m applying the passport for my children to prepare the
old day
Thanks for the info! So there are no Cape Town ABSA or FNB branches who provide the service?? I dont bank with Standard and as I understand this you have to bank with the bank that is offering the service? (Reeeeeally dont want to go into a DHA...)
Hi there I have applied from overseas and is struggling to get my passport finalised. Is there anyone in the department I can call??
many thanks
Hi Suzanne
You can call the Home Affairs Helpline on 0800601190.
Helpful information. Thanks for another fantastic post.
Hi Sarah
Do you know of some legal agents/agencies that can assist me with passport renew? My daughters' passport is in the process for over six months.
I have tried visiting the home affairs office in Johannesbure but to no help. Called help center several time, given case number as well but no luck.
If you or anyone else that can help
Hi Deen. You can also try tweeting the Department of Home Affairs.
Great blog post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your
content. Please let me know.
Wow this is a great blog thanks a mil
My 13yrs old son and I are currently living in west africa for work and his passport has only one page left.
I could apply at the embassy here but it takes 3months to come out as it has to ne send to Pretoria.
My question is ! Is it possible to apply online and his dad who is in SA go submit his Passport pictures at a bank or home affairs ? Or all the offices are on the electronic system for pictures?
As for finger prints he is still a minor so no need.
Regards
Hi Mary
I believe that tour son will have to go in personally as they have to take his photos. Also, my husband and I both had to do the biometrics for our kids.
thank you for the informative article. I followed the steps and registered. However, the PDF form doesn't download
Hi Ilse, Please ask Home Affairs to assist you with that one.
Hi, just wanted to say, I liked this article. It was practical.
We live in Dbn and are wondering whether we could do all the online stuff and then drive to a Pretoria bank (having secured an appointment) to do the biometrics and then have them courier the actual passport to my home?
Hi Jackie, You should be able to do that but please phone Home Affairs to confirm first.
Does anyone know how to cancel an online an online passport application ?
Cancel button is not available!
Hi
Do we have this facility in Durban bank branches? As i am trying to get a passport for my kid and every time i go they are offline.
Hi Rahul, This facility is not available in Durban yet, as far as I'm aware. You can contact Home Affairs to find out when they will be rolling it out in Durban.
Hello, I would like to subscribe for this blog to get updates, so where can i do it please help out.
Hi there. You can subscribe here. https://inafricaandbeyond.com/subscribe/
Do you perhaps know if you have to specifically have to have a standard bank account at that branch or if I have a Namibian Standard bank account will it also work?
Then I will still visit the Standard bank in SA to do the fingersprints etc...
Hi Stephanie, The Namibian Standard Bank account should be fine as long as you have internet banking.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
Thanks for the information! We are thinking of travelling to Johannesburg to do this process with our kids as DHA lines are in excess of 7 hours and always offline....
When collecting however, will both parents and children need to be present or can one parent only collect or perhaps even a representative
Does anyone know
Hi Bronwen, I believe that only one parent has to be present for collection but I would just confirm it with Home Affairs.
The information and facts mentioned within this post are some of the very best available.
Wow, this is a great blog article, you did such a great job writing it.
Wonderful web site. Plenty of helpful info here.
I have a question. If you have done all the process online and you go do your fingerprints at a much later date (say a month later), does that mean the passport would have been processed and ready for you when you go do your fingerprints to collect it, or will they only start processing the passport after fingerprints are done? I am coming home only for three weeks but need a new passport and am worried I will not get it done in time for me to leave.
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike, My understanding is that they only start processing once they have your fingerprints. But you can always contact Home Affairs to confirm.
If I want to renew one of two SA passports I have, which option do I select under reason for application on the online application.
If I use 'full' option it does not give me an option to state which passport it is that needs to be renewed?
Hi Thomas, Please call Home Affairs on 0800601190 . They will assist you.
Really good blog
Sweet. I definitely want to try this.
Very nice, thank you!
Awesome post.
This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me.
Thanks a lot!
Hello! I want to offer a massive thumbs up to the great information you have here on this post. We are returning to your blog for much more soon.
Your attention to detail is great.
Thank you Doug. I'm glad you found the post useful.
Very good post. I absolutely love this site. Continue the good
work!
Hi Sara
If you are an Absa Internet banking client but not a Standard Bank client, can you still go to a Standard Bank for your biometrics? I ask because there isn't an Absa near me but there is a Standard Bank.
Thanks for the excellent write up.
Thanks Atiya
I believe you can but I would just call the Home Affairs Helpline on 0800601190 to confirm. Alternatively , you can proceed with the online application and see if it gives you an option to book your appointment at an ABSA branch.
No. We wanted to go the FNB at The Grove in Lynnwood road, but as we bank with Nedbank, it is forcing us to go into the Nedbank branches in Pretoria CBD or Rivonia. 🙁
Does anybody know what the current turnaround times are?
Well written, thanks:-)
Thank you Palesa. I hope that it helps you.
OUTSTANDING Post.Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great guide
Hi,
I'm wondering if you can tell me when applying online and submitting the application, does the passport application process begin immediately? I'm in South Africa from 29th August - coming from Aus - so I'm wondering if by the time I get to Home Affairs it'll just be a matter of biometrics and photo and say a couple of weeks later, my passport is ready?
Cheers
Hi Skye
Yes, once you do the online bit, you can schedule your appointment for the earliest available date for your biometrics and photos. After that, it normally doesn't take long before you get your passport.
I stay south Africa more than five years is so difficult for some one who cames outsid who don't have passport or id even we don't have bank account b/c is not allawed some one who don't have passport or id ever thing is so difficult please understand my filling and help me to get a passport dear
Hello, you don't mention that these services CAN be done at selected FNB banks as well.............
Thank you Shirley. I have updated the article with the latest banks and branches to offer this service.
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Would anyone be able to advise which home affairs office in the greater area would be the quickest to finalise an online passport application.
Hi Margo. I have heard that Maponya Mall in Soweto is quite fast.
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Dears ,
Kindly advice how long I have to wait for the passport to be issued . I am in Dubai and want to apply for a new passport, the current passport will expire in September 2017 . I will be in Pretoria this coming July to get a new passport, I hope 2 weeks will be enough for the process
Hi Sibusiso, I wish I could tell you for certain how long it would take but unfortunately it is not within my control. However, 2 weeks should be enough. If you have a Standard Bank account, apply online. If not, I recommend going to Maponya Mall in Soweto. I have heard that their turnaround time is good.
Hi Sara
Some advice pease...
I am resident in the UK at present and found my RSA passport was expiring 20/11/2016 so I tried to contact the consulate in London... what a pain... they told me to ring different numbers until I got back to the original number I had dialled... I gave up.
I am coming back to South Africa in July for a visit and was wondering if I should try and apply while I am there... then I came across your very very professional blog... Thanx for that...
Any advice on re-applying for my passport. Not sure that it would be of any use but always good to have a joker in your back pocket as far as I.D. is concerned.
I do not have any bank accounts in RSA as I closed them all when I left in 2013...
Any advice would be appreciated and continue to produce your very informative and professional blog.
Thanx
John
HI John, If you do not have any South African bank accounts , you will need to visit Home Affairs. I would recommend the one in Maponya Mall as I know several people who have been there and received their passports very quickly.
Outstanding job once again! Thank you:)
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What is the use,advertising that you may apply online,we are here in the western cape and do not have bank accounts at standard bank.So in other words advertise that it can be done at theses banks ,but you must have a bank account with the particular bank or else stand in the que at home affairs. I have tried to apply online but it will not allow me to submit application, it shows that the applicants details are incorrect which is not true. Then i receive an email stating that the application this is a final application reminder, with contact details. I have tried the number 0800601190 all i get is that the number is unobtainable not once but the whole morning.
Hi Cecily , I do understand your frustrations. I suggest that you email the Dept of Home Affairs on hacc@dha.gov.za . I have received responses from them on this email address. Alternatively, you can tweet them on Twitter.
Im 20 and a Standard bank user. My passport has expired a few years ago and I have lost it by now. I only have my ID. Can I still renew my passport even though I know the cost may be double?
Hi Mario, yes there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to renew it or apply for a new passport.
I applied online for the passport of my kids. Now I want to make payment but I can not find dept of home affairs as a beneficiary. I bank with standard bank. How do I make payment then?
Hi Nozi , you don't add them as a normal beneficiary. You go to the "My Bills" option under "Payments" and you will find the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary. This is after you have initiated the payment instruction on the DHA website. Hope this helps.
Hiya Sara,
Figured you might know faster than home affairs would. I am a Standard Bank customer based in the Western Cape and time for my wife and daughter's (she's aged 7) passport renewal has come up. I realise I can apply for my daughter as a minor, but I'm guessing my wife would need an account with Standard bank (as then she could apply for herself and my daughter?)
Otherwise, since my wife is an ABSA customer, do you know of any ABSA branches in the Western Cape that are part of the e-application program? I can't find a list of branches published on the DHA site.
Thanks!
Aidz
Hi Aidz , To the best of my knowledge, your wife has to be a Standard Bank customer in order to apply online for herself and your daughter, as there aren't any ABSA branches in WC that have Home Affair offices. All the best, Sara
Aaaah ok. Cool thanks. I think we'll do the application online and just go to the nearest home affairs smart office for the biometric stuff. At least then it's just that to deal with 😉 Thanks for the response!
That will probably be best. I hope Home Affairs rolls this out to the other banks countrywide soon.
Oh man. I'm bound to make use of this.
That's great Latia. All the best.
Thanks for the helpful info.
You are welcome Merlina .
I successfully applied online today for my passport and my appointment at Standard Bank Killarney is in a few days time. I tried to do same for my daughter who is 17 yrs old. According to Home Affairs she is treated as an adult and not as a minor therefore I had to create her own profile. She does not have a Standard Bank acc and I cannot pay for her via my bank acc. How do I go about to pay for her so that she can also apply for her passport?
Hi Gerda. Oh dear, that is a bit of a problem. My kids are minors so I was able to pay for them from my account. I would advise you to call the Home Affairs Helpline on 0800601190 and ask them as they would be able to advise you best. Good luck
wow, what a clear and informative post. wish more blogs had practical info like this!
Hi there. is there a service for passport renew over seas. I'm in the Philippines, but travel allot and how long does it take to get a new Passport/
Hi Stephen, Do you have a South African passport? If so, I would suggest that you email csc@dha.gov.za and ask them.
Dear Sara,
Hope that you are well! For some odd reason I only got a email now with your reply. Thank you for the information, it's appreciated. I will contact them tomorrow.
smgatter@gmail.com is my email address if you have any further information.
Thanking you for your time on this matter.
Regards
Stephen
Looking to sort out a passport
Hi Logan. Please go to https://ehome.dha.gov.za/echannel and apply
afternoon can i apply a passport for a baby of 8 months on online and do i need to upload the copy of her birth certificate.
Thank you
You should be able to apply for your baby online. With my kids I wasn't asked for birth certificates, just the parents' ID documents. I did have to enter the children's ID numbers though - which is on the birth certificate.
Morning,did you pay extra to have it processed at the bank?
Morning Amanda . No, the fee was the same as going into Home Affairs.
Hi Sara, Im unable to upload the barcoded confirmation from the website, although I have receive the ebooking confirmation. Do you think that this is sufficient? Home affairs telephone number and email not responding. Am travelling from the UK so am a bit anxious!
xx
Hi Anne , Try taking a screenshot of it. Also print out the ebooking confirmation sent to you.