South Africa’s familiar green identity document is set to be phased out as the Department of Home Affairs moves ahead with plans to replace it with the more secure Smart ID card.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced on Thursday that production of the green ID book will end on 31 March 2027.
However, South Africans who still use the document will have an additional year to make the transition. From 31 March 2028, the green ID book will no longer be recognised as a valid form of identification.
The move forms part of government’s broader efforts to expand access to digital and smart identity services.
Schreiber says independent research has found that the paper-based green ID book is among the most fraud-prone identity documents on the African continent, partly because it uses a manual photograph that can be manipulated.
“The green ID book sits at the core of the scourge of identity theft in the country,” Schreiber said.
He also said the continued use of the document contributes to the production of fraudulent identity documents, including those allegedly used by people attempting to obtain South African documentation illegally.
The department says the continued use of the green ID book is therefore incompatible with the requirements of a modern identity system.
As part of the transition, machines used to produce green ID books will be permanently shut down and decommissioned on 31 March 2027.
Before then, Home Affairs plans to expand access to Smart ID cards for groups that have previously faced limitations, including naturalised citizens, permanent residents and South Africans living abroad.
Schreiber says the department’s aim is to ensure that all eligible people have access to the more secure Smart ID card.
Millions still using green ID books
Home Affairs estimates that about 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents still hold only a green ID book.
They will not be required to replace their documents immediately when production ends.
Instead, they will have until 31 March 2028 to apply for a Smart ID card, after which the green ID book will no longer be recognised as valid identification.
First-time applicants and people aged over 60 will continue to be exempt from the Smart ID application fee.