South Africa’s green identity document will no longer be recognised as a valid form of identification from 31 March 2028, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced.
Schreiber made the announcement on Thursday, 1 October 2026, as the Department of Home Affairs outlined plans to move more South Africans to the Smart ID card system.
The department will stop issuing green ID books on 31 March 2027. Existing green ID book holders will then have a further year to obtain Smart ID cards before the old documents lose their validity.
Millions still use green ID books
According to the Department of Home Affairs, about 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents still have only a green ID book.
The department is encouraging these people to apply for Smart ID cards ahead of the deadline.
First-time applicants and people aged 60 and older will continue to qualify for an exemption from the Smart ID application fee.
Smart ID access expanded
Home Affairs has also expanded Smart ID services to selected bank branches as part of efforts to make applications more accessible.
The department says the transition forms part of the modernisation of South Africa’s identity system and the move away from paper-based identity documents.
Key dates
31 March 2027: Green ID book production ends.
31 March 2028: Green ID books will no longer be recognised as valid identification.
South Africans who still use the green ID book are encouraged to apply for a Smart ID card before the final deadline.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
