FNB and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) are expanding Smart ID and passport services across South Africa, with plans to make the service available at 240 FNB branches nationwide by December 2026.
The expansion builds on the successful rollout of Smart ID services through FNB branches, with more than 570,000 Smart IDs and passports processed since the partnership began in 2015. Under the latest digital service model launched earlier this year, FNB has already issued more than 14,000 Smart ID cards.
The partnership allows customers to apply for the replacement of green barcoded ID books with Smart ID cards, as well as request replacements for lost or stolen Smart IDs, through participating FNB branches. The initiative forms part of the Department of Home Affairs’ ongoing efforts to modernise identity services and improve access through digital solutions.
FNB CEO Lytania Johnson said the collaboration demonstrates the impact of institutions working together to make essential services more accessible.
“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,” said Johnson.
The Smart ID service is currently available at more than 51 FNB branches across all provinces, with additional branches being added each month. The planned expansion to 240 locations aims to bring these services closer to communities and reduce the need for customers to travel to Home Affairs offices.
Zibu Nqala, CEO of Retail and Business Banking Distribution at FNB, said integrating Home Affairs services into the bank’s branch network helps reduce barriers for customers.
“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,” said Nqala.
Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said the partnership supports the government’s goal of replacing vulnerable green barcoded ID books with more secure Smart ID cards.
“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,” said Schreiber.
Customers using the FNB Smart ID service only pay the standard Department of Home Affairs application fee of R140, with no additional convenience or logistics fees charged.
As the rollout continues, FNB and Home Affairs aim to expand access to secure digital identity services while improving convenience and efficiency for South Africans.
