A major bank in SA now offers Smart ID services at over 100 branches

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Standard Bank has expanded its Smart ID services to over 100 branches across South Africa, as banks and the Department of Home Affairs continue to move more services online.

The milestone was reached through Standard Bank’s partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), forming part of the government’s drive to digitalise services and reduce pressure on Home Affairs offices.

The wider rollout among South Africa’s major banks has now surpassed 300 branches offering Smart ID services.

Smart ID access expanded to underserved areas

Standard Bank said many of its activated branches are located in rural and underserved communities, giving residents easier access to Home Affairs services.

“In many of the communities where we have expanded these services, residents previously had to travel long distances simply to apply for or replace an identity document,” the bank said.

“Access to something as fundamental as an ID should not be determined by geography.”

DHA Minister Leon Schreiber said the expansion is helping the department move closer to its goal of eliminating the old green bar-coded identity document.

Almost 50 000 applications processed

Since launching and expanding its Smart ID services, Standard Bank has processed close to 50 000 applications.

The bank said the figures demonstrate strong demand for more convenient access to Home Affairs services.

Standard Bank now plans to significantly expand its footprint.

It aims to nearly double the number of branches offering Smart ID services before the end of 2026 and expects to process more than three times the number of applications handled to date by the end of the year.

The bank is also working towards introducing additional Home Affairs services through its branch network before the end of 2026.

Standard Bank Smart ID branches by province

Sources

• The South African ↗