By localnew 
Capitec Expands Smart ID Services to 47 Branches Nationwide
Capitec Bank has accelerated the rollout of its Smart ID application service, expanding the offering to 47 branches across South Africa as part of its partnership with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
The service allows qualifying clients to apply for a Smart ID card directly at selected Capitec branches using self-service terminals, eliminating the need to visit Home Affairs offices or stand in long queues. The process is designed to be fast and paperless, with applications reportedly taking less than five minutes to complete.
The rollout forms part of a broader national plan to improve access to identity documents, particularly for people living far from Home Affairs offices. The Department of Home Affairs aims to expand Smart ID and passport services through partnerships with banks, making it easier for citizens to obtain important documents.
Capitec initially launched the service at a small number of pilot branches in March 2026 before rapidly expanding to dozens of locations across multiple provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and North West.
The bank has indicated that the rollout is still in its early stages, with plans to expand Smart ID services to around 100 branches by mid-2026, significantly increasing access for millions of South Africans.
Government officials say expanding Smart ID access is critical because many South Africans still rely on the old green ID book, which is more vulnerable to fraud and limits access to essential services such as banking, employment, and voting.
The continued expansion of Smart ID services through banks is expected to make the application process more convenient, reduce waiting times, and improve service delivery nationwide.