Home Affairs Teams Up with FNB and Standard Bank to Expand Smart ID and Passport Services

JOHANNESBURG – The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has partnered with First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank to make applying for smart ID cards and passports easier for all South Africans. Launched on 13 August 2025, the initiative will begin at select bank branches, with plans to integrate mobile app services in the near future.

Expanding Access to Identity Services

The partnership aims to decentralize Home Affairs services and enhance convenience. Both banks will roll out services in phases over the coming years:

• FNB Rollout Plan:
  • Initial launch at 15 branches
  • Expansion to 240 branches within one year
  • Additional expansions to follow
• Standard Bank Rollout Plan:
  • Launch in 20 branches in 2025
  • Expansion to 300 branches by 2026, with further growth planned by 2027
  • Services available to all South Africans, including non-clients

Minister Highlights “Home Affairs @ Home” Initiative

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber welcomed the collaboration, calling it a major step toward digital decentralization:

“This new digital partnership model harnesses the power of technology and will dramatically increase Home Affairs’ footprint. We are bringing services closer to South Africans than ever before, delivering our vision of Home Affairs @ Home.”

Bank Executives Voice Support

FNB’s CEO of Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda, emphasised the connection between financial inclusion and secure identification:

“We believe financial inclusion is directly linked to safe and secure documentation, and we are delighted to take our partnership with DHA to the next level.”

Standard Bank’s Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane, highlighted the customer benefits:

“This forward-thinking collaboration will save our clients time and make it easier to access essential identity services.”

Benefits for South Africans

With more bank branches and digital platforms offering smart ID and passport services, citizens can expect:

• Shorter queues
• Faster processing
• Greater convenience in obtaining vital identity documents

This initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing public service delivery and improving accessibility for all South Africans.