Germiston Home Affairs Fire: Key Documents Safe, Mobile Services Deployed
News
Aug 12, 2025
Home Affairs Partners with FNB & Standard Bank to Expand Smart ID and Passport Services
By GlobalZa
The Department of Home Affairs has partnered with FNB and Standard Bank to roll out smart ID and passport applications through bank branches and, soon, via mobile apps — making access to essential identity services faster and more convenient.
Home Affairs Partners with FNB and Standard Bank to Expand Smart ID and Passport Services
JOHANNESBURG – The Department of Home Affairs has partnered with First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank to make it easier for South Africans to apply for smart ID cards and passports. The new initiative was launched on Tuesday, 13 August 2025, and will roll out services through select bank branches — with mobile app integration to follow.
The partnership aims to expand access to essential identity services, with both banks committing to a phased rollout over the next few years.
FNB Rollout Plan
FNB will initially launch the service in 15 branches, with plans to expand to 240 branches within the next year. Further announcements on additional expansion are expected as the project develops.
Standard Bank Rollout Plan
Standard Bank will also start with a phased approach, launching 20 branches in 2025 and expanding to 300 branches by 2026, with more to follow by 2027. Importantly, both banks will offer these services to all South Africans, including non-clients.
A Step Towards “Home Affairs @ Home”
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber welcomed the partnership, calling it a major step toward decentralising services.
“I am delighted that FNB and Standard Bank are the latest banks to partner with Home Affairs to expand the offering of our services across the entire country. This new digital partnership model that harnesses the power of technology will dramatically increase Home Affairs’ footprint and bring us closer than ever to delivering our vision of Home Affairs @ home,” he said.
Bank Executives Voice Support
FNB’s CEO of Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda, highlighted the link between financial inclusion and secure identification:
“We have always believed that financial inclusion is directly linked to safe and secure documentation, and we are delighted to take our partnership with the DHA to the next level.”
Standard Bank’s Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane, emphasised the customer benefit:
“We are proud to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that will save our clients time and make it easier to access essential identity services.”
With more bank branches and digital platforms offering smart ID and passport services, South Africans can look forward to shorter queues, quicker processing, and greater convenience in obtaining vital identity documents.
