Launched recently at Standard Bank, Nedbank and FNB, Absa bank now supports Smart ID applications at its branch.
Gone are the days when you have to queue in long lines at the Department of Home Affairs just to register your identity. Now it’s as easy as popping into the bank.
Although the process is still in the trial and error phase, if it all goes well customers of ABSA bank will be enabled to apply for a Smart ID Card and passport, as you have to be an existing customer of the bank to apply.
The entire process will be handled by the Department of Home Affairs, who will have a dedicated office at the bank where customers will be able to have their photographs taken; finger print verified and pay for the new card.
ABSA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the department bringing the total of major banks participating in the pilot to four.
A Smart ID costs the same as the old ID book. Your first one is free, and a reissue is priced at R140. Everyone trading in their ID book for an ID card will have to pay R140. And the turnaround time after application is envisioned to be three days rather than the 54 days of the previous second generation green barcoded ID.
Employees of the banks have been the testers of the application process where they’ve been able to get their Smart IDs. By beginning their application online to order an ID, make the necessary payment by EFT and then continue their application at the designated branch where their photo and fingerprints are taken.
And the application services from the bank will open to the public once Home Affairs is satisfied everything is working as it should.
Home Affairs will then send you an SMS a few days later to notify you that your card is ready and due to safety and security reasons, customers will need to collect their cards in person.
The benefit of Smart ID Card is the increased security to individuals against their identity being used for fraudulent activities.