South African citizens and permanent residents, 16 years and older, must be in possession of an identity document. ID applications can be submitted through the Liaison Office of South Africa. The timeframe to receive the ID book is between 6-9 months.

Please note you will not be issued with a Smart Card ID - the Department of Home Affairs issues all applicant who apply for Identity Documents at any South African Mission / Embassy / Representative Office with a green bar-coded Identity Document (not a smart card).

Checklist of Documents to be submitted for First-time applicant (16 years and older):

• Form DHA-9 - Application for ID document

• Form DHA-529 - Determination of citizenship

• Two (2) identical colour photographs; head and shoulder measuring 40 mm x 30 mm, white background, no teeth

• Original passport

• Original unabridged birth certificate

• Parents' original South African Identity document. For non-citizen South African parent, please bring original passport.

• No application fee for the first ID application

Checklist of Documents to be submitted for Re-issuance:

• Form DHA-9 -  Application for ID document

• Form DHA-529 - Determination of citizenship

• Two (2) identical colour photographs; head and shoulder measuring 40 mm x 30 mm, white background, no teeth

• Original passport

• Certified copy of applicant's old ID Book or birth certificate

• Application fee NTD265

• Written affidavit in black ink - the reason why a new Identity Document is needed

• Copy of Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree or Spouse's Death Certificate, if applicable.

• Written request to change "Surname". To be submitted by recently married female applicants who would like:

             1) to retain their maiden surnames, or

             2) wish to use double–barrel surnames;