South Africans still using green barcoded ID books now have a firm deadline to move to Smart ID cards.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has announced that green ID books will no longer be accepted as valid identification from 31 March 2028. Production of the documents will stop a year earlier, on 31 March 2027.
BusinessTech reports that about 14.7 million South Africans currently rely only on a green ID book.
Green ID production ends in 2027
Schreiber said the machines used to produce green ID books will be switched off and permanently decommissioned in March 2027.
People who still have only a green ID book will then have 12 months to move to a Smart ID before the old document becomes invalid.
Home Affairs has been pushing to replace green IDs because of fraud and identity theft concerns.
In its 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan, the department identifies the discontinuation of green barcoded ID books and universal enrolment in the Smart ID system as a formal target.
Smart ID access expanding
Government has also expanded access to Smart ID services through partnerships with banks.
By June 2026, more than 200 bank branches were already offering Smart ID replacement services, according to SAnews. Home Affairs said this expansion was aimed at helping millions of people move away from the more vulnerable green ID book.
Naturalised South African citizens and lawful permanent residents were also given access to Smart ID applications through eHomeAffairs from May 2025.
Schreiber said the remaining groups, including some citizens living abroad, are expected to gain access before the March 2027 production deadline.
Home Affairs urges early switch
The department has repeatedly encouraged South Africans not to wait until the final deadline.
Schreiber has described the green ID book as vulnerable to fraud and identity theft, while government says the Smart ID system offers stronger biometric security.
First-time applicants and people over 60 will remain exempt from Smart ID application fees, according to BusinessTech.
From 31 March 2028, the green ID book will no longer be accepted as a valid identity document.