The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is waging a war against long queues by introducing the branch appointment booking system (BABS).
This allows clients to make an electronic booking for selected services (smart cards and passports) at the DHA.
Citizens are encouraged to make use of the online booking system because in the near future, selected home affairs offices will process smart ID and passport applications only for clients who have booked an appointment through BABS.
To book an appointment through BABS, visit www.dha.gov.za and click on BABS on the home page.
Frequently asked questions
• Why do we need to book for public service?
To reduce long queues and waiting times at offices when applying for smart ID cards and passports. This will also minimise the risk of the spread of Covid-19 infections at DHA offices. To ensure that citizens are serviced timeously and efficiently.
• If I have made a booking, do I need to be serviced with those without bookings?
Those with bookings will be prioritised and will be allowed in the office to follow the normal internal processes.
• What will happen to people who do not have bookings? Will they also be served as walk-ins?
Yes, they will be served as walk-ins, however, it is advisable to make a booking so that you are guaranteed the service on that particular day during your booked time slot provided that the system is up and running.
Also read: Extended working hours at Home Affairs
• Will the system not be open to abuse, and lead to people skipping the queue under the pretext of having an appointment?
No, the booking system will prevent the illegal blocking of slots by agents intent on selling them to those in the queues as ID numbers will be used to verify clients when they book appointments. At the office, the office manager and supervisors will ensure the queues are monitored closely so that all clients are served and treated fairly. All clients are advised to report agents and culprits trying to sell places in the queue.
• Can I make a booking even if I do not have a South African ID?
No, the system only allows clients with valid RSA ID numbers to make bookings. Currently, services offered on the booking system are for smart ID cards and passports.
• If I want to do a death certificate for a deceased person, or apply for a full birth certificate, do I need to make a booking?
No, the services are currently limited to smart ID cards and passport applications.
• Can I cancel my appointment?
Yes. An appointment can be cancelled after receipt of confirmation of a booking. The system allows clients to cancel or reschedule appointments. Appointment slots are displayed for a client to select a new date.
• If I know I am no longer going to attend to my booked slot, can I give my slot to my friend/ relative?
No, appointments are not transferable.
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