Smart ID card from banks soon
So far in Ladysmith, the smart ID card is not yet being implemented and is soon to hit the banks
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2015/04/smart20card_jpg-Large.jpg)
The Department of Home Affairs says it is ready to pilot eChannel, its new innovative system that will allow citizens to apply for their smart ID cards from the comfort of their homes.
So far in Ladysmith, the smart ID card is not yet being implemented and is soon to hit the banks.
FNB and Standard Bank have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding. They have provided a site each and envisage to go online next month.
Applications for smart ID cards and passports will be processed at the banks and the South African Post Office.
The smart identity card is the size of a standard credit card and is made from polycarbonate, a durable material strongly resistant to environmental influences, as well as mechanical, chemical and thermal stress.
The card is embedded with an integrated circuit or ‘chip’ that stores and processes data.