Applications for the Smart ID card can be made at departmental offices across the country.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, it will take six to seven years to phase out the old identity documents (ID books).
The Smart ID card uses modern biometric technology to record details on a chip on the card.
The memory on the ID card is sufficient to store a wide range of details like your marriage licence details and drivers’ licence details.
The department began to roll out the Smart ID card, which is issued to 16-year-olds who apply for IDs and to pensioners.
It is also issued to South Africans who re-apply for their IDs.
Currently the issuing of IDs are to South Africans by the year of their birth.
This ensures that departments are able to issue IDs to all South Africans without putting extreme pressure on their offices or systems.
At the opening of the smart ID office in Maponya Mall last Monday, Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba said his department is working hard to ensure efficient service to all citizens.
