The Springs resident first applied for her card in July, without any success.
In October, Springs Home Affairs contacted her to inform her about a problem with her fingerprints.
When she visited the office again, they took another set of fingerprints and required more photos.
After eight months of going back and forth, Dorothea thought she would never receive her new ID.
Her husband Robert Swanepoel (66) says they have been visiting the office regularly enquiring about the process.
They claim they were told they would just have to wait.
According to the Springs Home Affairs acting administration director, Wilna Birkholtz, they will attend to the matter by following up with their head office on when the fingerprints will be loaded onto their system.
This will enable them to continue with the smart card application.
She says the applicant will be contacted by the relevant supervisor with feedback.