Booking a Home Affairs appointment online is the fastest way to apply for a Smart ID card or passport in 2026. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) uses the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) for biometrics appointments at selected offices and participating bank branches.
What you can book online
BABS handles bookings for:
- Smart ID card applications (first-time and replacements)
- Passport applications and renewals
- Document collection at the same branch
Birth certificates, marriage registrations and amendments to personal information are not booked through BABS. These services require a walk-in visit to a DHA office.
How to book online
- Go to the official DHA booking portal at services.dha.gov.za
- Select whether you are using an ID number or passport number, enter your details and proceed
- Enter your full surname, first name and cellphone number (email is optional) and authenticate
- Choose the service: Smart ID, passport or collection
- Select your province, then your city, then a participating branch
- Pick an available date and time slot
- Download and print the barcoded confirmation letter
Only DHA offices on the Live Capture system appear in BABS. Walk-in applications are still accepted at other branches, but booked appointments are prioritised.
Booking at a bank branch
Participating branches of Absa, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, Capitec, Discovery Bank, Investec, African Bank and TymeBank also process Smart ID and passport applications. These bookings are made through the eHomeAffairs portal at ehome.dha.gov.za after paying the application fee.
Bank-branch services are open to anyone with a South African ID number, not only clients of that bank.
What to bring to your appointment
- Your barcoded BABS or eHomeAffairs confirmation letter
- Your green barcoded ID book (if you have one) for surrender
- Proof of fee payment for replacement applications
Biometrics — photo, fingerprints and signature — are captured digitally at the appointment.
Useful contacts
DHA Contact Centre: 0800 60 11 90
Smart ID status SMS: ID + space + ID number to 32551
Passport status SMS: P + space + ID number to 32552
