The Department of Home Affairs requires most applicants for Smart ID cards and passports to secure an online appointment before visiting a branch. The system is intended to manage queues, control daily volumes, and prioritise applicants who have completed applications and payments online.
For residents in Gauteng, where Home Affairs offices remain among the busiest in the country, online booking has become the primary way to access time-sensitive services such as identity documents and passports.
Applicants who arrive without bookings may still be assisted at some branches, but access is not guaranteed, and waiting times can be significantly longer.
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The Online Booking Systems Used by Home Affairs
Home Affairs uses two linked digital systems to manage applications and branch visits.
The eHomeAffairs platform is used to submit applications and make payments for services such as Smart ID cards and passports.
Branch visits are scheduled through the Branch Appointment Booking System, commonly referred to as BABS. This system allows applicants to select a Home Affairs office or participating bank branch, choose a time slot, and receive confirmation for their visit.
Both systems must be used together for services that require appointments.
Services That Typically Require Online Appointments
Online appointments are required or strongly recommended for high-demand services, including:
- Smart ID card applications and replacements
- Passport applications and renewals
- ID and passport services offered at participating bank branches
Other civil registration services, such as birth or marriage certificates, may be processed without bookings at some offices, depending on branch capacity and service availability.
Applicants are advised to confirm requirements on the booking system before travelling.
How to Book a Home Affairs Appointment
The Department outlines the following process for securing an appointment:
- Access the Branch Appointment Booking System through official Home Affairs platforms
- Log in using a valid South African ID number
- Select a province, city, and participating Home Affairs office or bank branch
- Choose an available date and time slot
- Confirm the booking and retain the confirmation reference
Once confirmed, the system issues an appointment notification via email or SMS. This confirmation is required at the branch.
Applications and Online Payments
For Smart ID cards and passports, applicants must complete an online application on the eHomeAffairs platform before booking an appointment. Personal details must be captured accurately, and the relevant application fee must be paid online.
According to Home Affairs, applications that are not paid for online cannot proceed to the appointment stage. Payment confirmation links the application to the booking and is verified at the branch.
Using Bank Branches for ID and Passport Services
Home Affairs also partners with selected banks to process Smart ID cards and passport applications. Participating bank branches operate under the same appointment and payment rules as Home Affairs offices.
While bank branches may offer shorter waiting times, appointment availability is limited and varies by bank and location. Not all branches participate in the programme.
Appointment Availability and Access Challenges
Demand for appointments often exceeds supply at high-volume branches, particularly in urban areas. Availability changes regularly based on cancellations, staffing levels, and daily capacity limits.
Home Affairs advises applicants to monitor the system for newly released slots, as appointment availability is dynamic rather than fixed.
What Applicants Must Bring to Their Appointment
Applicants attending a booked appointment are generally required to present:
- Appointment confirmation message or reference number
- Current identity document or temporary ID, where applicable
- Supporting documentation linked to the application
Applicants who cannot produce confirmation details may be required to reschedule.
Applications for Children and Minors
Children may apply for their first Smart ID card from the age of 16. Applications for minors must still be completed online and linked to a valid booking where required.
Documentation requirements for minors differ from those for adults and should be confirmed in advance.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, online booking has become the main gateway to accessing Home Affairs services. While the system improves order at crowded offices, limited appointment availability continues to affect residents who need documents urgently.
Those without reliable internet access or the flexibility to monitor booking slots remain most impacted, particularly in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, where demand consistently exceeds branch capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online booking mandatory?
For Smart ID cards and passports, most branches require confirmed online appointments.
Are walk-in visits allowed?
Some branches accept walk-ins, but booked applicants are prioritised.
Can someone book on my behalf?
No. Each applicant must use their own ID number to book.
Do bank branches also require bookings?
Yes. Bank-based services follow the same appointment process.
What if no appointments are available?
Applicants must continue checking the system for cancellations or newly released slots.
What Happens Next
The Department of Home Affairs continues to review appointment capacity and system performance as demand patterns change. Updates to booking rules, participating branches, or supported services are communicated through official government channels.
