28 Feb Will Green ID Books Be Invalid by the End of 2025?

Recently, rumours began circulating on social media that the classic South African green ID book would be declared invalid come the end of 2025.

This is not true. Green ID books will not be declared invalid by the end of the year. The Department has not announced a hard deadline for the green ID books to be declared invalid.

Since 2013, the Department of Home Affairs has been working to have all South Africans equipped with a Smart ID. This is because green ID books are susceptible to fraud and identity theft, whereas the smart ID has various security features to prevent fraudulent activity.

Let’s discuss the Department of Home Affairs’ plans for green ID books, smart IDs, and how they’re making civic services more accessible for everyone.

Why Are Green ID Books Being Phased Out?

Green ID books have outdated technologies that make them more susceptible to fraud. They can be easily forged or altered, which makes them unreliable. The books are difficult to integrate into digital validation systems, making it easy for criminals to use the books to apply for credit, loans, and more.

In comparison, Smart IDs have embedded biometrics, an optically variable device, an invisible design printed as a rainbow image, a security number, a line ID barcode, and more. Choose safety – choose a smart ID. June Luna Immigration Attorneys can help you obtain one.

What the Department Has to Say

On an X (formerly Twitter) post, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber said, “Home Affairs will work flat-out this year to ensure that all South Africans are able to obtain Smart IDs as part of our vision to deliver 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 @ 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, including by expanding our existing cooperation with banks, introducing home deliveries, making Smart ID available to all citizens, and launching new online channels as part of our vision for digital transformation.

But it is only after this has been achieved, that we will make an official announcement on the phasing out of the green ID book. In the meantime, if you are able to, please do get a Smart ID to protect yourself from the vulnerabilities of the green ID book.”

Since September of last year, the Department has partnered with banks to introduce home deliveries of passports and IDs and create new online channels, such as Home Affairs @ Home, that will make civic affairs less tiresome and more practical.

Many people can’t obtain smart IDs because they would have to stand in Home Affairs’ infamously never-ending queues, which could lead to lost wages and more expenses (such as the cost of travel, childcare, etc.).

How June Luna Immigration Attorneys Can Help

June Luna Immigration Attorneys urge you to apply for a smart ID as soon as possible to protect yourself from fraud and other risks. If you don’t have the time or can’t make the effort yourself, we’re here to help.

Our experts have years of experience helping South Africans with civic services, from passport and ID applications to litigation against Home Affairs. Let us assist you – contact us today.