TymeBank is the latest financial institution to partner with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in rolling out Smart ID and passport services. This move places TymeBank among several leading banks now helping to modernise access to essential identity documents in South Africa.
What This Means for TymeBank Customers
For millions of South Africans, booking appointments at Home Affairs can be a time-consuming task. With TymeBank offering Smart ID and passport services, this process is set to become faster and more convenient.
The bank confirmed it will pilot these services through its extensive national kiosk network, hosted in more than 1,450 Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Foschini stores. This initiative aims to make civic services accessible to more people, especially those in underserved areas.
Read more about how Capitec unveils plans to issue Smart IDs and passports at branches as part of its digital services expansion.
“We are proud to support Home Affairs in delivering trusted, citizen‑focused services,” said TymeBank CEO Karl Westvig.
“This collaboration ensures South Africans benefit from TymeBank’s secure digital platform for seamless access to DHA services.”
Which Banks Now Offer Smart ID and Passport Services?
The following eight banks have now partnered with the Department of Home Affairs:
- FNB
- Standard Bank
- Absa
- Nedbank
- Capitec Bank
- African Bank
- Discovery Bank
- TymeBank (latest addition)
Each of these banks is part of a strategic initiative to modernise South Africa’s civic services through a bank-branch partnership model. Citizens can now apply for Smart IDs and passports by booking appointments online, then visiting selected bank branches to capture biometrics and complete the process.
According to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, the department will expand from 30 existing bank branches to 100 by the end of 2025, and eventually to 1,000 by 2028/29.
TymeBank’s Digital-First Approach Sets It Apart
Unlike traditional banks with physical branches, TymeBank operates entirely digitally. That’s why its partnership with DHA is unique.
The bank will enable identity services through its digital kiosks, with plans to integrate Home Affairs services directly into its banking app. This will allow customers to book and access services remotely from their homes—a step toward full digital transformation.
Minister Schreiber noted this would enable citizens to receive services “from the comfort of their own homes”
Expansion Timeline and Goals
The Department of Home Affairs is undergoing a multi-year modernisation campaign. Its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan focuses on:
- Expanding biometric live capture technology
- Digital appointment booking systems
- Remote and app-based service access
- Delivery of documents via courier or post
As of 2025, only 30 branches across partner banks offer these services. However, the DHA projects adding 150 new locations by March 2026 and reaching 1,000 branches by 2028/29.
This scale of rollout will not only ease the burden on Home Affairs offices but also reduce waiting times for South Africans across the country.
Discover how Absa unveils plans for Smart ID and passport banking app to simplify civic services for its customers.
How to Access Smart ID and Passport Services via TymeBank
Once the pilot is active in Johannesburg, customers will:
- Visit the eHomeAffairs website (dha.gov.za)
- Register and apply for a Smart ID or passport
- Select TymeBank as the collection and biometric capture point
- Visit a TymeBank kiosk for fingerprinting and photo capture
- Receive their document via delivery or collection
This process remains secure, with all data protected under the DHA’s national ID system and biometric protocols.
A Big Step for Digital Civic Access
TymeBank’s entry into Smart ID and passport services marks a milestone in digital civic transformation. Its kiosk-based model provides a fresh, inclusive approach to banking and identification access in South Africa.
As more digital banks join the initiative, South Africans will soon enjoy a more efficient, tech-driven government service experience.
