End of an Era: South Africa’s Iconic Green ID Book to Be Phased Out by 2028

For millions of South Africans, the green barcoded identity book has long served as a tangible link to the nation’s history. For decades, the small paper booklet with its laminated photograph was the primary document used to establish citizenship. It became famously intertwined with the country’s democracy, proudly displayed by millions who queued to cast their ballots during the historic 1994 elections.

At the same time, the document carries a complex legacy. Under the apartheid regime, the identity book was utilized as an instrument to enforce discriminatory legislation and restrict the movement of Black South Africans. Following the transition to democracy in 1994, the document was re-envisioned as a symbol of unity, issued universally regardless of race to help build an inclusive society and uphold the principles of the Freedom Charter.

Today, close to 15 million South Africans still rely on the green ID book for identification, accessing government services, and collecting social grants.

However, that chapter is drawing to a close. The Department of Home Affairs has announced that the green ID book will be completely phased out by 2028 as part of a national shift toward digital and biometric platforms. Citizens still holding the paper-based booklet are encouraged to upgrade to the Smart ID card, which offers enhanced security features for both individuals and the National Population Register.

Government officials note that the transition is designed to modernise the country’s identity systems and address chronic service delivery challenges, such as lengthy queues at Home Affairs offices. To streamline this process, the Department of Home Affairs has partnered with major financial institutions. Which, includes Absa, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, allowing citizens to apply for and collect Smart ID cards at select bank branches. By August 2026, more than 574,371 applications had been processed through these private-sector partnerships.

While the green ID book remains a recognized part of South Africa’s heritage, authorities point out that paper-based documents are inherently vulnerable to tampering, theft, and fraud. In contrast, the Smart ID card incorporates a secure digital chip and biometric data to protect against identity theft and ensure a more reliable population register.

With upcoming elections on the horizon, officials are urging citizens who have applied for their Smart ID cards to collect them promptly. Ensuring that valid identification is on hand ahead of election day helps avoid administrative delays and enables eligible voters to fully participate in the democratic process.

While the green ID book will soon exit circulation, its significant place in South Africa’s history remains secure as the country steps into a new digital era.

Sandile Nene is the Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination at the Government Communication and Information System.

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