Green ID books to become invalid from March 2028.

South Africa’s green ID book is set to be phased out as the Department of Home Affairs moves towards the Smart ID card.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced that production of green ID books will end on 31 March 2027, when the machines used to produce them will be permanently shut down and decommissioned.

Existing green ID books will, however, remain valid for another year. From 31 March 2028, they will no longer be recognised as a valid form of identification.

Home Affairs says approximately 14.7 million South African citizens and permanent residents still rely solely on green ID books.

Schreiber said the paper-based document is vulnerable to fraud and identity theft, with its manually attached photograph capable of being manipulated.

“The green ID book sits at the core of the scourge of identity theft in the country,” Schreiber said.

Before production ends, Home Affairs plans to expand access to Smart ID cards for groups that previously faced limitations, including naturalised citizens, permanent residents and South Africans living abroad.

Those still using green ID books will therefore have until March 2028 to make the switch.

First-time applicants and people over the age of 60 will remain exempt from the Smart ID application fee.