Charles Esther
First National Bank (FNB) is strengthening its collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to make Smart ID and passport services more accessible across South Africa.
Customers can now apply for reissued or first-time Smart IDs and passports through the FNB Banking App or by visiting select FNB branches.
A Partnership Nearly a Decade in the Making
Since the collaboration began in 2015, over 570,000 Smart IDs and passports have been issued through seven participating FNB branches.
This expansion aims to reach more South Africans by combining government services with FNB’s infrastructure and technology.
How to Apply for Smart IDs and Passports
In the coming months, customers will be able to submit reissue applications through the FNB Banking App or the DHA’s online booking system.
They can choose to have their documents delivered to their address or collected from a designated FNB branch.
For those needing assistance, specific branches will still handle photographs, fingerprints, and collections.
New Status Tracking Feature
FNB will soon introduce application status tracking, allowing customers to monitor the progress of their Smart ID or passport requests from submission to delivery or collection.
FNB Leaders Highlight the Impact
FNB CEO Harry Kellan said the bank is proud to support South Africa’s digital transformation goals and recognises the importance of IDs and passports for essential services, employment, and travel.
He emphasised that DHA’s upgraded technology, combined with FNB’s systems, will help expand services to millions more citizens.
Commitment to Accessible Public Services
FNB Points of Presence CEO Zibu Nqala said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to essential government services across communities nationwide.
David Awoyode