Capitec to launch first Smart ID and passport processing branch as part of national digital expansion

Capitec reveals plans to roll out Smart ID and passport services to 300 branches by the end of 2026 in partnership with Home Affairs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 2:58 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from BusinessTech

Launch of Capitec Smart ID Services

Capitec has announced the imminent launch of its first branch capable of processing Smart ID and passport applications. This move follows a strategic commitment made in late 2025 to introduce Department of Home Affairs (DHA) services to approximately 300 branches by the end of this year. The bank ultimately aims to expand these services to its entire network of more than 860 branches. This expansion represents a significant shift for Capitec, which previously opted out of the initial 2015 banking pilot due to system integration challenges that threatened to disrupt standard banking operations.

Department of Home Affairs Digital Transformation

The partnership is a cornerstone of the DHA’s broader digital transformation strategy, which seeks to migrate civil services to more accessible digital and third party channels. The department has set an ambitious target of activating 100 bank branches nationwide by the end of March 2026, with a long term goal of reaching 1,000 branches by 2028. By integrating with banking systems, the DHA aims to reduce queues at traditional government offices and make identity documents more accessible to the general public through existing commercial infrastructure.

Operational Process for Applicants

The new system at Capitec branches is designed to be highly integrated to avoid the operational friction seen in earlier pilot programs. Clients can visit dedicated terminals for real time biometric verification and photo capture, which is cross referenced against the DHA database instantly. Once an application is processed, the Smart ID or passport will be available for collection at the same branch within a few weeks. Capitec has also indicated that future updates will allow for applications via its mobile app and potential home delivery services for completed documents.