South Africa to Phase Out Green ID Books Within Two Years
The Department of Home Affairs has announced a significant change for South African citizens regarding official identification. According to deputy director-general Tulani Mavuso, the traditional green ID books will no longer be considered a valid form of identification in the country within the next two years.
This decision is part of a broader government initiative to move toward a fully digital identification system. By phasing out the physical green books, the department aims to improve security and reduce the risk of identity fraud. The transition is expected to streamline administrative processes for citizens across the country.
Currently, many South Africans still rely on the green ID book for daily activities, such as banking, voting, and applying for government services. The government is encouraging those who still hold these older documents to apply for the newer smart ID cards as soon as possible to avoid future complications.
While the government has not yet released a specific deadline for the final day of validity, the two-year timeline serves as a clear warning for residents. Officials are expected to provide more information on the application process and support for citizens during this transition period in the coming months.