Update ID Info – In a major move to streamline public service delivery and ensure accurate identification across national databases, the Department of Home Affairs has announced a fresh deadline for citizens to update their ID information. This initiative is particularly focused on correcting outdated addresses, photos, and biometric details to improve security and grant accessibility to essential government services. With increasing cases of fraud, duplicated profiles, and delayed service access due to incorrect records, the Home Affairs Department is urging all South Africans—especially those who haven’t updated their ID in over a decade—to reverify and update their personal details before the new cut-off date. Missing the deadline may result in suspension of services linked to social grants, voter registration, and even banking verification.
Why the Update Is Important
The Home Affairs Department has flagged several technical and security concerns over mismatched or outdated ID data. Citizens are now expected to act swiftly to avoid any disruption in vital services.
Key reasons for the update campaign:
- High incidents of identity fraud and impersonation.
- Problems in SASSA, UIF, and R350 grant verifications due to mismatched data.
- Difficulty in verifying ID for banks, employers, and voting stations.
- Efforts to link all South Africans to biometric security systems.
- Increased demand for e-services that rely on updated ID profiles.
Who Needs to Update Their ID Information?
While all citizens are encouraged to update their details, some categories are especially prioritized in the current Home Affairs outreach program.
Priority groups include:
- Individuals with old green barcoded ID books.
- Citizens with missing fingerprints or outdated photos in the database.
- People who have changed their residential address.
- Youth who turned 16 and have not yet applied for an ID.
- Anyone who has changed names due to marriage/divorce without updating their ID.
- Citizens flagged during SASSA or SRD grant KYC verification failures.
Official Deadline and Rollout Plan
The new deadline for the ID revalidation initiative has been announced as 30 September 2025. After this date, incomplete or outdated ID records may result in a service freeze or rejection during eligibility checks for grants, benefits, or banking.
Home Affairs Verification Timeline
| Phase | Region Covered | Start Date | End Date | Mode of Update | Support Centers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Gauteng & Western Cape | 1 August 2025 | 31 August 2025 | Walk-in + Online | All major DHA branches |
| Phase 2 | KZN & Eastern Cape | 5 August 2025 | 15 September 2025 | Mobile Units + Offices | Rural DHA pop-ups |
| Phase 3 | Remaining Provinces | 20 August 2025 | 30 September 2025 | Online Preferred | Selected urban branches |
How to Update Your ID Information
The Department has made the update process simple and accessible for everyone, both online and offline.
Required Documents
| Update Type | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Address Change | Proof of new address (utility bill, lease agreement) |
| Biometric Update | Old ID, in-person presence for fingerprints/photo |
| Name or Marital Status | Marriage/divorce certificate, existing ID |
| First-Time Application | Birth certificate, one parent’s ID, school letter |
| Lost ID Replacement | Affidavit, proof of residence, old ID copy (if available) |
Step-by-Step Process for Online Update
- Visit the eHomeAffairs Portal
- Register or log in using your SA ID number.
- Choose “ID Update” under available services.
- Fill in updated address, contact info, and marital status.
- Upload scanned documents as proof.
- Schedule an appointment at a nearest office for biometric updates.
- Receive confirmation via SMS or email.
Consequences of Not Updating by the Deadline
If you fail to update your ID information by 30 September 2025, you may face significant restrictions on your access to essential public and private services.
Possible consequences include:
- Suspension of SASSA SRD, Child Support, or Pension grant payments.
- Difficulty opening or accessing bank accounts.
- Denial of admission at universities and government bursary programs.
- Voter registration rejections for 2026 elections.
- Immigration or travel delays due to mismatched biometric data.
- Penalties or administrative blocks in UIF and RAF applications.
Real-Life Example: What Happened to Thabiso in Limpopo?
Thabiso Mokoena, a 27-year-old resident of Limpopo, failed to update his ID after moving to a new village. When he applied for a SASSA Child Support Grant for his daughter in May 2025, his application was rejected due to mismatched address and missing biometric records. After spending weeks rectifying the issue, he finally managed to resubmit and get approval—but only after considerable delays. The new update initiative is meant to prevent such disruptions for others.
Support and Helpline for Assistance
To make the process smoother, the Department has launched new helplines and WhatsApp-based assistance.
Helpline Options:
- Call Centre: 0800 60 11 90 (Mon–Sat, 8AM–6PM)
- WhatsApp Help: Send “ID Update” to 0600 123 456
- Email Support: [email protected]
- Walk-in Help Desks: Available at all Home Affairs Offices
You can also check your ID update status on the eHomeAffairs portal using your ID number.
The ID update initiative by Home Affairs is a critical national drive to modernize identification systems and ensure every South African has uninterrupted access to essential services. Whether it’s for social grants, school admissions, job applications, or voting—your updated ID is now the gateway to eligibility. Don’t wait until the last moment—act now and secure your benefits before the 30 September 2025 deadline.
FAQs
1. What is the last date to update my ID information?
The final deadline is 30 September 2025, after which service interruptions may occur.
2. Can I update my ID online?
Yes, basic updates can be done online via the eHomeAffairs Portal, but biometric updates must be completed in person.
3. What if I lost my old ID?
You can apply for a replacement by submitting an affidavit and proof of address at a Home Affairs office.
4. Will SASSA grants stop if I don’t update?
Yes, grants like SRD and Child Support may be delayed or suspended if your ID details are outdated or mismatched.
5. Is there any fee for updating my ID?
Most updates are free, but fees may apply for lost ID replacements or changes to names.
