ID Verification Drive – The Department of Home Affairs has launched an urgent national ID verification campaign that will impact millions of South African citizens starting 18 July 2025. Under the new rules, individuals who have not completed their biometric update – including fingerprint scanning and facial recognition – will face suspension of critical government services. This unprecedented move comes in response to rising cases of identity fraud, undocumented transactions, and duplicated records that have crippled public service delivery. The verification drive is being treated as a nationwide emergency measure. Citizens aged 16 and above who hold a green barcoded ID, smart ID card, or have pending applications must report to their nearest Home Affairs branch for a biometric capture. The campaign will run until further notice, and non-compliance could mean temporary deactivation of ID-linked services such as social grants, voting rights, banking access, and travel permissions. Home Affairs has confirmed that the update is compulsory and free of charge. Special mobile units will be dispatched to rural areas, townships, and schools to accommodate those who are unable to visit the offices in person. Authorities have urged the public to treat this as an essential civic responsibility, warning that delays may result in automatic blacklisting from essential government and private services.
What Is the Emergency ID Verification Drive?
The drive is aimed at cleansing the National Population Register and re-establishing trust in the identity system.
- Begins officially on 18 July 2025
- Applies to all citizens aged 16+
- Includes green barcoded IDs and smart ID cards
- Free biometric capture at all Home Affairs offices
- Fingerprint and facial data required
- Services may be suspended without update
- Applies even to those with valid IDs if issued before 2015
- SMS and email alerts already being sent to notify affected citizens
ID Verification Drive – Who Is Required to Update Their Biometrics?
The update is not optional and affects a wide group of people, especially those with older documentation or pending verifications.
| Category | Requirement | Deadline | Risk of Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Barcoded ID Holders | Mandatory biometric update | 18 July 2025 | Yes |
| Smart ID issued before 2015 | Recommended update | 18 July 2025 | Partial risk |
| Individuals aged 16 turning adult | Mandatory ID registration | Immediate | Yes |
| R350 Grant Applicants | Biometric confirmation needed | Ongoing | Yes |
| Refugees and asylum seekers with IDs | Verification required | 30 July 2025 | Yes |
| People with duplicate ID issues | Compulsory appearance | Immediate | Yes |
| Passport Applicants | Biometric update required | Ongoing | Application blocked |
| Citizens abroad with expired biometrics | Must contact embassy | 31 August | Temporary suspension |
ID Verification Drive – What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the biometric update deadline can result in a series of cascading service suspensions.
- ID documents flagged as “inactive”
- Ineligibility to receive SASSA grants
- Inability to register to vote
- Banking services may be restricted
- Border and travel control clearance revoked
- Academic and bursary documentation flagged
- Utility registrations (electricity, water) halted
How to Complete Your Biometric Verification
The Department has released multiple options to make the process accessible and fast.
- Visit your nearest Home Affairs office with your ID
- No appointment is required for July 18–August 15
- Carry original ID and any prior Home Affairs receipts
- A digital photo, fingerprints, and retina scan will be captured
- SMS confirmation will be sent post verification
- Updates are instant and reflect across government systems
Home Affairs Mobile Units and Special Outreach
To make the process easier for vulnerable groups, Home Affairs will run mobile outreach programs.
- Over 100 mobile vans will operate across provinces
- Each van will serve up to 300 citizens per day
- Priority to elderly, disabled, and school learners
- Outreach in partnership with schools, clinics, and churches
- Updates made instantly and confirmation SMS provided
Important Update for SASSA and Grant Beneficiaries
SASSA has confirmed that grant payments will be paused for recipients who fail to update their ID biometrics.
- R350 SRD, Child Support, Old Age, Disability grants all affected
- Verification deadline for grant beneficiaries: 24 July 2025
- Over 5.6 million SASSA-linked accounts flagged for check
- Payment reinstatement only after successful biometric update
Special Instructions for Citizens Abroad
South African citizens living abroad must also comply with the new rule.
- Contact the nearest South African embassy or consulate
- Online biometric scheduling system launched for select countries
- Digital capture kits now available at 21 overseas missions
- Those who fail to comply by 31 August 2025 may lose passport reissue eligibility
- Remote confirmation via consulate email not accepted
Full Schedule of Home Affairs Outreach Sites (18 July – 2 August)
| Date | Province | District | Location/Area | Mobile Unit Count | Priority Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 July | Gauteng | Tshwane | Mamelodi East | 5 | Youth, Seniors |
| 19 July | Eastern Cape | Buffalo City | Mdantsane | 3 | SASSA Grant Holders |
| 20 July | KwaZulu-Natal | eThekwini | Umlazi | 6 | General Public |
| 22 July | Free State | Mangaung | Bloemfontein West | 2 | School Learners |
| 24 July | Limpopo | Capricorn | Polokwane CBD | 4 | Pensioners, Farmers |
| 27 July | North West | Bojanala | Rustenburg Central | 3 | Women & Children |
| 29 July | Mpumalanga | Ehlanzeni | Nelspruit Township | 3 | Disabled, Rural Poor |
| 2 August | Western Cape | Cape Town Metro | Mitchells Plain | 5 | All Residents |
The Home Affairs Emergency ID Verification Drive is a critical step in securing national records and enabling safe access to all public services. Citizens are strongly advised to complete their biometric updates well before the 18 July deadline to avoid major service disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is there a fee for the biometric update?
No, the update is completely free at all Home Affairs offices and mobile units.
Q2. What happens if I already have a Smart ID?
If it was issued before 2015, you are advised to update your biometrics.
Q3. Will I be notified if I am affected?
Yes, Home Affairs is sending SMS and email alerts to those flagged in the system.
Q4. Can I update my biometrics online?
No, you must appear in person for physical verification.
Q5. Are children required to undergo verification?
Only individuals aged 16 and above are required, unless specified.