UPDATE: When will green barcoded ID books expire?

Many South Africans who still use the green barcoded ID book are in panic mode after the Department of Home Affairs revealed that they would “soon” expire. Speaking to news outlets last week, Minister Aaron Motsoaledi urged citizens to “upgrade” to a smart ID card.

The new card system was rolled out in 2013, and more than 21 million have since been issued to citizens.

WHEN WILL GREEN BARCODE ID BOOKS EXPIRE?

According to BusinessTech, the Department of Home Affairs has made it clear that the green ID book would only be declared invalid once all its centres had installed smart enrollment facilities.

The SABC reports that the green ID book remains an official legal document until an official announcement is made.

Speaking to eNCA last week, Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi claimed that the department was hoping to finalise the rollout of the smart ID card.

He said of the department’s plans: “We want to do away with the green barcode ID. We think it’s long enough that we’ve kept dual identity documents. Very soon, we will make an announcement that we will keep one, and the other (green barcode) becomes invalid”.

Speaking to The South African, spokesperson Thabo Mokgola confirmed that green barcode ID books were still valid for now. He could not confirm when the announcement or expiration of the document.

ROLLOUT ON TRACK – BUT THERE ARE SOME DELAYS

While the Department of Home Affairs previously claimed it is on track to meet its annual target of smart ID cards, there have been several major setbacks.

On social media, many South Africans revealed that delays at their Home Affairs offices thwarted their plans to upgrade to the card system. 

This included claims that many offices often did not have enough resources or had long waiting periods. Others – who were naturalised citizens – claimed that they were repeatedly denied access to upgrade to a smart card.

FIGHTING FRAUD LINKED TO GREEN ID BOOKS

Meanwhile, experts are also encouraging South Africans to trade their green ID books for smart ID cards, which have biometric safety features.

Security strategist Andy Mashaile told the SABC: “It is important for the government to discontinue green barcoded ID books. South Africa is number one in identity document fraud. 

“It is important for SA to be able to deal effectively with fraud [by using] technology for verification that has biometrics, amongst other things.”

HOW MUCH DOES A SMART ID CARD COST?

According to a directive by the Department of Home Affairs, the first time issuance of the smart ID card is free. This includes youth older than 16 and pensioners older than 60 who are upgrading from their green ID book.

For all other citizens, there is a R140 fee to upgrade to the smart ID card.