South Africa to scrap green ID book from 31 March 2028

South Africa will stop producing green ID books on 31 March 2027, and the document will cease to be valid identification on 31 March 2028. The 14.7 million citizens and permanent residents who hold only a green ID book will have a year to switch to a smart ID card, now available at 515 bank branches.

• Production of green ID books ends on 31 March 2027 and the machines will be decommissioned
• The booklet stops being valid identification on 31 March 2028
• 14.7 million people hold only a green ID book and must switch to a smart ID
• Smart IDs are issued at 515 bank branches; over 822,000 people used the service since March