An identity document is important to get as soon as you are eligible (from 16 years of age) as it proves your identity. The green bar-coded identity book (ID book) is also a legal form of identity when dealing with public and private institutions. There are many occasions when you will be requested to provide a copy of your ID book – for example for access to housing, education and healthcare services; to apply for a driver’s license or a job; when entering into business agreements and even when registering for the Unemployment Insurance Fund. You will also need an identity book to apply for a passport, and visas to work, study or visit friends and family overseas. You will also need your identity book to register to vote in the general and municipal elections.

Identity documents are issued to South African citizens or permanent residence permit holders who are 16 years or older. People (including spouses and children) who are working for the South African government or one of its statutory bodies outside of the Republic of South Africa also qualify to receive South African ID books.

You can apply for your ID book at any office of the Department of Home Affairs or any South African mission or consulate overseas. All applications are sent to the Department’s head office in Pretoria. There, your fingerprints will be matched with those already on record or entered into the National Population Register (NPR). Your application will then be processed and once issued, your ID book will be forwarded to the office where you made your application for you to collect.

If you are married and want to assume the surname of your spouse. You must submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate, a completed application form(s) and a pay the required fee. If you are a woman and want to apply for a new ID in the name of any of your previous surnames, then documentary proof showing you are entitled to use that surname must be provided (i.e. a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, etc.) along with the completed forms. You will also be required to pay a fee for the re-issue. If your ID book has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a replacement.

[NOTICE] The Department of Home Affairs has issued a book-type identity document for the applications submitted to the Department via the South African Embassy in Seoul. If you need a Smart ID Card, please submit your application to one of the designated offices in the Republic of when you visit or return home: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/id-smart-card/offices-ready

Appointment bookings are required for all the visitors to the South African Embassy in Seoul. Walk-in services are NOT available.

Applicants are requested to complete the check-list (DOWNLOAD) and prepare all the required information and documentation accordingly. We advise to read and complete the specimen forms –to be e-mailed to each applicant upon request. Please scan all the supporting documents listed in the check-list together with the completed specimen forms. The scanned copies shall be forwarded to our Consular Section by e-mail: consular.seoul@dirco.gov.za. We will review your documentation and advise you accordingly.

If all your documents are confirmed with us by e-mail, you are ready to submit the application(s) to the Embassy. We send a booking confirmation to each applicant after pre-checking of your documents. Please note that only those who have an appointment confirmed by e-mail are admitted to the chancery building. Accompanying person will not be allowed except for minors and elderly people. An appointment signifies the date and time when the applicant for EACH application should appear at the Consular Office. If you have more than one application, please let us know.

Applicants must be prepared to provide all the relevant information to our officials when the application is submitted to the Embassy. Original forms are available at the Embassy at the time of your appointment. If you have completed the specimen form(s), it will help you a lot to complete the ORIGINAL form(s) at the Embassy that day. Should you have any queries regarding your application or require further assistance and advice, please feel free to contact us at consular.seoul@dirco.gov.za