South AfricaSouth Africa Smart ID Card Photo: No Photos at Smart ID Offices, Two Photos for Replacements and Temporary IDs
Smart ID offices capture your photo digitally, so no prints. A replacement (R140) or temporary ID (R70) needs two identical photos; abroad, 35 x 45 mm.
In this article · 4 sections
Key points
5 points- Western Cape Government: no photos needed at smart ID offices — ID images are captured digitally.
- First ID for youths and pensioners over 60: free, no photos. Smart ID for other citizens: R140, no photos.
- Replacement of an ID or smart card: R140 and two identical ID photos. Temporary ID: R70 and two identical ID photos.
- Call your Home Affairs office first to confirm it uses the biometric live-capture system.
- Abroad (DIRCO): 35 x 45 mm, face 70–80 %, light grey or plain cream background; missions abroad do not issue smart ID cards.
Do you need ID photos for a South African smart ID card? At offices with the live-capture system, no. The government’s Vuk’uzenzele FAQ answers: «There will be no need for applicants to bring photos.»
When photos are needed
Western Cape Government, «Applying for an identity document»:
| Application | Cost | Photos |
|---|---|---|
| First ID or smart ID card, youths and pensioners over 60 | Free | None |
| Smart ID card, all other citizens | R140 | None |
| Replacement of an ID or smart card | R140 | Two identical ID photos |
| Temporary ID | R70 | Two identical ID photos |
The cost of the photographs is not included. Only offices with the live-capture system issue smart ID cards, so the page advises contacting your Home Affairs office first to confirm whether it uses the biometric system and whether you need to bring photos.
Applying abroad
South African missions abroad do not take smart ID card applications. The embassy in Berne states: «Foreign offices do not facilitate applications for Smart ID Card.»
The DIRCO photo specification (mission in the UK) for passports and IDs:
- Two identical photos, colour (black and white also accepted for IDs), not more than one month old.
- 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, head and top of the shoulders, face 70–80 % of the photo.
- Light grey or plain cream background, even lighting, no shadows or red eye.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open; glasses without reflections, tint or heavy frames.
- Printed professionally — home prints are not likely to be acceptable.
Mission pages add their own details: Canberra asks for two certified photos and does not accept photo booth pictures; Copenhagen says photos must not be affixed to the forms.
See our South Africa ID photo page for the 35 x 45 mm format.
03Questions
5 answers01Do I need photos for a smart ID card in South Africa?
No, at offices with live capture the image is taken digitally (Western Cape Government, Vuk’uzenzele).
02How much does a smart ID card cost?
R140 for most citizens; free for a first ID for youths and pensioners over 60.
03When do I need two ID photos?
For a replacement of an ID or smart card (R140) and for a temporary ID (R70).
04Can I get a smart ID card at an embassy?
No. The embassy in Berne says foreign offices do not facilitate smart ID card applications.
05What size are South African ID photos?
35 mm wide and 45 mm high, face 70–80 % of the photo (DIRCO specification).
04Official sources
- Western Cape Government — Applying for an identity document
westerncape.gov.za - Vuk’uzenzele — The smart ID card is here
vukuzenzele.gov.za - DIRCO — Passport and ID photograph specifications (PDF)
dirco.gov.za - South African Embassy in Berne — Re-issue of ID document
dirco.gov.za - South African High Commission in Canberra — ID applications
dirco.gov.za
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
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