What happens to your green ID book when you get a Smart ID card? What you need to know

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When you hold both a Smart ID Card and an older green ID book, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) considers the Smart ID your primary, valid identification document.

When the smart ID card was initially launched, the department said all applicants would be required to hand in their green book when collecting their card.

Home Affairs officials were then supposed to hand over these documents for cancellation. Some citizens reported that Home Affairs staff did not process their green ID books.

An anonymous citizen shared: "Upon receiving my smart card at the bank, I enquired whether I needed to return my green ID book. The Capitec consultant advised me to retain it but refrain from using it."