How can I check my ID status at Home Affairs?

Checking the status of your Identity Document (ID) at the South African Department of Home Affairs is an essential step for anyone who has recently applied for a new ID, a replacement, or an update to their existing ID.

Online Status Check

The Department of Home Affairs has made it possible to check the status of your ID online, providing a convenient and quick way to obtain updates.

Using the DHA Website:

  1. Visit the Official DHA Website: Navigate to the official Department of Home Affairs website. The direct URL may change, so it’s best to search for it using a reputable search engine.
  2. Find the ID Status Check Service: Look for a link or a section dedicated to ID or document tracking. This could be labeled something like “ID Application Status,” “Track Your Status,” or similar.
  3. Enter Your Details: You will typically be prompted to enter either your ID number or the application receipt number. Some forms may also require additional personal information for verification purposes.
  4. Submit and View Status: After submitting your details, you should be able to view the current status of your ID application.

Step 3: SMS Service

The Department of Home Affairs may offer an SMS service that allows you to check your ID status by sending a message from your mobile phone. This service is subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the current details on the DHA website or by contacting their customer service.

  • Send an SMS: Typically, you would send an SMS to a specific number provided by the DHA, including your ID number or application number.
  • Receive Status Update: You will receive a reply SMS with the status of your ID application.
  •  Use your mobile phone’s SMS function
  •  Send the 13-digit RSA ID number with our keyword(IDNO) to 38021
  •  Type it like so – IDNO ‘space’ 13-digit ID number
    Example: IDNO 7905025426088
  •  SEND TO 38021
  •  An SMS with the verified details will be sent directly to you

Step 4: Call the Department of Home Affairs

If you prefer speaking to a representative or if the online and SMS options are not available, you can call the Department of Home Affairs’ hotline.

  • Find the Contact Number: Look up the current contact number on the DHA website to ensure you have the correct and most up-to-date information.
  • Prepare Your Information: Have your ID number or application receipt number ready before you call to facilitate the process.
  • Call and Inquire: Once connected, follow the prompts to reach the appropriate department, and ask the representative to check the status of your ID application.

Step 5: Visit a Department of Home Affairs Office

For individuals who may not have access to online services or who prefer in-person assistance, visiting a local Department of Home Affairs office is an option.

  • Locate Your Nearest Office: Use the DHA website or contact their hotline to find the nearest office.
  • Bring Necessary Documentation: Take your ID number, application receipt, and any other relevant documents with you.
  • Inquire In-Person: Once at the office, inquire at the information desk or with a service representative about how to check the status of your ID application.

Important Tips

  • Patience is Key: Processing times for ID documents can vary based on the volume of applications and other factors. It’s important to be patient while awaiting your application’s processing.
  • Keep Records Safe: Always keep a record of your application receipt number and any other correspondence related to your ID application in a safe place.
  • Follow Up Regularly: If you don’t receive updates, don’t hesitate to follow up periodically using any of the methods mentioned above.

By following these steps, you should be able to check the status of your ID application at the South African Department of Home Affairs with relative ease. Remember to use the method that is most convenient and accessible for you.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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