Blocked ID? South Africans have until this date to avoid possible cancellation

The Department of Home Affairs has urged South Africans whose identity documents (ID) were blocked before November 2022 to come forward before 10 July 2026 or risk having their identity numbers cancelled.

The department announced a nationwide campaign this week to help affected individuals regularise their status while protecting the integrity of the National Population Register.

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According to Home Affairs, people with blocked IDs will be allowed to explain why their identity numbers should be unblocked before any final decisions are made.

Why were IDs blocked?

Over the years, some identity numbers were blocked under provisions of the Identification Act due to concerns such as duplicate records, questions around citizenship or identity status, and other cases requiring further verification.

Home Affairs said more than 2.2 million identity numbers have already been successfully unblocked through previous investigations and administrative processes.

However, many cases remain unresolved.

Now, the department says anyone whose ID was blocked before November 2022 must visit a Home Affairs office in person before the deadline.

The department said representations cannot be submitted through banks or refugee reception centres and must be made directly at a Home Affairs front office.

Affected individuals will be required to provide both written and oral explanations, along with any supporting documents that can help verify their identity and legal status.

Documents you should bring

Home Affairs has encouraged applicants to bring as much supporting evidence as possible.

This may include:

• Original birth certificates
• Clinic cards or birth confirmations
• Hospital birth records
• Parents’ identity documents or death certificates
• School records
• Letters from traditional authorities
• Affidavits from parents or informants
• Any other documentation that can help confirm identity, citizenship or legal status

The department said additional documents may strengthen an individual’s case during the review process.

IDs could still be cancelled

While the campaign is intended to help people resolve their records, Home Affairs warned that some identity numbers may ultimately be cancelled if investigations reveal irregularities.

This could include cases where documents were obtained fraudulently, contain incorrect personal information, were unlawfully altered, or belong to individuals who do not qualify for inclusion in the National Population Register.

The department also warned that people who fail to appear in person and provide the required documentation could face cancellation of their identity numbers once the administrative process has been completed.

For many South Africans, a valid ID is essential for accessing services, applying for jobs, opening bank accounts, registering for studies and receiving social benefits.

Home Affairs has therefore urged anyone affected not to wait until the last minute.

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