How to Apply for a Smart ID at Pavillion – Department of Home Affairs

Here’s the quickest way to book at The Pavilion Shopping Centre (Westville) Home Affairs for a Smart ID card which is the closest DHA to our Neighbourhood.

1. Book online (BABS)

• Go to the Department of Home Affairs Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) and sign in with your SA ID number. Choose KwaZulu-Natal → The Pavilion Shopping Centre (Westville), pick Smart ID, and select a timeslot.
• If Pavilion isn’t showing (fully booked or temporarily hidden), check back later or try a nearby KZN office (e.g., Pinetown/Umgeni Rd) — walk-ins are sometimes helped, but booked clients are prioritised.

2. Know where & when

• Pavilion’s DHA office does Smart IDs and passports inside the mall. Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 (usually 09:00–15:30 on the last Wednesday of the month). It’s located on the –3 parking level, below the escalators near Nu Metro.

3. What to bring

• First-time ID (age 16+): it’s free. Bring your birth certificate (and any supporting documents if your details changed).
• Re-issue / replacement: fee is R140; bring your green ID (or affidavit if lost) and proof of address; marriage/divorce documents if your surname changed.

4. Alternative route (if you prefer a bank branch)
   You can also apply and pay on eHomeAffairs and then book biometrics at a participating bank (e.g., Standard Bank, FNB). This is separate from the Pavilion mall office.
5. Help & confirmations
   If you don’t receive an SMS or need help with your booking, call the DHA Contact Centre: 0800 60 11 90.

Community Tip: Slots can go fast — checking BABS early in the day and trying multiple dates usually helps. . 😉

Your Checklist

1) First-time Smart ID (age 16+)

• Original birth certificate.
• Certified copy of a parent/legal guardian’s ID (and death certificate(s) if parents are deceased).
• Proof of residence (if available) or be ready to provide your residential address.
• Parent/guardian should accompany a first-time minor applicant.
• Fee: Free for first-time 16+ applicants.

2) Pensioners (60+), first-time Smart ID

• Green ID book (or affidavit if it’s lost).
• Proof of residence / address.
• Marriage certificate (if married) and/or divorce decree (if divorced).
• Fee: Free.

3) Converting your old green ID / Re-issue (lost, damaged, or update)

• Green ID book (or affidavit if lost).
• Proof of residence / address.
• Marriage certificate (if married) and/or divorce decree (if divorced), especially if your surname changed.
• Fee: R140.

4) If you applied online (eHomeAffairs)

• Take your booking confirmation/SMS and payment proof to your capture appointment (they’ll also list any extra supporting docs in your profile).

Handy notes

-No photos needed at “live-capture” offices (that’s what Pavilion is set up for).

-They’ll capture fingerprints, photo, and signature on site. (Standard DHA live-capture process.)