The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has urged South Africans whose identity documents (IDs) were blocked before November 2022 to urgently visit their nearest Home Affairs office and resolve their status before 10 July 2026.
The department is assisting affected individuals as part of efforts to protect the integrity of the National Population Register and ensure that legitimate identity records remain active.
According to Home Affairs, people whose IDs have been blocked must report in person to any DHA front office and provide both written and oral representations explaining why their identity documents, which correctly reflect their personal details, should not have been blocked or cancelled.
Citizens have been given until 10 July 2026 to submit their representations together with all relevant supporting documentation.
The department said supporting documents may include an original birth certificate, handwritten birth certificate, clinic card, confirmation of birth, hospital birth records, parentsโ identity documents or reference books, death certificates, or any other documents that can verify a person’s identity or legal status.
Home Affairs warned that failure to submit the required information and supporting documents before the deadline could have serious consequences.
“Failure to submit the required supporting documents within this six-week period will result in the Department of Home Affairs proceeding with the cancellation of your identity number without further notice,” the department said.
Residents who suspect that their ID may be blocked are encouraged to visit their nearest Home Affairs office as soon as possible to confirm their status and begin the verification process if necessary.
The department said the initiative is aimed at maintaining the accuracy and credibility of South Africaโs identity management system while protecting the rights of legitimate citizens and residents.
Affected individuals are urged not to wait until the last minute, as Home Affairs offices may experience increased demand closer to the 10 July deadline.
