The South African government has published draft amended regulations under the Identification Act of 1997, giving the public a chance to comment on a proposed Digital Identity system before it becomes law.
The regulations were gazetted on 6 May 2026. The deadline for written comments is 6 June 2026.
What is being proposed
The draft regulations call for the creation of secure Digital Identity credentials that would exist alongside the Department of Home Affairs’ current physical-identity products.
Under the proposed system, citizens would be able to securely store, access and use digital versions of their identity document, birth certificate, marriage certificate and other Home Affairs documents on their smartphones.
Importantly, the use of the Digital Identity system would be voluntary. Physical products such as Smart ID cards would continue to be issued and used alongside any digital option.
Part of SONA commitments
The initiative forms part of the commitments made by the President in his State of the Nation Address.
How to have your say
Members of the public, civil society, industry and other stakeholders are invited to review the draft regulations and submit written comments before 6 June 2026, ahead of the regulations being finalised.
The draft gazette is available on the Department of Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za
Submissions must be addressed to the Chief Director: Legal Services and may be sent in one of three ways:
- By hand: 10th Floor, Hallmark Building, 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria, 0001
- By post: Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001
- By e-mail: Moses.Malakate@dha.gov.za
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