What Is a Green ID Book? South Africa's ID Book Explained (original) (raw)
South Africa's green ID book was the standard form of identity documentation for citizens and permanent residents for decades. Recognisable by its small green booklet format, it was issued by the Department of Home Affairs until it was phased out in favour of the smart ID card from 2013 onwards.
The green ID book displays your 13-digit South African ID number, which encodes your date of birth, gender, and citizenship status. You can verify or decode any SA ID number instantly using the free ID checker tool on our homepage.
The green ID book — formally known as the South African Identity Document — was introduced in 1986 when the apartheid-era population register was restructured. It replaced earlier identity documents and served as the primary proof of identity for all South African citizens and permanent residents for nearly three decades.
The booklet is roughly the size of a small passport, with a green cover bearing the South African coat of arms. Inside, it contains your personal details, photograph, and your unique 13-digit ID number. Home Affairs stopped issuing new green ID books in 2013, but existing green ID books remain legally valid.
What Information Does a Green ID Book Contain?
Your green ID book includes the following information:
- Full name and surname
- 13-digit South African ID number
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- Citizenship status (South African citizen or permanent resident)
- A photograph
- Signature or thumbprint
- Date of issue
The 13-digit ID number is the most important element — it is your permanent national identifier and does not change even if you later upgrade to a smart ID card.
The 13-Digit SA ID Number on Your Green ID Book
Every green ID book displays the 13-digit ID number prominently. This number encodes several pieces of personal information and includes a checksum digit that can be used to verify whether the number is valid.
Here is what each section of the number means:
- Digits 1–6: Date of birth in YYMMDD format (for example, 900328 = 28 March 1990)
- Digits 7–10: Gender sequence (0000–4999 = female, 5000–9999 = male)
- Digit 11: Citizenship status (0 = South African citizen, 1 = permanent resident)
- Digit 12: Historically used for race classification before 1986; this digit is now always 8 or 9 and carries no classification meaning
- Digit 13: Luhn checksum digit, used to mathematically verify the number is valid
To instantly decode and verify any 13-digit SA ID number — including the one in your green ID book — use the free ID checker tool on this site. It will confirm whether the number is valid and display the date of birth, gender, and citizenship status encoded within it.
For a detailed breakdown of the full format, see our guide: South African ID Number Format Explained.
Green ID Book vs Smart ID Card: What Is the Difference?
South Africa began replacing the green ID book with the smart ID card in 2013. The smart ID card is a credit-card-sized document embedded with a microchip that stores encrypted biometric data.
Both documents carry the same 13-digit ID number — the number itself never changes.
| Feature | Green ID Book | Smart ID Card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Small booklet | Credit card |
| Biometric chip | No | Yes |
| Security features | Basic | Advanced (hologram, chip) |
| Still issued | No | Yes |
| Still accepted | Yes | Yes |
| ID number | Same 13-digit number | Same 13-digit number |
For a full comparison of the two document types, see our guide: Smart ID Card vs Green ID Book: What Is the Difference?
Is the Green ID Book Still Valid?
Yes. Despite no longer being issued, the green ID book remains a legally valid identity document in South Africa. You can still use it to:
- Open a bank account (FICA verification)
- Apply for SASSA grants
- Register to vote
- Sign contracts and legal documents
- Travel within parts of the SADC region
- Access government services
However, for international travel, the green ID book is not a substitute for a valid South African passport. Some institutions have also begun to strongly encourage or require the smart ID card, so upgrading is advisable if you still hold a green ID book.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Green ID Book
If your green ID book is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it and then apply for a replacement at your nearest Home Affairs office.
The replacement process:
- Obtain a police case number from your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station (required for lost or stolen documents)
- Visit your nearest Home Affairs office with the necessary supporting documents
- Complete the relevant application form
- Pay the prescribed fee
- Return to collect your new identity document once notified
Important: Home Affairs no longer issues new green ID books. If you apply for a replacement, you will receive a smart ID card instead. The smart ID card will carry the same 13-digit ID number as your old green ID book.
For a full step-by-step guide to the application process, see: How to Apply for a South African ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the green ID book still accepted in South Africa?
Yes. The green ID book remains a legally valid identity document. Banks, government departments, and most institutions accept it for FICA verification and general identification purposes.
What happens if I lose my green ID book?
Report the loss to your nearest SAPS station to obtain a case number, then visit a Home Affairs office to apply for a replacement. You will receive a smart ID card as the replacement — new green ID books are no longer issued.
Can I use a green ID book to open a bank account?
Yes. South African banks accept the green ID book as a valid form of identification for FICA compliance. You will need to present the original document, not a copy.
Is my ID number different on the smart ID card versus the green ID book?
No. Your 13-digit South African ID number is permanent and remains the same whether it appears on your green ID book or your smart ID card.
How do I verify that an ID number from a green ID book is valid?
Use the free SA ID checker tool on this site. Enter the 13-digit number and the tool will confirm whether it is mathematically valid and display the information encoded within it.
Can I travel internationally with a green ID book?
Not to most destinations. The green ID book is not accepted as a travel document for most international travel. A valid South African passport is required for travel outside the SADC region.