Government

Need an ID to vote on 4 November? Home Affairs stays open until 9pm

Home Affairs offices open 08:00 to 18:00 from 2 to 4 November, and until 21:00 on election day, so voters can collect IDs or get a R70 temporary certificate. Only a smart ID, green ID book or valid TIC is accepted at the polls.

By Reported Team

Election stamps from several South African elections inside a green barcoded ID book
Photo: HelenOnline, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Home Affairs offices across the country will stay open later next week so voters can get the ID they need for the 4 November local government elections. From Monday 2 November to Wednesday 4 November, front offices will open from 08:00 to 18:00, and on election day itself they will run from 07:00 to 21:00, matching voting station hours (Home Affairs via gov.za).

You can use the extra hours to collect an ID you have already applied for, apply for a new one, or get a Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) where applicable (gov.za).

Which IDs can you vote with?

Only three documents are accepted at the voting station (SAnews):

  • a smart ID card
  • the green barcoded ID book
  • a valid Temporary Identity Certificate

Driver's licences, passports, student cards and photocopies of your ID will be turned away (SAnews). The door controller at the entrance checks and scans your ID before you go in (IEC).

What does a temporary ID cost?

Home Affairs charges R70 for a TIC, which is valid for two months. It is only issued once your fingerprints are positively verified, so you have to apply in person (Home Affairs). Replacing a lost green ID book costs R140 (Home Affairs).

If you already have a smart ID application waiting at an office, the department's main ask is that you go and collect it before the polls (gov.za). Government has also pointed people needing a replacement ID to the more than 450 participating bank branches, and urged them not to leave it to the last minute (SAnews).

When and where do you vote?

Voting stations open from 07:00 to 21:00 on 4 November. Special votes, for people who applied for them, take place on 2 and 3 November from 08:00 to 17:00 (SAnews).

In municipal elections you must vote at the station where you are registered (SAnews). To check your registration and station:

You will get two ballot papers if you are registered in a metro (ward and party list) and three in a local municipality, where there is also a district council ballot (SAnews).

FAQ

What are Home Affairs' hours during election week 2026?

From 2 to 4 November 2026, Home Affairs front offices open from 08:00 to 18:00. On election day, 4 November, they open from 07:00 to 21:00.

Can I vote with my driver's licence or passport?

No. The IEC only accepts a smart ID card, a green barcoded ID book or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate. Driver's licences, passports, student cards and photocopies are not accepted.

How much is a Temporary Identity Certificate?

Home Affairs charges R70 for a TIC. It is valid for two months and is issued only after your fingerprints are positively verified.

How do I check where I am registered to vote?

Check on elections.org.za, SMS your ID number to 32810, or send Hi on WhatsApp to the IEC on 060 088 0000. In municipal elections you must vote where you are registered.

Sources