Race to unblock IDs as voter registration weekend looms

The Department of Home Affairs has urged South Africans with identity documents (IDs) that were blocked before November 2022 to come forward ahead of the upcoming voter registration weekend. With voter registration set for 20 and 21 June, affected individuals have until 10 July 2026 to resolve their status or face the permanent cancellation of their identity numbers.

The department said it has launched a nationwide campaign to help affected individuals regularise their status while safeguarding the integrity of the National Population Register. Those impacted have just over three weeks to submit representations explaining why their IDs should be unblocked.

In terms of section 3 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) of 2000, individuals are entitled to make representations before a final decision is taken.

“Home Affairs is committed to ensuring that all affected persons are afforded a fair opportunity to present their case,” the department said.

People with blocked IDs must appear in person at any Home Affairs office — excluding refugee reception centres and banks — to submit both written and oral representations by 10 July 2026. 

Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the identity number once the administrative process has been completed.

The department said IDs were blocked under section 19 of the Identification Act (Act No. 68 of 1997), mainly due to duplication or where an individual’s status requires verification. To date, 2 202 368 identity numbers have been successfully unblocked.

Applicants are advised to bring any documents that could help confirm their identity, citizenship or legal status. These may include a birth certificate or clinic card, proof of birth from a hospital register, parents’ identity documents, school records, affidavits from parents or informants, or letters from traditional authorities.

Home Affairs warned that identity documents or records may be cancelled if investigations show they were issued to people who do not qualify for inclusion in the National Population Register, contain incorrect personal details, were obtained fraudulently, or were forged, altered or unlawfully manipulated.

IDs may also be cancelled if individuals fail to present themselves in person with the required supporting documents.

The department has urged all affected individuals to act without delay and use this opportunity to regularise their status.   

More information on blocked IDs is available at: www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/blocked-ids-26 

Did you know?

South Africa’s next local government elections will take place on 4 November 2026. All eligible citizens must have a valid ID or temporary ID in order to register and vote.