- Joined
- Jan 13, 2008
- Messages
- 1,304
- Reaction score
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Hi all. We are quick to criticize around here - especially when it comes to government.
So a good news story and one which seriously impressed me - the new smart ID card process.
I found out it was open for 30-35 year olds (phased rollout). I registered online on the DHA eChannel website. I completed the details required, which took all of 10 minutes. No need to scan or upload any additional documentation. I booked the appointment slot the next week, very close to me at FNB in Merchant Place, by RMB. I printed the booking/application confirmation form that was generated and at the branch it took all of 5 minutes - some biometrics (fingerprint scanner), a photo, electronic signature, and out I went. About 10 days later I got the notification that it was ready. Popped back into the branch, verified the fingerprints, one more electronic signature, and I got my new smart ID card.
Each step of the process - from registering, to making the appointment, to completing the process at the branch - I got both an SMS and email. The DHA guys at the branch were courteous and efficient. The process was about as painless as I can imagine - nothing to fault.
The only slight bump in the road was the fact that the online payment currently only works with the 4 main retail banks, so I had to use my missus's account. But that was a minor quibble, and it felt safe and secure - it is like a SARS payment where you provide the account details and they initiate a payment to them. You then login to the online banking platform to confirm payment.
All in all, a very pleasurable process - thumbs up to DHA! :thumbs: :thumbs:
So a good news story and one which seriously impressed me - the new smart ID card process.
I found out it was open for 30-35 year olds (phased rollout). I registered online on the DHA eChannel website. I completed the details required, which took all of 10 minutes. No need to scan or upload any additional documentation. I booked the appointment slot the next week, very close to me at FNB in Merchant Place, by RMB. I printed the booking/application confirmation form that was generated and at the branch it took all of 5 minutes - some biometrics (fingerprint scanner), a photo, electronic signature, and out I went. About 10 days later I got the notification that it was ready. Popped back into the branch, verified the fingerprints, one more electronic signature, and I got my new smart ID card.
Each step of the process - from registering, to making the appointment, to completing the process at the branch - I got both an SMS and email. The DHA guys at the branch were courteous and efficient. The process was about as painless as I can imagine - nothing to fault.
The only slight bump in the road was the fact that the online payment currently only works with the 4 main retail banks, so I had to use my missus's account. But that was a minor quibble, and it felt safe and secure - it is like a SARS payment where you provide the account details and they initiate a payment to them. You then login to the online banking platform to confirm payment.
All in all, a very pleasurable process - thumbs up to DHA! :thumbs: :thumbs:
