Bells HardingstoneThe Department of Home Affairs is one of the most important government institutions for South African citizens. Whether you need to apply for an ID, renew your passport, register a birth, or get married, a visit to Home Affairs is inevitable. In a bustling metropolis like Johannesburg, with millions of residents, navigating the various offices and their notoriously long queues can be a daunting task.
However, the department has made significant strides in recent years to improve service delivery. The introduction of online booking systems and extended operating hours has made the process smoother for those who come prepared. This guide provides everything you need to know about Home Affairs offices in Johannesburg, including their locations, operating hours, and a step-by-step guide to booking your appointment to save time and frustration.
Home Affairs Johannesburg Offices Locations Hours And Booking Guide: Complete Guide
Why Booking an Appointment is Essential
Gone are the days when you had to wake up before dawn to stand in a queue, only to risk being turned away. The Department of Home Affairs has implemented the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) to combat long queues and curb the practice of queue-touting, where individuals would sell spots in line .
The system allows you to book a time slot to visit a Home Affairs office for your application . Pre-booked clients are serviced at dedicated counters, making the process significantly faster and more predictable . For high-volume services like Smart ID cards and passports, using BABS is highly recommended, as some branches may prioritise clients who have booked .
Key Home Affairs Offices in Johannesburg
Home Affairs has several offices across the Johannesburg region. Here are some of the main ones, along with their known details.
Johannesburg CBD (Harrison Street)
This is a central office located in the heart of the city, making it accessible for those in the inner city and surrounding areas.
Address: 77 Harrison Street, Johannesburg CBD, 2001 .
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM .
Contact: No direct line listed; general enquiries can be directed to the DHA national contact centre.
Nearby Landmarks: Close to Johannesburg Park Station (a major transport hub), the Johannesburg City Hall, and the Johannesburg Art Gallery .
Randburg Office
This office serves the residents of Randburg and the surrounding northern suburbs.
Address: Corner Bram Fischer Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue, Randburg .
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM .
Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM .
Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed.
Contact: 011 789 9500 .
Soweto (Orlando) Office
This is one of the main offices serving the vast Soweto area.
Address: 11902 Kumalo Main Road & Armitage Street, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804 .
Office Manager: Pearl Poto .
Services: Smart ID Cards, Passports, Births, Marriages, and Deaths .
Contact: 011 936 5666 / 072 610 0562 .
Dobsonville Office
This office is also located in Soweto and serves the local community.
Address: Luthuli Street, Dobsonville, Johannesburg, 1863 .
Office Manager: Pearl Poto .
Services: Births, Marriages, and Deaths only (Note: This office does not process Smart IDs or Passports) .
Contact: 011 936 5666 / 072 610 0562 .
Roodepoort Office
Serving the western suburbs of Johannesburg, including Roodepoort and surrounding areas.
Address: 127 Albertina Sisulu Road, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1724 .
Office Manager: Lingile Afrika .
Services: Smart ID Cards, Passports, Births, Marriages, and Deaths .
Contact: 011 279 7300 / 072 611 7091 .
Maponya Mall Office (Soweto)
A convenient office located within the Maponya Mall in Soweto, offering services during shopping mall hours.
Address: Shop 368, Chris Hani Road, Maponya Mall, Soweto .
Office Manager: Ruth Nthathe .
Services: Smart ID Cards, Passports, Births, Marriages, and Deaths .
Contact: 072 919 9586 / 011 938 3296 .
Standard Bank Branches (for Smart ID and Passport Collection)
The Department of Home Affairs has partnered with major banks to offer an alternative channel for Smart ID and passport applications. This service allows you to complete the process at selected bank branches without visiting a Home Affairs office. You must first complete the online application and payment via your internet banking profile, then book an appointment at a participating branch to capture your fingerprints and photo .
Participating Standard Bank branches in the Johannesburg area where you can get your Smart ID or passport include:
Killarney Branch: Killarney Mall, Killarney, Johannesburg .
5 Simmonds Street Branch: Johannesburg CBD .
Contact your bank to see if they offer this service.
Extended and Special Operating Hours
The Department of Home Affairs occasionally extends its operating hours to accommodate high demand, particularly during the festive season and for specific events.
Festive Season Hours
To help people prepare for travel and holidays, selected Home Affairs offices often extend their hours during the December and January period. Typically, offices may close at 18:00 instead of the usual 16:00 . The department encourages applicants to use the BABS system to book appointments during these extended hours .
Saturday Services
On occasion, Home Affairs opens its doors on Saturdays for a limited period. For example, in 2024, offices opened from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays to assist students with ID collections for NSFAS applications . It is always worth checking the DHA website or local news for any announced Saturday services.
Booking Guide: How to Secure Your Appointment
To use the Branch Appointment Booking System, follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the DHA Website
Go to the official Department of Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za.
Step 2: Access BABS
On the homepage, look for the link or button for the Branch Appointment Booking System and click on it .
Step 3: Select Your Service and Office
You will be prompted to select the type of service you require (e.g., Smart ID card application, passport application, ID collection). You must then select the Home Affairs office or participating bank branch you wish to visit from a dropdown list.
Step 4: Choose a Date and Time
The system will display available dates and time slots for your chosen office. Select a time that is convenient for you.
Step 5: Enter Your Details
You will need to provide your personal information, including your ID number, full name, and contact details. Providing a correct cellphone number is crucial, as the department may use it to contact you proactively if there are any system issues or changes to your appointment .
Step 6: Confirm Your Booking
Review all your details and confirm the booking. You will receive a booking confirmation with a reference number. It is highly recommended that you print this confirmation letter or save it on your phone to present when you arrive at the office .
Step 7: Arrive on Time
On the day of your appointment, arrive at the office a few minutes early with all the required supporting documents. Pre-booked clients are typically assisted at dedicated counters, which helps to minimise wait times .
Home Affairs Offices Comparison
| Office Name | Location | Key Services | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison Street | 77 Harrison Street, CBD | All services | Not specified |
| Randburg | Cnr Bram Fischer & Jan Smuts Ave | All services | 011 789 9500 |
| Orlando (Soweto) | Orlando West, Soweto | All services | 011 936 5666 |
| Dobsonville | Luthuli Street, Soweto | Births, marriages, deaths only | 011 936 5666 |
| Roodepoort | Albertina Sisulu Road | All services | 011 279 7300 |
| Maponya Mall (Soweto) | Chris Hani Road, Soweto | All services | 011 938 3296 |
Common Questions, FAQ Section
What is the BABS system?
BABS stands for Branch Appointment Booking System. It is an online system launched by the Department of Home Affairs to allow citizens to book a specific time slot for their ID and passport applications, eliminating the need to queue for hours .
How do I book a Home Affairs appointment in Johannesburg?
You can book an appointment online through the official DHA website (www.dha.gov.za) by clicking on the BABS link. Follow the prompts to select your office, date, and time .
What are the operating hours for Home Affairs in Randburg?
The Randburg office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM .
Is the Home Affairs office in Johannesburg open on Saturdays?
Some offices, like the one in Randburg, are regularly open on Saturday mornings . Additionally, the department sometimes announces extended Saturday hours for specific periods, such as during the student application season .
Where can I get a Smart ID in Johannesburg?
Smart IDs can be obtained at several DHA offices, including the Harrison Street, Randburg, Orlando, Roodepoort, and Maponya Mall offices . You can also apply at selected Standard Bank branches, such as those in Killarney Mall and on Simmonds Street in the CBD .
What is the difference between BABS and eHomeAffairs?
eHomeAffairs is a service that allows you to complete the entire application online and make a payment, after which you only need to visit a partner bank branch for biometrics . BABS is for booking an appointment to have your application processed directly at a Home Affairs office .
Can I apply for a passport at any Home Affairs office in Johannesburg?
Most major offices, like those listed in this guide, offer passport application services. However, some smaller offices, like the Dobsonville office, may not process passports or Smart IDs . It is best to check before you go.
What should I bring to my Home Affairs appointment?
This depends on the service, but generally you will need your green ID book (if you have one), a completed application form (which you can often get online), and the required fee. For applications like Smart IDs, you will need to have made the payment online or be ready to pay at the bank if using the eHomeAffairs channel .
How do I contact the Home Affairs office in Roodepoort?
You can contact the Roodepoort office at 011 279 7300 .
Is there a Home Affairs office at Maponya Mall?
Yes, there is a Home Affairs office located at Shop 368 in Maponya Mall, Soweto .
Summary: Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.dha.gov.za |
| Booking System | BABS (via DHA website) |
| Main Offices | Harrison St, Randburg, Orlando, Roodepoort, Maponya Mall |
| Typical Hours | Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 3:30/4 PM; Some Sat mornings |
| Extended Hours | Festive season (until 6 PM) & occasional Saturdays |
| Alternative Channel | Selected Standard Bank branches |
Final Warning: Always Book and Verify
To ensure a smooth experience, always book your appointment online through BABS. Never rely solely on word-of-mouth for office hours, as they can change for public holidays or special events. Before you visit, it is always a good idea to double-check the specific office’s details on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Official Department of Home Affairs Website: www.dha.gov.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Office hours, services, and contact details are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information on the official DHA website or by contacting the office directly.