When you apply for PSiRA registration in South Africa, your identity must be confirmed via the Department of Home Affairs’ HANIS system. This ensures only genuine individuals receive security credentials by matching your details accurately against national records.
What Is HANIS?
HANIS stands for the Home Affairs National Identification System, which:
- Stores biographical data (name, ID number, birth date, photo)
- Keeps biometric info (fingerprints, facial images)
- Is managed by the Department of Home Affairs
- Used for elections, benefits, banking, employment, and security vetting
HANIS provides the most reliable method to confirm identity across government and private sectors.
What Is HANIS Online Verification?
HANIS Online Verification is a digital fingerprint-check process used to confirm your identity against national records. It works like this:
- Your fingerprint is scanned via a biometric reader
- The system compares it with the fingerprint stored in HANIS
- A successful match confirms your identity in real time
This method is fast, secure, and commonly used by banks and regulatory bodies—including PSiRA.
Why PSiRA Uses HANIS Verification
- Helps prevent identity fraud in the security sector
- Ensures registered individuals are accurately identified
- Complies with Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) regulations
- Access is provided via SABRIC, approved by Home Affairs, to guarantee secure and lawful verification
What You Need for HANIS Verification
To complete the HANIS check during your PSiRA application, you’ll need:
- Your South African ID number or passport number
- A mobile phone number for verification
- Fingerprint scan at a biometric-enabled facility
You’ll typically verify your ID using a fingerprint reader—at a bank, Home Affairs branch, or during PSiRA registration.
Step-by-Step: How to Enrol for HANIS
- Select “Add Authenticator” in the system
- Choose HANIS Fingerprint as the method
- Enter your ID or passport number
- Provide your mobile number
- Hit Save—you’ll then be prompted for fingerprint biometric verification
How to Verify Your ID Online
- Unlike website verification, HANIS is in-person via biometric scanners
- Common at banks, Home Affairs offices, or during a PSiRA appointment
- You place your finger on a scanner that reads your fingerprint and confirms your identity instantly
Final Notes
- HANIS verification is mandatory for legally recognised PSIRA registration
- It offers a trustworthy, tamper-proof safeguard against fraud
- Ensure your documents and biometrics are up-to-date and valid