As a Nigerian citizen or legal resident you need a national identity card for opening bank accounts, voting, and applying for government programs. In this article, we outline who can get a national identity card in Nigeria, the steps involved in the application process, and more.
Who can get a national identity card?
Every Nigerian citizen, regardless of age, is eligible to obtain a national identity card. This includes children, adults, and senior citizens. Non-Nigerian citizens who are legal residents of Nigeria can also apply for a national identity card. It is important to note that the national identity card is different from the National Identification Number (NIN), which is a unique number assigned to every Nigerian citizen and legal resident.
How to get a national identity card
To get your national identity card, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit a National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment center.
- Fill out the application form and provide the required documents.
- Have your biometric data captured, including your fingerprints, facial photograph, and signature.
- Pay the applicable fee for the national identity card.
- Collect your slip containing your NIN and wait for your national identity card to be ready.
Required documents for national identity card registration
When applying for your national identity card, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- Any form of valid identification such as a driver’s license, international passport, or voter’s card
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement
- Two recent passport photographs
Cost of obtaining a national identity card
The cost of obtaining a national identity card varies depending on the type of card you want. The standard national identity card costs ₦3,000, while the premium card costs ₦5,000. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to confirm the current rates at the time of application.
Processing time and validity of the national identity card
The processing time for the national identity card varies depending on the volume of applications received by NIMC. Typically, it takes between one to three months to receive your card after completing the registration process. Once issued, the national identity card is valid for ten years from the date of issuance.
How to collect your national identity card
Once your national identity card is ready, you can collect it at the NIMC office where you registered. You will need to present your NIN slip and a valid means of identification to collect your card. If you are unable to collect your card in person, you can authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf by providing them with a written authorization and a copy of your valid ID.
How to check if your national identity card is ready
To check the status of your national identity card, you can visit the NIMC website and click on the “Check NIN/ID Card Status” link. You will need to enter your NIN and date of birth to access the status of your card. Alternatively, you can visit any NIMC office nationwide to inquire about the status of your card.
Get your identity card passport photo with Smartphone iD
To complete your national identity card application, you will need to provide two recent passport photographs. Smartphone iD can help you obtain these photos for the best price on the market. With our app, you can take your passport photograph using just your smartphone camera. The app provides real-time instructions and verification by our team of experts and advanced AI technology. Once your photograph is verified, the digital copy is sent directly to your email, ready for use in your national identity card application.
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