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The National Identity Card (NIC) in Nepal is an official government-issued identification document that serves as proof of a person’s identity, citizenship, and demographic details. Introduced under the National Identity Card Act, 2017 (part of immigration law), the National Identity Card is aimed at streamlining government services, enhancing security, and ensuring the efficient management of national records. It contains important information such as the individual’s name, date of birth, gender, photo, citizenship number, and permanent address. The National Identity Card is also linked to various services such as voter registration, banking, and accessing government benefits. With the government’s focus on digitalization, the National Identity Card will play a crucial role in facilitating e-governance, providing citizens with easier access to services while ensuring better data management. The implementation of the National Identity Card is part of Nepal’s broader efforts to improve the accuracy and security of its identification systems and to modernize administrative procedures.
Legal Instrument governing NID
- National ID and Civil Registration Act, 2020
- National ID and Civil Registration Regulation, 2021
NID registration Process of Nepal
- Step 1: Online registration of NID
- Step 2: Visiting office for National ID registration in Nepal.
- Step 3: Visiting the office for Biometrics.
Step 1: Online Registration of National Identity Card (NID)
First, individuals must complete an online registration form for the National Identity Card through the official portal. This involves filling in personal information such as name, date of birth, address, citizenship number, and other required details. After successful submission, a registration slip is generated.
Appointment for Identity card NID in Nepal
After completing the form, you need to choose the location and date for your biometric appointment. Usually, once you select the location, the system automatically provides the earliest available date. If no nearby location appears, you can click on the "Others" option and then submit the form. After that, you should visit the nearest District Administration Office or Area Administration Office with your application and necessary documents to confirm your appointment date and time.
Step 2: Visit the Office for National ID Registration
After online registration, applicants must visit the designated District Administration Office (DAO) or National ID Registration Centre. They must carry necessary documents like citizenship certificates, birth certificates, and the online registration slip for document verification by the officials.
Contact Details:
Temporary and permanent addresses should be mentioned.
Family Details:
The detail of father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, and spouse details should be mentioned.
Step 3: Visit the Office for Biometrics
Once documents are verified, applicants proceed to the biometric process. This includes capturing fingerprints, an iris scan, a digital photograph, and a signature. These biometric details are securely stored in the National Identity Card database for future identification and security purposes.
Document Required for Registration of NID
- Application generated from online
- Original citizenship
- Certificate of Migration
- Marriage Certificate (If married)
- Passport (If it is issued)
In conclusion, the National Identity Card (NIC) registration process in Nepal marks a significant step towards modernizing administrative systems and improving public service delivery. Governed by the National ID and Civil Registration Act, 2020, and its Regulation, 2021, the NIC ensures accurate identification of citizens by integrating personal, demographic, and biometric data. The registration process is systematic, starting with the online application, followed by document verification at the District Administration Office, and the capture of biometric information. The card links individuals to essential services like voting, banking, and government benefits, supporting the country’s move towards digital governance. Proper documentation, including citizenship certificates and family details, is crucial for successful registration. Through the NIC system, Nepal aims to enhance national security, prevent identity fraud, and offer citizens easier access to services. Overall, the introduction and implementation of the National Identity Card represent a major leap toward efficient governance and better citizen-state relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
National ID registration follows an online-first process managed by the National Identity Card Center:
- Online application: Visit the official NID portal (donidcr.gov.np) and fill the form
- Schedule appointment: Select your nearest District Administration Office (DAO) and pick a date
- Visit DAO: Bring original documents on your appointment date
- Biometric capture: Fingerprints, iris scan, and digital photograph taken at the center
- Verification: Officers verify documents and biometric data
- Card delivery: NID card delivered after processing (weeks to months depending on location)
You must have a valid citizenship certificate before applying.
Documents required for NID registration:
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship certificate | ✅ Mandatory | Original + photocopy |
| Printed application form | ✅ Mandatory | From online portal after registration |
| Migration certificate | If applicable | For those who migrated from another district |
| Marriage certificate | If applicable | For married women updating family records |
| Registration slip | ✅ Mandatory | Generated after online application |
For NRNs, additional documents may be needed. See NRN services.
Yes, online registration is the mandatory first step — you cannot walk in without it:
- Portal: donidcr.gov.np — official National Identity Card registration site
- What you fill online: Personal details, address, family information, citizenship number
- Appointment booking: You select your preferred DAO and date slot
- Registration slip: Generated after submission — must be printed and brought to the DAO
- No walk-ins: DAOs do not accept applications without prior online registration
If you face technical issues with the portal, visit the DAO helpdesk for assistance.
The National ID (NIC) is Nepal's primary digital identity document with wide applications:
- Voter registration: NID will replace voter ID cards for elections
- Banking: Required for opening accounts and financial transactions (replacing citizenship copy)
- Government services: Access to subsidies, social security, pension, and welfare schemes
- Legal identity: Official identity verification for court proceedings and legal matters
- Digital services: Integration with e-government portals and Nagarik App
- Passport: Required for e-passport application under the new system
NID is gradually replacing citizenship certificates as the primary identity document.
Biometric data is collected at designated government centers:
- Location: District Administration Office (DAO) or Area Administration Office (AAO) in your district
- NID Enrollment Centers: Some districts have dedicated centers for faster processing
- Biometrics captured:
| Biometric | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints | All 10 fingers scanned digitally |
| Iris scan | Both eyes scanned |
| Digital photograph | Taken on-site (no need to bring photos) |
| Digital signature | Captured electronically |
The entire biometric process takes approximately 15–30 minutes.
You can track your NID application through multiple methods:
- Online portal: Log in to donidcr.gov.np with your registration credentials
- Registration slip: Use the slip number to check status
- SMS notification: Some districts send SMS updates on processing stages
- DAO visit: Inquire in person at the DAO where you submitted biometrics
Status stages:
- Application submitted
- Biometrics captured
- Verification in progress
- Card printing
- Ready for collection
Eligibility for the National ID card:
- Nepali citizens: Every citizen holding a valid citizenship certificate is eligible
- Age: Must be 16 years or older (same as citizenship eligibility)
- NRNs: Non-Resident Nepalis with Nepali citizenship can apply when in Nepal
- Dual citizens: Nepal does not recognize dual citizenship — must hold Nepali citizenship only
Not eligible: Foreigners, refugees, and persons without citizenship certificates cannot apply. They must first obtain citizenship through the legal process.
Processing time varies significantly by location and demand:
| Factor | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Urban districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur) | 2–4 weeks (higher capacity) |
| Semi-urban districts | 1–3 months |
| Remote districts | 3–6 months (logistics delays) |
| Peak season (elections, fiscal year) | Longer due to high volume |
Collection: You will be notified when the card is ready. Bring your registration slip and original citizenship to collect. Some districts now deliver to Ward Offices.
If you miss your scheduled biometric appointment:
- Not cancelled: Your application is NOT automatically cancelled — you can reschedule
- How to reschedule: Visit the DAO or Area Administration Office in person
- Documents to bring: Original citizenship certificate + printed registration slip
- No penalty: There is no fine for missing the appointment
- New slot: You will be assigned a new date — may have to wait depending on demand
Tip: If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, inform the DAO in advance to get priority rescheduling.
No, the National ID is exclusively for Nepali citizens:
- Nepali citizens only: Must hold a valid citizenship certificate issued under the Nepal Citizenship Act
- Foreigners: Cannot apply — must use passport and visa as identity documents
- Foreign spouses: Must first obtain Nepali citizenship through naturalization before applying for NID
- Stateless persons: Cannot apply until citizenship status is resolved
Foreigners working or investing in Nepal should see immigration law for identity requirements and FDI registration for business identity needs.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice, advertisement, solicitation, or personal communication from the firm or its members. Neither the firm nor its members assume any responsibility for actions taken based on the information contained herein.