How to get a National Identity Card

It is mandatory that all Kenyans aged 18 and above be issued with National Identity Cards. Once you attain 18 years, you must present yourself within 90 days before a registration officer and apply for an identification card. If you are late, you might be asked to present a court affidavit to prove who you are and why you are late.

Once you have registered, you will be issued with Application for Registration Certificate form Reg. 103 which you will surrender in exchange for a new identity card. This process takes 60 days. You can track online the status of your ID or through SafariCom SMS number 2031 by sending the 9 digit serial number on the form 103.

Kenya National Identity Card is the main and legal identification document recognized in Kenya. You must provide it to open a bank account, register a business, for employment, acquire a driving license, and transact mobile phone banking and many other uses that require proof of identity. Keep your ID card safe and free from damage all the time.

The Government is currently working on provision of a new 3rd generation ID card that will be operational from year 2010. The new ID will include more security features and more personal details than the current one. Be on the lookout for new information from the eService for Kenya.

Here are the various types of national identification registrations:

1. Initial Registration
2. Replacement Registration
3. Duplicate Registration
4. Change of Particulars