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Nepal's National Identity Card (NID) is a mandatory smart card issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR) to every Nepali citizen aged 16 and above. The card carries a permanent 10-digit National Identity Number (NIN) that serves as your lifelong digital identity for banking, e-passport applications, SIM card registration, real estate transactions, and government services. As of April 2026, the NID has become the single most important identity document in Nepal.
Whether you are enrolling for the first time, helping a parent apply, or need the NID for your marriage registration, this guide walks you through the entire process — online pre-enrollment, required documents, biometric capture, fees, and what to do while you wait for the physical card.
National ID Card Nepal (NID) is a biometric smart card with an embedded chip storing your photo, iris scan, 10 fingerprints, and e-signature. All Nepali citizens aged 16+ must enroll. Apply online at enrollment.donidcr.gov.np, then visit a District Administration Office for biometric capture. First-time enrollment is free. You receive a 10-digit NIN via SMS after approval, and the physical card arrives in 3-6 months.
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What Is the National ID Card (NID) in Nepal?
The National ID Card is a plastic smart card issued under the National Identity and Civil Registration Act, 2076 (2020). It replaces Nepal's fragmented identity system — citizenship certificates, voter ID cards, and various government-issued letters — with a single, unified biometric identity.
The card contains an embedded chip that stores:
- Your passport-size photograph
- Iris scan (both eyes)
- 10 fingerprints (all fingers)
- Electronic signature
- Personal details — full name, date of birth, permanent address, gender, parent and spouse names
The issuing authority is the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Their official portal is donidcr.gov.np.
Who Is Eligible for Nepal's NID?
Eligibility is straightforward under the Act:
- All Nepali citizens aged 16 and above who hold a valid citizenship certificate (Nagarikta)
- NID enrollment is mandatory — not optional
- Both descent-based and naturalized citizens are eligible
- Citizens living abroad can enroll when they visit Nepal or through designated Nepali missions
Important: You cannot apply for a National ID Card without a citizenship certificate. If you are under 16 or have not yet obtained your Nagarikta, that must be completed first. The NID does not replace the citizenship certificate — it supplements it as a biometric identity layer.
What Is the 10-Digit National Identity Number (NIN)?
Once your enrollment is approved, you receive a unique 10-digit National Identity Number (NIN) via SMS. This number is:
- Permanent and lifelong — it never changes, even if you update your name or address
- Unique to you — no two citizens share the same NIN
- Required for e-passport applications, bank account opening, SIM card registration (mandatory from January 2025), company registration, and real estate transactions
Even before your physical card arrives, the 10-digit NIN printed on your confirmation page with QR code is accepted as interim proof of identity by banks, the Department of Passports, and telecom companies.
How to Apply for NID Online (Step-by-Step)
The online pre-enrollment process saves time at the District Administration Office. Here is the complete process:
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit enrollment.donidcr.gov.np and register with your mobile number. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) to verify your phone. Set a password to create your account.
Step 2: Start New Enrollment
Log in and select "New Enrollment" from the dashboard. The system will guide you through a multi-step form.
Step 3: Fill Personal and Family Details
Enter your full name (in Nepali and English), date of birth, gender, permanent address, and temporary address. You must also provide parent details — father's and mother's full names, citizenship numbers, and addresses. If married, your spouse's name and details are recorded here.
Step 4: Upload Citizenship Certificate
Upload a clear scan or photo of your citizenship certificate (front and back). The file should be in JPG or PNG format, under 2 MB. Ensure all text and the photo on your citizenship are clearly visible.
Step 5: Select Enrollment Center and Appointment
Choose your preferred District Administration Office or area enrollment center. The system shows available dates and time slots. Select a convenient appointment date.
Step 6: Print Token Slip
After completing the form, the system generates a token slip with a barcode. Print this slip — you must carry it to your appointment. The token slip also contains your enrollment reference number.
Step 7: Visit the Enrollment Center
On your appointment date, visit the selected center with your token slip and original documents. The biometric capture process includes:
- Photograph (taken at the center)
- Iris scan of both eyes
- All 10 fingerprints
- Electronic signature on a digital pad
- Verification of original documents by enrollment staff
The entire process takes approximately 1 hour, depending on queue length.
Step 8: Receive Your NIN
After your biometric data is processed and approved, your 10-digit NIN is sent via SMS to the mobile number you registered with. You also receive a confirmation page with a QR code that serves as interim identification.
Offline Enrollment Process
If you prefer not to use the online portal — or face connectivity issues — you can walk into any District Administration Office directly. The staff will fill your form on site, take your biometric data, and process the application. Carry all required documents (listed below). The offline process takes longer because you must queue for form-filling as well.
Documents Required for NID Enrollment
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship certificate | Original + photocopy (front and back) — mandatory |
| Passport-size photo | Recent photo with white background (taken at center if not available) |
| Parent citizenship documents | Father's and mother's citizenship certificate copies |
| Marriage certificate | If married — your spouse's name is recorded on the NID |
| Death certificate | If spouse is deceased |
| Date of birth proof | Birth certificate or SLC mark sheet for DOB verification |
| Token slip | If you completed online pre-enrollment |
As of 2083 BS (2026 AD), the marriage certificate requirement is particularly relevant for couples who have completed court marriage in Nepal. Your marriage registration certificate serves as proof for updating your marital status and spouse name on the NID.
NID Enrollment Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First-time enrollment | FREE |
| Replacement card (lost, damaged, or stolen) | NPR 500 |
| Information update (name change, address, marital status) | FREE (with supporting documents) |
There is no hidden cost. First-time enrollment is entirely free of charge at all government enrollment centers across Nepal.
Where to Enroll: Enrollment Centers Across Nepal
NID enrollment is available at:
- 77 District Administration Offices — one in every district of Nepal
- 41 Area Administration Offices — additional centers in high-population areas
- Temporary and mobile enrollment camps organized periodically by DoNIDCR in rural areas
You can enroll at any center in Nepal regardless of your permanent address. For example, a citizen from Dhankuta can enroll at the Kathmandu District Administration Office if that is more convenient.
NID Card Delivery Timeline
After biometric enrollment, the physical smart card is printed centrally and dispatched to your enrollment center. Current timelines:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| NIN SMS delivery | 1-4 weeks after biometric capture |
| Physical card delivery | 3-6 months (official estimate) |
| Delayed cases | Up to 1 year in some districts |
From our experience assisting clients, card delivery to Kathmandu-area offices tends to be faster (3-4 months), while remote districts may wait 6-12 months. The NIN confirmation page with QR code is your valid interim proof during this waiting period.
What Can You Do with the Interim NIN Confirmation?
While waiting for the physical card, the confirmation page with QR code and your 10-digit NIN is accepted for:
- Banking: Opening new bank accounts and updating KYC
- Passport: Applying for a Nepal e-passport (NIN is mandatory)
- SIM card: Registering or re-registering mobile SIM cards (mandatory since January 2025)
- Government services: Various applications requiring NIN verification
Where NID Is Mandatory in Nepal
As of 2083 BS (2026 AD), the National Identity Number is required for an expanding list of services:
- e-Passport application — the Department of Passports requires NIN for all new applications
- Bank account opening — Nepal Rastra Bank directive mandates NIN for new accounts
- SIM card registration — Nepal Telecommunications Authority enforced NIN linkage from January 2025
- Company registration — Office of the Company Registrar requires NIN for directors and shareholders
- Real estate transactions — land registration and property transfer at District Land Revenue Offices
- Marriage certificate verification — the District Administration Office may verify NIN during marriage registration
NID and Marriage Registration in Nepal
The NID plays a direct role in the marriage registration process. When you apply for court marriage registration at the District Administration Office, your identity is verified through your NID or citizenship certificate. Your spouse's name is recorded on your NID card, and after marriage registration, you can update your NID record to reflect your marital status.
For couples completing court marriage, the process works both ways — you need identity verification (NID or citizenship) to register the marriage, and the marriage certificate is then used to update your NID records. Our lawyers regularly assist couples in ensuring all identity documents are aligned before and after court marriage registration.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Name Mismatch Between Citizenship and Other Documents
If your name on the citizenship certificate differs from your SLC certificate or passport, resolve the discrepancy before enrolling. Visit the District Administration Office that issued your citizenship to get a correction. A name mismatch can delay NID processing significantly.
Biometric Capture Failure
Some applicants — particularly elderly citizens or manual labourers — face fingerprint capture difficulties due to worn ridges. The enrollment center will attempt multiple scans. If fingerprints cannot be captured, the system relies on iris scan and photograph as alternative biometrics.
Lost Confirmation Page
If you lose your NIN confirmation page, log back into enrollment.donidcr.gov.np with your registered mobile number. Your NIN and enrollment status are accessible from your dashboard. You can reprint the confirmation page.
Physical Card Not Received After 6 Months
Contact the enrollment center where you registered or call DoNIDCR's helpline. Delays beyond 6 months are common, especially in districts with high enrollment volumes. Your NIN remains valid regardless of card delivery delays.
NID vs Citizenship Certificate: Key Differences
| Feature | Citizenship Certificate | National ID Card (NID) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper document | Plastic smart card with chip |
| Biometric data | Photo only | Photo, iris, 10 fingerprints, e-signature |
| Unique number | Citizenship number (district-level) | 10-digit NIN (national-level, permanent) |
| Digital verification | No | Yes — QR code and chip-based |
| Replaces the other? | No — still required | No — supplements citizenship |
| Fee | NPR 10 (original) | FREE (first time) |
Both documents serve different purposes. The citizenship certificate proves your nationality and is required for NID enrollment. The NID provides biometric-verified digital identity for modern services.
Tips for a Smooth NID Enrollment
- Complete online pre-enrollment to reduce time at the center — walk-ins wait longer
- Carry original documents — photocopies alone are not accepted for verification
- Arrive early — enrollment centers operate on limited daily slots, especially in Kathmandu
- Ensure name consistency across citizenship, SLC certificate, and any other ID before enrollment
- Save your NIN in multiple locations — phone contacts, email, and a printed copy
- Update after marriage — if you complete court marriage registration, update your NID to include your spouse's name
Conclusion: Get Your National ID Card Without Delay
The National ID Card is no longer optional in Nepal. With the NIN now mandatory for e-passports, banking, SIM registration, and an expanding list of government services, delaying your enrollment only creates problems. First-time enrollment is free, the online pre-enrollment process at enrollment.donidcr.gov.np is straightforward, and the interim NIN confirmation lets you access services immediately while you wait for the physical card.
If you are planning a court marriage registration or need legal assistance with identity documents for marriage, contact our team of Nepal Bar Council-registered advocates today →
Last reviewed: April 2026
Need help with court marriage registration or document preparation in Nepal?
Our lawyers have helped 2,000+ couples from 50+ countries since 2016. Get in touch with our legal team →
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a biometric smart card with an embedded chip issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR) to all Nepali citizens aged 16 and above.
First-time enrollment is completely free. Replacement for a lost or damaged card costs NPR 500.
Yes. The National Identity and Civil Registration Act, 2076 makes NID enrollment mandatory for all Nepali citizens aged 16 and above.
Visit enrollment.donidcr.gov.np, create an account with your mobile number, fill the enrollment form, upload your citizenship certificate, select an enrollment center and appointment date, then visit the center for biometric capture with your original documents and printed token slip.
Required documents:
- Citizenship certificate (original + copy)
- Passport-size photo
- Parent citizenship documents
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Date of birth proof (birth certificate or SLC mark sheet)
You receive your 10-digit NIN via SMS within 1-4 weeks after biometric capture. The physical smart card is delivered to your enrollment center in 3-6 months, though delays of up to one year have been reported in some districts.
The NIN is a unique, permanent 10-digit number assigned to every enrolled citizen. It never changes throughout your lifetime, even if you update your name or address on the NID card.
Yes. The interim confirmation page with QR code and your 10-digit NIN is accepted for banking, e-passport applications, SIM card registration, and other government services while you wait for the physical card.
NID enrollment is available at all 77 District Administration Offices and 41 area administration offices across Nepal. You can enroll at any center regardless of your permanent address — you are not restricted to your home district.
Yes. The Department of Passports requires your 10-digit National Identity Number (NIN) for all new e-passport applications. Enroll for NID first if you plan to apply for a passport.
Your identity must be verified during court marriage registration. While the citizenship certificate is the primary identity document for marriage, the NID provides additional biometric verification. After marriage, you should update your NID to record your spouse's name.
The enrollment center captures four types of biometric data: a facial photograph, iris scan of both eyes, all 10 fingerprints, and an electronic signature on a digital pad. The process takes approximately one hour.
Yes. You can enroll at any District Administration Office or area enrollment center in Nepal, regardless of where your permanent address is registered. Many people enroll in Kathmandu for convenience.
If fingerprint capture fails due to worn ridges — common among elderly citizens and manual labourers — the enrollment system relies on iris scan and photograph as alternative biometric identifiers. Your enrollment will not be rejected.
Visit any District Administration Office with your marriage certificate and citizenship certificate. Submit an information update request to add your spouse's name and change your marital status on the NID record. There is no fee for this update.
Court Marriage in Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is Nepal's first registered law firm for court marriage services. Since 2016, our Nepal Bar Council-registered advocates have helped 2,000+ couples from 50+ countries with marriage registration, document preparation, and legal consultation. Whether you are a Nepali citizen or a foreign national, contact us today for confidential legal assistance.
