National ID (Rastriya Parichayak Patra)
Essential guide for registering for the National Identity Card in Nepal under the latest regulations.
Overview
The National Identity Card (Rastriya Parichayak Patra) is a biometric smart card issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR). Under the latest July 2026 government directives, holding a verified 10-digit NID number is strictly mandatory for Passport issuance/renewals, Driving License renewals, Social Security allowances, Land registrations (Lalpurja), and banking KYC updates.
1Step-by-Step Instructions
Lineage Details
Enter your mother's, father's, grandfather's, and grandmother's full name exactly as per their citizenship certificates.
- Using spellings or surnames that differ from their official documents
- Skipping grandmother's name
Birthplace & Address
Select your permanent address, current local body, ward, and district matching your citizenship.
- Entering current temporary address as permanent
2Document Checklist
Required Documents
0 of 5 ready
Why Applications Get Rejected
Citizenship Discrepancy
Spelling, date of birth, or citizenship number mismatches with the database.
Missing Migration Proof
Applying in a different district without an official Basai Sarai document.
Duplicate Fingerprints
If you have registered previously, the system's central deduplication engine will reject the duplicate entry.
3Appointment & Visit
Online Pre-enrollment
Register at enrollment.donidcr.gov.np, fill in personal/lineage details, and schedule your appointment.
Physical Visit
Visit your District Administration Office (DAO) or designated local government center with the printed slip.
Biometric Capture
Provide 10 fingerprints, iris scan, digital signature, and a high-resolution live photo.
Receipt Collection
Collect your printed transaction slip showing your NID application reference number.
Common Questions
Q. Is NID mandatory for all government services now?
Yes! Starting in 2026, the Government of Nepal has phased in NID numbers as mandatory for applying or renewing passports, renewing driving licenses, registering or transferring land (Lalpurja), and receiving social security pensions.
Q. How long does it take to get my 10-digit NID number?
After your biometric appointment, the central system dedupes your data and generates your NID number within 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive it via SMS on your registered mobile number.
Q. Can I apply for NID from Kathmandu if my citizenship is from another district?
Yes, you can register at designated offices in Kathmandu (such as the Department of National ID or District Administration Offices in Kathmandu/Lalitpur), but you must have a valid migration certificate (Basai Sarai) if your permanent home is elsewhere, or register under special quotas.
Q. Is there any fee for registering?
Registration and the first-time generation of your NID number are completely free of cost. If you lose your slip or require a reprint of the transaction sheet, a small service fee of NPR 100 may apply.
Q. How do I correct errors in my NID details?
If you find errors after generation, you must visit the respective District Administration Office with your original citizenship certificate and supporting documents to file a rectification request.