How to Apply for a National ID in Rwanda (2026 Guide)

A National ID is an important identification document for Rwandan citizens. If you are 16 years or older and need to obtain your first National ID, you can apply through IremboGov.

In this guide, we explain how to apply for a National ID in Rwanda, the requirements, cost, processing time, where to collect it, and what to do if you do not have a Citizen Application Number.

How Much Does a National ID Cost in Rwanda?

The current fee for applying for a National ID is RWF 500.

The application is submitted through IremboGov, and the payment is made after the application details have been entered and submitted.

How Long Does It Take to Get a National ID?

The official IremboGov service information lists the processing time for a National ID application as 30 days.

After applying and successfully paying, the applicant receives a notification informing them when they need to provide their biometric data. NIDA then processes the application and produces the National ID.

Who Can Apply for a National ID?

Any Rwandan citizen who is 16 years or older is eligible to apply for a National ID through the service.

The applicant must have a Citizen Application Number, also commonly referred to as a Child ID.

Requirements for a National ID Application in Rwanda

Before applying, prepare the following:

• Citizen Application Number (Child ID)
• Be 16 years old or above
• Valid phone number
• Email address

The official IremboGov FAQ states that applicants should have a Child ID, valid phone number and email address.

What Is a Citizen Application Number?

A Citizen Application Number, commonly called a Child ID, is an identification number used in the civil registration system before a person obtains a National ID.

You need this number when applying for a National ID through IremboGov.

If you do not have your Citizen Application Number, you may need to contact the appropriate sector office or the National Identification Agency (NIDA) for assistance.

How to Apply for a National ID Through IremboGov

Step 1: Visit IremboGov

Go to the official IremboGov website.

You can apply with or without an IremboGov account for the National ID application service.

Step 2: Open Identification Services

From the IremboGov platform, go to the Identification section.

Select Application of National ID.

Step 3: Choose Who You Are Applying For

Select whether you are applying for yourself or using the bulk application option.

The Self option is intended for an individual application, while the Bulk option can be used by eligible organizations or agents to submit multiple applications using one billing number.

Step 4: Enter Your Applicant Details

Enter the required information, including your:

• Citizen Application Number
• Biometric sector and date
• Place of collection

Review the information carefully before continuing.

Step 5: Choose the Collection Location

Select the appropriate place where you will collect your National ID.

According to IremboGov, the National ID card is sent to the sector where your biometric data was collected.

Step 6: Verify Your Information

Check that the information shown in your application is correct.

Enter a valid phone number and/or email address, accept the verification requirement, and continue with the application.

Step 7: Submit the Application

After confirming that your information is accurate, submit the application.

IremboGov will generate a billing number beginning with 88, which you can use to make the required payment.

Step 8: Pay the RWF 500 Fee

Click the payment option and complete payment for the National ID application.

The current official fee is RWF 500.

Use the payment methods displayed on IremboGov when completing your application because available payment options can change.

Step 9: Wait for the Biometric Notification

After successfully applying and paying through IremboGov, you will receive a notification informing you when to provide your biometric data.

Follow the instructions in the notification and attend the required biometric registration process.

Step 10: Wait for NIDA to Produce Your National ID

After your biometric data has been captured, the application is processed by the National Identification Agency (NIDA).

The official processing time is 30 days.

Where Do You Collect Your National ID?

Once your National ID has been produced, you can collect it at the sector where your biometric data was captured.

Make sure you follow the notification you receive regarding when your ID is ready for collection.

Do You Need an IremboGov Account?

No. According to the current IremboGov FAQ, you can apply for a National ID with or without an IremboGov account.

If you prefer assistance, you can also visit a nearby Irembo agent.

What If You Do Not Have a Citizen Application Number?

If you do not have a Citizen Application Number, you should obtain it before applying for the National ID.

According to IremboGov:

• For citizens born before the launch of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), the number can be obtained from the sector.
• For Rwandans living in Rwanda, a child born after the launch of CRVS can obtain the Child ID through the hospital.
• For a child born in the diaspora and living abroad, assistance can be requested from NIDA.
• For a child born in the diaspora but living in Rwanda, the sector can provide assistance.

If you need assistance with your Citizen Application Number, you can contact the National Identification Agency (NIDA).

National ID Application for Rwandans Living Abroad

Rwandans living outside the country have a separate process in certain situations, especially when they do not have an NPR number.

IremboGov provides a dedicated service for eligible diaspora applicants who are 16 years or older and are not registered in the National Population Registry.

The diaspora process may require additional identification documents and a passport photograph.

If you are applying from abroad, check the official IremboGov National ID guide for diaspora applicants without an NPR number before starting your application.

Can You Apply for More Than One National ID?

Individual applicants normally use the Self option for their own application.

IremboGov also provides a Bulk option that allows eligible organizations, government institutions or agents to submit multiple National ID applications using a single billing number.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application and paying the RWF 500 fee:

1. You receive a notification about the biometric data process.
2. You provide your biometric data as instructed.
3. NIDA processes your application.
4. Your National ID is produced.
5. You collect the physical ID at the designated sector.

What If Your Information Is Incorrect?

If your National ID is produced with incorrect information, such as an error in your name, date of birth, gender or other information, you may need to use the National ID correction service.

IremboGov provides a separate National ID Correction service for eligible applicants.

The correction process may require supporting documents and an appointment at the selected sector.

What If You Lose Your National ID?

If you already have a National ID and it is lost or damaged, you should not submit a new first-time National ID application.

Instead, use the National ID Replacement service on IremboGov.

Eligible applicants can also request a temporary Certificate of Replacement for National ID while waiting for the replacement ID, subject to the applicable requirements and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a National ID cost in Rwanda?

The current application fee for a National ID is RWF 500.

How long does a National ID take in Rwanda?

The official IremboGov processing time is 30 days.

Who can apply for a National ID?

Rwandan citizens who are 16 years old or older can apply for a National ID.

Do I need an IremboGov account?

No. The National ID application can be submitted with or without an IremboGov account.

What do I need to apply for a National ID?

You need a Citizen Application Number (Child ID), a valid phone number and an email address. You must also be at least 16 years old.

Where do I collect my National ID?

You collect the physical National ID at the sector where your biometric data was captured.

Can I apply for a National ID online?

Yes. The application is initiated through IremboGov, although you must complete the biometric registration process when instructed.

What if I do not have a Child ID?

You should contact the appropriate sector office or NIDA for assistance in obtaining or retrieving your Citizen Application Number before applying.

Can someone else help me apply?

Yes. You can get assistance from an Irembo agent if you have difficulty completing the application yourself.

Important Tips Before Applying

• Make sure you have your Citizen Application Number before starting.
• Use accurate personal information.
• Provide a phone number and email address that you can access.
• Keep your billing number after submitting the application.
• Pay only through the official IremboGov payment process.
• Follow the biometric notification you receive after payment.
• Collect your ID from the designated sector when it is ready.
• Use the official IremboGov website rather than unofficial websites.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a National ID in Rwanda is a straightforward process when you have your Citizen Application Number and the required contact information.

The current official fee is RWF 500, and the stated processing time is 30 days. The application starts through IremboGov, followed by biometric registration and processing by NIDA.

If you are applying for the first time, make sure your information is accurate and keep your billing number and application notifications until your National ID has been collected.

For the latest requirements and service instructions, always check the official IremboGov platform and NIDA.

Last updated: September 2026