ManyaGuide How to get, renew or replace your National ID in Uganda (2026 guide)
New ID and renewal are free at NIRA district offices. Lost ID: UGX 50,000 + police letter. Check status: dial *216#.
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Your National ID (and the NIN printed on it) is needed for almost everything in Uganda: SIM card registration, bank accounts, mobile money, a passport, a TIN and even school registration. This guide explains how to get a new ID, renew an expired one, replace a lost one and check whether yours is ready.
Important: a standard first-time registration or renewal is free. NIRA has repeatedly warned about fraudsters charging money "to speed up" IDs. Only pay official fees using a PRN (payment registration number).
Who needs a National ID?
Every Ugandan citizen aged 16 and above should register for a National ID card. Children below 16 are registered and given a NIN, but do not get a card.
How to register for a National ID for the first time
- (Optional) Pre-register online on the NIRA portal at nira.go.ug. This saves time at the office.
- Go to your NIRA district office (or registration point) with your supporting documents:
- Birth certificate or baptism card, school documents, or a letter from your LC1 confirming your citizenship
- A parent's or guardian's National ID or NIN (if available)
- Give your biometrics – fingerprints, photo and signature.
- Keep the application ID printed on your slip. You need it to check your status and collect your card.
- Collect your card from the same office once it is ready. Collection is free.
How to renew an expired National ID
The first-generation IDs issued from 2015 had a 10-year validity, which is why NIRA ran a national mass renewal from 27 May 2025 to 8 February 2026. That parish-level exercise is over, but renewal continues at NIRA district offices.
What to carry:
- Your old ID (original or a photocopy), or a police letter if it is lost
- Your NIN, if you know it
Renewal on expiry with no change of details is free.
How to replace a lost or damaged National ID
- Report the loss at a police station and get a police letter.
- Go to the NIRA portal or office and request a replacement.
- Generate a PRN for the fee and pay at a bank or by mobile money.
- Give your biometrics if requested, then collect the new card.
National ID fees (NIRA)
| Service | Fee (UGX) |
|---|---|
| First-time registration (16+) | Free |
| Renewal on expiry (no changes) | Free |
| Replacement of a lost ID | 50,000 |
| Replacement of a damaged/defaced ID | 200,000 |
| Change or correction of details (name, date of birth etc.) | 200,000 |
Fees are taken from NIRA's published fee schedule; confirm on nira.go.ug/fees before paying.
How to check your National ID status
- Dial *216# on any network and enter your application ID. This tells you whether your NIN has been allocated or if there is a problem with your application.
- It does not always tell you whether the physical card is ready – call or visit your district NIRA office for that.
Tip: NIRA has millions of printed cards waiting to be collected. If you registered or renewed in 2025 and never got an SMS, go to the office where you registered with your application slip – your card may already be there.
Frequently asked questions
Is the National ID renewal free?
Yes. Renewal of an expired ID with no change of details is free. You only pay for a lost ID replacement, a damaged card or a change of particulars.
How long does it take to get a National ID?
It varies by district. Many people get their NIN within days, but the physical card can take weeks or months because of printing and collection backlogs.
Can I use my NIN before I get the card?
Yes. Many services – SIM registration, bank accounts, TIN registration – only need your NIN, which you can confirm with *216#.
What if my name is spelt wrong on my ID?
Apply for a change of particulars at NIRA with supporting documents (birth certificate, academic documents, deed poll for name changes). The fee is UGX 200,000.
Fees and codes change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.