By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark initiative, Sierra Leone is equipping its citizens and residents with advanced National ID Cards, each featuring a unique National Identification Number (NIN). This NIN is a lifetime constant, linking biometric data and personal information within the National Identity Database.
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has detailed the costs and procedures for obtaining various categories of these secure, multi-purpose biometric identity cards. Citizens aged 12 and above can acquire their cards at NCRA offices and designated centers nationwide. Details for ID cards for children under 12 will be announced soon.
The categories and costs for the Biometric ID Cards are:
- National Identity Cards for Sierra Leoneans aged 12 and above: Le 140.00 (NLe)
- ECOWAS ID Cards (optional for Sierra Leoneans): Le 240.00 (NLe)
- ECOWAS ID Cards for Citizens of ECOWAS Member States: Le 400.00 (NLe)
- Non-National ID Cards (mandatory for foreign residents): Le 2,000.00 (NLe)
- Application Fees: Le 5.00 (NLe)
- ID Verification: varies by field
These cards, alongside the associated ID Verification platform, ensure reliable identification, authentication and consistency of personal information, in alignment with the National Civil Registration Act of 2016.
To obtain a National ID Card, applicants must visit the nearest NCRA office. These cards, embedded with biometric data chips, facilitate identity verification, financial inclusion and access to various services, streamlining processes and contributing to national development.
A key benefit of the National ID Card is its integration with the financial sector. The card supports efficient remote know-your-customer (KYC) checks, reducing verification costs and enhancing financial inclusion by allowing seamless customer authentication.
In education, the NIN is now mandatory for pupils in public examination classes, highlighting the card’s increasing significance across various life areas in Sierra Leone.
For those aged 12 and above, obtaining a National ID Card is straightforward. Non-citizens can apply for the Non-National ID Card to secure resident and work permits.
The NCRA’s rollout of these advanced Biometric Identity Cards aims to bolster personal security and streamline transactions. Acquiring a National Biometric ID Card in 2024 is not only a civic duty but also essential for security and convenience.
The NIN, an 11-digit unique identifier, ensures improved service access and protection of individual rights by linking individual records within the National Identity Database. These cards are now mandatory at checkpoints nationwide, facilitating secure transactions.
Application centers include:
- NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown
- NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown
- NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown
- NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Roundabout)
- NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
- NCRA Regional Headquarters: Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko
Corporate services tailored for organizations are also available. For more information, contact the NCRA at +232-33-433-333 / +232-30-500-000 / +232-78-221-812 or via email at idverification@ncra.gov.
Sierra Leoneans are urged to prioritize obtaining their Biometric ID Cards, recognizing their importance in enhancing security and contributing to national development. The NCRA’s initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering a safer, more efficient, and accessible environment for all.
