By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has announced an adjustment in the cost of its Multi-Purpose and Secured Biometric Identity Cards, with the new fees set to take effect on 23rd February 2026. The Authority said the revision is in line with prevailing exchange rates as determined by the Bank of Sierra Leone and in accordance with the terms of its production agreement.
In a public notice dated 10th February 2026, the NCRA stated that the adjustment follows consultations with key stakeholders and is guided by provisions contained in the Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Constrat Systems SL Ltd. The agreement, which was ratified by Parliament on 4th March 2022, provides for periodic reviews of ID card production costs based on exchange rate fluctuations.
According to the Authority, the cost review is necessitated by exchange rate factors and rising global production costs. Management emphasized that the adjustment is intended to ensure the continued availability of high-quality, securitized biometric ID cards without disruption in supply and service delivery across the country.
Since the official rollout of the biometric ID card system in January 2023, the NCRA has maintained consistent production and issuance services nationwide. The Authority noted that despite increasing global costs for raw materials and production inputs, it has sustained operations to prevent service interruptions and material shortages.
“The cost adjustment reflects fluctuations in currency exchange rates as provided for in Articles 14.1 and 14.2 of the Agreement, which allow for periodic reviews consistent with the prevailing rate at the Bank of Sierra Leone,” the notice stated.
Under the revised pricing structure, the fee for a National ID Card has increased from SLL 145 to SLL 165. The Non-National ID Card, previously priced at SLL 2,005, will now cost SLL 2,305. For ECOWAS Nationals, the cost has been adjusted from SLL 245 to SLL 280, while ECOWAS Non-Nationals will now pay SLL 465, up from SLL 405.
The NCRA explained that the updated costs cover application, production and issuance services. It further stressed that the revision seeks to mitigate potential stock-outs of production materials and safeguard the long-term affordability, reliability and efficiency of the ID card system.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and internationally compliant identification services, which play a critical role in strengthening national security, financial inclusion and access to public and private sector services.
Management of the NCRA, in collaboration with its technical partner Constrat Systems SL Ltd, assured members of the public that ID card production and issuance services will continue uninterrupted at all offices, centres and outlets nationwide.
Director General of NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, reiterated the Authority’s dedication to maintaining high standards in identity management and ensuring that citizens and residents continue to benefit from a reliable and secure national identification system.
The NCRA urged the public to take note of the new pricing structure and to visit its official offices for further inquiries regarding applications and renewals ahead of the effective date.
