A Kenyan ID card is a document that proves your identity and citizenship in Kenya.

It is required for various purposes such as opening a bank account, registering a SIM card, voting, and accessing government services.

If you are a Kenyan citizen by birth or by registration, you can apply for an ID card when you turn 18 years old.

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for an ID card in Kenya:

 Gather the required documents

Before you visit the office of the registrar of persons in your residential area, you need to have the following documents ready:

• Original birth certificate and a photocopy.

This should show your name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent’s names.

• Original national identity cards and photocopies of both parents.

If one or both of your parents are deceased, you need to provide their death certificates instead.

• School leaving certificate and a photocopy.

This should show your name, school name, and year of completion.

If you have a results slip or a certificate of secondary education, you can also provide that as additional proof of education.

• Birth clinic card.

This is a card that shows the details of your birth at a health facility.

It may not be mandatory, but it can help to verify your identity and place of birth.

How to apply for a Kenyan ID online

Applying for an identity card online may seem intimidating, but the process is straightforward and concise.

Once you have assembled your documents and payment information, you can proceed with the online application process.

• Visit the official Immigration Department website.
• Fill out the application form with valid personal data. This includes name, gender, address, and phone number.
• Upload required documents like birth certificates and passport photos.
• Pay the applicable fee via debit/credit card or the Mpesa platform (mobile money).
• Upon successful payment, submit your application form and wait for further instructions from the Immigration Department for further processing of your ID Card application.

How to apply for a Kenyan ID in person

Fill in the application form

Once you have all the documents ready, you need to visit the office of the registrar of persons in your residential area and request an ID application form.

You can also download the form online from here.

The form has two parts: Part A and Part B.

• Part A

Is for your personal details such as name, gender, marital status, occupation, religion, tribe, district, division, location, sub-location, village, and postal address.

You also need to provide two references who are Kenyan citizens and who know you personally.

They should not be related to you by blood or marriage.

You need to write their names, ID numbers, and postal addresses.

• Part B

Is for your biometric details such as height, eye color, hair color, complexion, and any distinguishing features.

You also need to provide four passport-sized photographs that show your full face and ears.

The photographs should be taken against a plain white background and should not have any shadows or reflections.

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Submit the application form

After filling in the application form correctly and attaching all the required documents, you need to submit it to the District Commissioner (DC) of your district.

The DC is the officer who approves your application and issues you with a waiting card.

The waiting card is a temporary document that shows that you have applied for an ID card and that you can use it for some purposes until you get your ID card.

You will also be issued with form number 23, which is a receipt that shows that you have submitted your application.

You need to keep this form safe as you will need it to collect your ID card later.

Wait for your ID card

After submitting your application form and getting your waiting card and form number 23, you need to wait for your ID card to be processed and printed.

This may take up to two months or more depending on the workload and availability of resources at the National Registration Bureau (NRB).

You can check the status of your ID card online at www.identity.go.ke by entering your waiting card number or form number 23 number.

You can also call or visit the NRB office or the DC office to inquire about your ID card.

Collect your ID card

Once your ID card is ready, you will be notified by SMS or by visiting the NRB website.

You need to go to the NRB office or the DC office where you submitted your application form and collect your ID card.

You need to bring along your waiting card and form number 23 as proof of application.

You will also be required to sign a register book and give your fingerprints before receiving your ID card.

You should check your ID card carefully for any errors or discrepancies and report them immediately if any.

Also, Read;

• How To Apply Driving Licence Services & Tests On eCitizen In Kenya
• How To Apply For A Birth Certificate Replacement In Kenya
• How To Apply For A Certificate Of Good Conduct In Kenya
• How To Get EACC Self Declaration Form