How to apply for Kenyan ID

To apply for your first national identity card, you must:

• Be a Kenyan citizen by birth or registration
• Be 18 years old or older

Documents Required

Original and copy of your birth certificate or notification of birth

Original and copy of one or both parent’s national ID cards

School leaving certificate (Form 4 or last attended) – recommended but optional

Two passport-sized photos (some centers now take digital ones onsite)

Duly filled Form 23 (provided at the registration centre)

Where to Apply

You can apply for a national ID at:

• Huduma Centres across the country
• Assistant Chief’s office (rural areas)
• National Registration Bureau (NRB) offices

Huduma Centres are the most convenient option for urban residents due to shorter waiting times and digital processing.

How to apply

• Visit your local Huduma Centre or Assistant Chief’s office or the National Registration Bureau (NRB) offices
• Present your documents to the officer at the National Registration desk
• Fill in the registration Form 23
• Take biometric fingerprint and photo capture
• Receive an acknowledgement slip (waiting card)
• Wait for 30–90 days for processing (time may vary by location)
• Return with your waiting card to collect your National ID

How to Track Your ID Status

After applying, you can check if your ID is ready:

• Dial *216# from your mobile phone (Safaricom or Airtel)
• Visit the centre where you made the application

What to Do If You Lose Your Waiting Card or ID

If your ID is lost or stolen:

Report the loss at the nearest police station

Get an abstract and proceed to apply for a replacement at any Huduma Centre

Replacement fee is Ksh 1000