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Renewing your Ugandan National ID is a simple process that ensures you maintain a valid form of identification. While your ID card has an expiry date, your National Identification Number (NIN) remains unchanged, and your citizenship as a Ugandan never expires.
The process is free of charge and requires just a brief visit to a NIRA office for biometric updates, even if you begin the process online.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your National ID
1. Check Your Expiry & Start Early:
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First, check the expiry date of your current ID.
Start the renewal process at least two months before your ID expires to avoid disruptions in accessing services.
2. Choose How to Begin:
You have two options for beginning your renewal process:
You have two options for beginning your renewal process:
Option A: Online Pre-Registration (Streamlined In-Office Visit)
a. Visit the NIRA portal at www.nira.go.ug.
b. Complete the online ID renewal pre-registration.
c. Print your application form (Form 9) and note your unique Application ID number.
d. Then, schedule or visit a NIRA office for biometric capture.
Option B: In-Person Application (Complete Process at the Office) a. Visit the nearest NIRA office. b. You will be assisted in filling out Form 9 on-site.
Uganda National ID renewal is underway
3. What to Bring:
Your current National ID (both the original and a photocopy).
If you opted for online pre-registration, bring your printed Form 9.
4. In-Person Visit:
Every applicant must visit a NIRA office to:
a. Provide updated biometric data, including a new photograph, fingerprints, and signature.
b. Confirm or update your registered details in the National Identification Register.
Please note that a fully online renewal process is not available.
5. Final Step: Submission at NIRA:
Submit your completed application and necessary documents to NIRA staff.
Key Information to Keep in Mind
Upon collection of your new ID, you will need to surrender your old National ID.
Your National Identification Number (NIN) will not change when you renew your ID.
Ugandan citizenship remains valid regardless of the expiry date on your ID.
There are no fees for renewing your National ID.
An in-person visit for biometric data capture is mandatory for all applicants.
For information on the renewal process at Ugandan embassies or consulates, contact your nearest embassy.
New Online Pre-Registration Portal
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a new online pre-registration portal, allowing Ugandans to start the registration or renewal process from anywhere with internet access.
This service is available for both first-time applicants and those renewing expired IDs. After submitting an application online, users will receive a unique ID number to present at a NIRA center, where biometric data including iris scans will be captured.
NIRA advises applicants to use a computer for a smoother experience when accessing the portal. The countrywide registration process will open to the public on May 27, 2025.
Important Notes:
Renewal is free for those presenting their old ID (original or photocopy).
A police letter is required for those replacing lost IDs.
A fee of Shs 50,000 applies for replacing a lost ID, and Shs 200,000 applies for correcting or changing personal details.
Priority will be given to individuals whose IDs are set to expire in June 2025.
Uganda National ID renewal is underway
What’s New in the Renewal Process
As part of NIRA’s commitment to improving the renewal process, they signed a deal with Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions in July 2024.
This partnership aims to provide biometric kits and other technical resources to enhance the registration process.
By January 2025, NIRA will have received 5,665 biometric kits, with more than 100,000 cards expected to be printed daily after the installation of two card printing machines in March 2025.
For children under 18, registration is free, provided a parent or blood relative’s National ID is presented. Adults registering for the first time will need additional documentation such as a local leader’s letter or a citizenship certificate from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Processing Times and Expected Delays
Applications are generally processed within four weeks, but during the first three to five months, there may be delays due to high demand. After that period, processing times should drop to about two weeks.
NIRA aims to complete the renewal of all expired IDs by August 12, 2025, when the current extension allowing expired IDs to remain valid will end. Once processed, new IDs will be sent directly to applicants' homes for collection.
Renewing your National ID is a straightforward process that plays a key role in ensuring you have a valid, up-to-date form of identification, so it’s important to start the renewal process ahead of time.