Confused about NID registration in Nepal? Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your Rastriya Parichaya Patra, from online form to card collection.

If you're a Nepali citizen, then of course you’ve heard about the Rastriya Parichaya Patra, Nepal’s National Identity Card (NID). It’s everywhere these days; mentioned in the news, passed around on social media, or brought up by friends and family. And it’s not just talk. Some government offices are already asking for it when you apply for things like a passport, social security, or other official services.

It’s pretty clear that this card is going to be a must-have sooner or later. It’s supposed to make life easier by putting all your identity info in one place, digitally and securely. But let’s be real: while we all know about the NID, most of us still aren’t 100% sure how to actually register for it.

Maybe you tried the online form and gave up halfway. Or maybe you were told to go to an office but didn’t know what to take with you. Or you just haven’t had the time or patience to deal with another “government process.”

You're not alone. A lot of people are in the same boat.

That’s exactly why we put this guide together. To explain everything clearly, step-by-step, in a way that actually makes sense. Think of this as just a simple walk-through of what you need, what to do, and where to go. 

Whether you're planning to apply soon or just curious about how it all works, this article will make everything crystal clear.

We’ll also break down what documents you need, how the online registration works, where to go for biometric enrollment, and how to finally get your hands on your Rastriya Parichaya Patra.

Let’s get started!

What is the National Identity Card (Rastriya Parichaya Patra)?

The National Identity Card, also known as Rastriya Parichaya Patra, is an official identity card issued by the Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Here’s how a typical NID Card looks like:

This card is designed to eventually replace other identification documents like the citizenship certificate and voter ID. It comes with a unique identity number and contains your biometric data like a photo, fingerprints, and iris scan.

The goal with this is to make government services more efficient, reduce identity fraud, and bring everyone under a single, secure digital identity system.

Why is NID Registration Important?

Here’s why you should consider registering for your Rastriya Parichaya Patra:

• The government has made it mandatory for receiving government services
• You’ll need it for citizen-related services, applying for passports, driving licenses, property registration, etc.
• It can streamline your personal records and reduce the need to carry multiple documents.
• The card is digitally secure, making it harder to forge than paper-based IDs.

Who Can Apply for the National ID Card in Nepal?

To be eligible for NID registration, you must:

• Be a Nepali citizen
• Be 16 years or older
• Have a valid citizenship certificate

Even if you’re living abroad as a Nepali citizen, you may be able to apply for a NID through designated embassies or consular services, depending on the latest government updates.

Documents Required for National ID Registration

Before you start the application, make sure you have these documents ready:

1. Citizenship Certificate (Nagarikta)
2. Birth Certificate or Age Verification (if your birthdate isn’t clearly mentioned in the citizenship certificate)
3. Migration Certificate (if you've changed your permanent address)
4. Marriage Certificate (if your spouse's name isn’t included in your citizenship)
5. Passport (optional but useful if you have one)

Make sure your documents are up-to-date and accurate, as the same information will go into your National Identity Card.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Register for the National ID Card in Nepal

Let’s break down the process into simple steps:

Step 1: Online Pre-Registration

You need to fill out an online application before visiting the enrollment center. Here's how:

1. Visit the Official NID Website

Go to the Department of National ID and Civil Registration's Enrollment Portal. This is the official site for starting your rastriya parichaya patra online registration.

Click on ‘National ID Online Application to proceed.

2. Login with Your Mobile Number

• Click on "Login for Individuals".
• Enter your mobile number.
• You'll receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS.
• Enter the OTP to log in.

Make sure you use a mobile number that’s in your name and active.

3. Fill in the Registration Form

Once you’ve received your OTP number, you will then be led to the NID New Enrollment page. 

Click on ‘New Enrollment’, and you will be taken to the online application form.

Fill out all the details carefully, keeping in mind the following important points:

• Fields that need to be filled in Nepali are configured to accept Nepali Unicode (Romanized layout). Similarly, fields that require English entries must be typed in English.
• For typing in Nepali, use the Nepali Unicode Romanized layout. Click here to learn how to type using Nepali Unicode Romanized.
• If you enter your date of birth in Bikram Sambat (BS), it will automatically convert to Gregorian Calendar (AD).
• Fields marked with a “*” symbol are mandatory and must be filled in before proceeding.
• Once all mandatory fields are completed, click on ‘Save Draft’ to receive a 13-digit application number.

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Full Name (as per official documents)
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Address (both permanent and temporary)
• Educational qualification
• Employment details
• Family information (parents, spouse, grandparents)

Take your time to double-check every detail. Incorrect info could delay the process.

4. Choose Your Biometric Enrollment Location and Date

After filling in the form, you’ll be prompted to select:

• The enrollment center (usually your local District Administration Office)
• A date for your biometric appointment

When selecting your appointment, choose the location that appears in the dropdown if it’s convenient for you. Some centers may not show availability online. If that happens, choose "Others/अन्य" and contact your nearby District Administration Office (DAO) or Area Administration Office (AAO) to schedule the date and time manually.

5. Print the Application Form

Once you’ve submitted the form, download and print the application confirmation form. You’ll need to bring this to your biometric appointment.

Step 2: Visit Enrollment Center for Biometric Data Collection

This is where your photo, fingerprints, and iris scan will be taken.

1. Go to the Chosen Center on the Appointed Date

• Be on time.
• Bring the printed application form and all the required documents.

2. Submit Documents and Verify Details

• A staff member will verify your documents.
• Make sure the spelling and data in your form match your original documents.

3. Biometric Data Capture

This includes:

• A digital photograph (make sure you’re not wearing glasses or makeup)
• Fingerprints of all ten fingers
• Iris scan (eye scan)

After the data is recorded, you’ll be shown a final version to review. Once everything looks good, you’ll be asked to sign the form digitally.

Step 3: Get Your National ID Number (NIN) and Wait for Card Delivery

1. Get Your Application Number

After completing biometric registration, you’ll receive a 16-digit application number.

2. Get Your NIN via SMS

To get your National Identity Number (NIN):

• Send an SMS to 30001
• Type: N [Your 16-digit application number] (example: N 1234567890123456)
• You’ll receive your NIN in a reply message

3. Track Your Application Status

You can check the status of your NID registration:

• By SMS: S [Your application number] to 30001
• Online at citizenportal.donidcr.gov.np

4. Wait for Card Distribution Notification

Once your card is ready, the department will notify you by SMS or through the Citizen Portal. This might take a few weeks or months, depending on your location and processing time.

How to Collect Your National ID Card

Once notified, go to the same office where you submitted your biometric data.

Bring:

• Your citizenship certificate
• The original documents used during registration
• The application receipt or number

You’ll receive your smart National Identity Card, which is now officially your digital identity in Nepal.

Alternative Places for Biometric Enrollment: Not Just DAO!

While most people complete their NID card biometric registration at their District Administration Office (DAO) or Area Administration Office (AAO), that’s not the only option available.

Depending on where you live or work, you may also be able to register your biometric data at:

1. Your Local Municipality Office

Many municipalities and rural municipalities have started providing NID card biometric registration services as part of their citizen service centers. This can be a lot more convenient than traveling to the district office, especially if you live outside the valley or in a remote area.

Before you book your biometric appointment, it’s worth checking with your local ward or municipality office to see if they’re offering NID enrollment services.

2. Office of the Company Registrar (OCR)

In some cases, especially for working professionals, the Office of the Company Registrar has also been known to collect biometric data for NID registration during coordinated drives. If you're employed in a company that’s participating in such a drive, your HR or admin team may coordinate this for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Register for NID?

As of now, the registration and issuance of the first-time National ID card is free. However, there might be a fee for replacement cards in case of damage or loss.

Using Your NID Card for Online Services

You can also link your NID card with the Nagarik App, Nepal’s unified digital government service platform. This lets you:

• Access your digital National ID
• Apply for services like PAN registration, passport tracking, tax payments, and more

Planning to Register a Company in Nepal? You'll Need Your NID First

If you're planning to register a company in Nepal, here’s a key thing to know: you’ll need your National Identity Number (NIN) to complete the process.

The Office of the Company Registrar (OCR) now uses the CAMIS system (Centralized Application Management Information System) for online company registration. And under this system, every Nepali promoter or shareholder must provide their NIN, which you can only get after completing your NID registration.

So, whether you're going solo or registering with partners, make sure everyone has their Rastriya Parichaya Patra ready before applying.

Tip: Sorting out NIDs in advance can save you time and unnecessary delays on the OCR portal.

Want a step-by-step guide to registering your company online?

Read our full blog post on CAMIS company registration here

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect or misspelled information: Always double-check your entries.
2. Not carrying original documents: Your appointment could be canceled.
3. Using someone else’s mobile number: This can cause issues with receiving OTPs and NIN.
4. Not following photo guidelines: Wearing makeup or glasses can affect biometric accuracy.

Final Words: Get Your NID Card Today!

Nepal’s National Identity Card system is a major leap forward in making public services faster, easier, and more connected. And now that you know exactly how the NID registration process works, from filling out the online form to collecting your card. It’s a great time to get it done.

Whether you’re a student planning to study abroad, a professional applying for official documents, or just someone who wants to be ready for what’s coming next, getting your Rastriya Parichaya Patra is a smart move. Sooner or later, you’ll need it, and being one step ahead never hurts.

Ready to get started? Just head over to the official website of the Department of National ID and Civil Registration, complete your online registration, and book your appointment. The process is simpler than you think once you know what to do.

Take that first step, and get your digital identity sorted today.

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