How to Register for a National Identity Card in Malawi

To register for a National Identity Card in Malawi, you need to visit a National Registration Bureau (NRB) district registration office. You must be aged 16 years or above to apply.¹ The registration process is straightforward and requires basic documentation.

What you need

When you apply, bring one of the following:¹

For proof of citizenship, you will need to score 100 points or more.⁴ This can be demonstrated by presenting your National ID card in person if you have a biological parent who is a Malawian citizen, or by presenting a receipt from a previous registration by a biological parent who is a Malawian citizen.⁴

Where to apply

Visit your nearest National Registration Bureau (NRB) district registration office to submit your application.¹ The NRB has district offices across the country where registration is handled.

After you register

Once your application is processed, you will be issued a National Identity Card.² As of 16 September 2026, National ID cards no longer have an expiry date.⁵ This means your card will remain valid throughout your lifetime, and identity verification will rely on real-time biometric checks against the National Registration Bureau database.⁵

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a digital version of my National ID?

The National Registration Bureau has launched the Nzika Digital ID Wallet, which provides a digital version alongside the physical card.³⁵ This digital option ensures that no Malawian is denied an essential service simply because they are waiting for their physical card.⁵

What if I lose my National ID card?

If your identity card is lost, defaced or destroyed, you must apply to the District Registrar for replacement using Form NR1 or NR2, accompanied by Form NR6, which is an affidavit explaining how the card was lost, defaced or destroyed.²