The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), has extended the deadline for obtaining ID Cards (National, ECOWAS, and Non-National).

The notice, dated 28th March, 2024, informs the general public that the deadline for obtaining ID Cards, including National, ECOWAS, and Non-National, has been extended from 31st March, 2024, to 28th June, 2024.

This extension comes in light of the government’s efforts to provide citizens with ample time to acquire their ID cards. It is consistent with the Cabinet Directive ratified by Parliament in March 2022, which mandates the linking of Identification Cards with the National Identification Number (NIN) inscribed on the cards. This linkage facilitates access to various services, including transactions with financial institutions, vehicle registration, recruitment into public and private institutions, NASSIT enrollment, land and property registration, educational enrollment, SIM card registration, immigration services, business registration, and vital events registration.

The public is encouraged to obtain their Identification Cards from any of the NCRA Offices or designated centers across the country between the hours of 08:30 am and 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, by the new deadline of 28th June, 2024. It is reiterated that National and Non-National ID Cards are mandatory, while the ECOWAS ID Card is optional.

Furthermore, the NCRA and the Security Sector will collaborate to enforce compliance with the Cabinet Directive and Parliamentary Ratification effective 1st July, 2024. This collaboration aims to ensure that all residents, whether citizens or foreign, are reliably identified and maintain consistency in their personal information.

The public is reminded that the Identification Card bearing the unique National Identification Number (NIN) is by law the primary source of personal identification in Sierra Leone. Therefore, obtaining and carrying this ID card is essential for all residents.

For further inquiries and assistance, individuals can contact the NCRA or visit their nearest registration center.