How To Get Your Ghana Card (National ID)

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your Ghana Card (National ID) — one of the most important documents for identity, SIM registration, banking, voting, and accessing services in Ghana 🇬🇭.

 

 

🆔 What is the Ghana Card?

The Ghana Card is a biometric national identity card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) to all Ghanaian citizens (home and abroad) and legally resident foreigners.

 

 

✅ Who Needs It?

•All Ghanaian citizens (15 years and above)

•Children aged 0–14 years (issued a child ID)

•Foreigners with legal residence permits

 

 

📍 Where to Register

•NIA District Offices (available in every district)

•NIA Premium Centres (for faster service, but with a fee)

•Mobile Registration Centres (temporary setups in communities)

 

 

📄 Documents You’ll Need

For Ghanaian Citizens:

•Birth Certificate OR

•Valid Ghanaian Passport OR

•Old Voter’s ID Card

•If you don’t have any of the above:

•Ghana Post GPS address

•A relative or guarantor (registered Ghana Card holder) to vouch for you

Optional But Helpful:

•SSNIT Number (if you have one)

•Digital address from GhanaPostGPS

•Mobile number and email (for alerts)

 

 

📝 Registration Steps

🔹 Step 1: Visit a Registration Centre

•Go early to avoid long queues

•Ask for the Ghana Card application form (may be digital or physical)

🔹 Step 2: Present Your Documents

•Show your proof of citizenship (birth cert, passport, or Voter ID)

•Or bring a guarantor who already has a Ghana Card

🔹 Step 3: Biometric Capture

•Your fingerprints, photo, and digital signature will be taken

•Confirm that your personal details are correct

🔹 Step 4: Receive a Printed Slip

•This is a temporary ID until your card is ready

•Keep it safe — you’ll need it to collect your card

🔹 Step 5: Pick Up Your Ghana Card

•You’ll be notified by SMS or call when it’s ready

•Go back with your printed slip to collect the card

 

 

💰 Is It Free?

•Standard registration: FREE

•Premium service: Costs about GHS 250+ (used mainly by businesses or for faster service)

 

 

🔄 If You Lost Your Card?

•Visit the NIA office to report and apply for a replacement

•Replacement fee: GHS 30–50

 

 

🖥️ Bonus: Check If Your Ghana Card Is Ready

•Use the shortcode: *127*1515#

•You’ll see your card status and details (must be done on the registered number)