Guides · Afghanistan

National ID card renewal in Afghanistan

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) - اداره ملی احصائیه و معلومات. Rules here vary, so check carefully.

Renewing an Afghan National ID card (Tazkira) involves submitting an application to the relevant civil registration office. The process typically requires verifying personal identity and family records held within the central civil registry.

Your timing

It is generally recommended to begin the renewal process several months in advance of any planned travel or official transactions. Processing times can be subject to significant delays due to local office capacity and administrative verification procedures.

Start 90 days ahead

Extended lead times are advisable due to potential manual verification of archival records in the civil registry.

The process

  1. 1Locate the nearest NSIA civil registration office or Tazkira distribution center.
  2. 2Obtain and complete the official application form for Tazkira issuance or renewal.
  3. 3Submit the application along with required biometric data and supporting documentation.
  4. 4Pay the applicable processing fee as directed by the local office.
  5. 5Collect the processed National ID card in person once notification is received.

What to bring

  • Existing Tazkira or a copy for reference
  • Evidence of identity (such as a birth certificate or family registration documents)
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Verification of residency or family lineage records

Who handles it

National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) - اداره ملی احصائیه و معلومات

https://nsia.gov.af/

Fees are set by the Afghan government and are subject to periodic change; applicants must confirm the current fee schedule directly at the registration office.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Incomplete family records in the central registry can cause significant processing delays.
  • Official requirements may vary significantly between provinces and districts.
  • Original supporting documents are often required for verification purposes.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

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