Every Zimbabwean citizen is eligible to register for a National Identity Document (ID) at the age of 16. National Identity Documents are issued in terms of the National Registration Act [Chapter 10:17]. According to the Act, the responsibility for issuance of IDs to eligible Zimbabweans and legal immigrants lies with the Registrar General. Additionally, Refugees are registered in terms of the Refugees Act.
1.1 Processing Time
Polythene-Synthetic and Green Copy IDs are processed within 24 hours.
- Requirements for National Identity Document Application:-
- Initial Registration (first time) for Citizens:
- Original birth certificate and a copy, a parent’s ID and a copy
- IDs are issued for free to applicants above the age of 16 and below 18.
- For those 22 years and above, fingerprint clearance is done first before an ID is issued.
- The applicant should be knowledgeable of their village of origin and chief to align them with their tribal affiliation.
- Initial Registration for Non-citizens
- Valid passport.
- Work/residence permit which is six months plus of stay in the country
- Fingerprint clearances if above 22 years
*Original documents plus copies*
- Replacement of lost National Identity Document (ID) and application for changes on ID
- Lost identity card (metal or plastic) a statutory fee of US$10 is required.
- Lost green paper ID.
Requirements
- Original birth certificate, (and photocopy)
- Copy of lost paper ID
Statutory fees
Normal processing – US$ 5.00
Processing time
Normal application – within 24 hours
- Change of surname as per marriage certificate
Requirements
- Marriage certificate,
- Birth certificate,
- Old ID,
- Husband’s ID)
*Original documents plus copies*
Statutory fees
Normal processing – US$ 10.00
Processing time
Normal application – within 24 hours
- Change of surname after divorce/ husband’s death
Requirements
- Husband death/divorce Oder,
- National ID,
- Birth certificate
*Original documents plus copies*
Statutory fees
Normal processing – US$ 25.00
Processing time
Normal application – within 24 hours
- Change of surname from married to maiden
Requirements
- Affidavit,
- Old ID,
- Birth certificate,
- Marriage certificate and
- any other requested documents
*Original documents plus copies*
Statutory fees
Normal processing – US$ 25.00
Processing time
Normal application – within 24 hours
- Change of information as per notarial deed
Requirements
- Notarial Deed,
- Government Gazette,
- Newspaper Cutting,
- Fingerprint Clearance,
- National ID,
- Birth Certificate
*Original documents plus copies*
Statutory fees
Normal processing – US$ 100.00
Processing time
Normal application – within 24 hours
- Change of citizenship status
Requirements
- Birth certificate,
- National ID and
- Any other documents as may be requested.
*Original documents plus copies*
Statutory fees
Normal processing – US$ 40.00(citizenship certificate or
Confirmation)
Processing time
Normal application – within 24 hours
- Frequently Asked Questions
- I have a paper ID, can I apply for a plastic ID at any office or I have to go back to my office of original issue?
- Every District in Zimbabwe has a main office and several sub-offices. One can register for an ID at any nearest registry office (initial or replacements).
- I am busy at work; can I send someone to process my ID?
- An applicant must be present in person for the ID registration process since the process involves biometrics capture.
