I first took my National Identification Card in April last year, like many Sierra Leoneans who answered the government’s call to register for the new national ID system.
The card was introduced to help the government properly identify citizens and residents, improve national security, support elections, banking, mobile money services, and make it easier to access public services. According to officials, the National Identification Card is now one of the most important documents in the country because it connects a person’s identity to a central national database.
When I realised I needed to renew my card, after i had lost i I decided to go through the process myself. While the system is organised in some areas, it is also stressful in others.
Here is how my renewal journey went.
Step 1: Payment at Police Headquarters
The first thing I did was to go to the Police Headquarters and pay Le50 for the process.
After payment, I was given a receipt.
This part was very fast and took just a few minutes, which I appreciated.
Step 2: Police Report at CID
Next, I went to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to make a report that my ID card was missing.
This step depends on your situation. Some people report their cards as missing, while others report them as stolen.
This was the most stressful part of the whole process.
There were hundreds of people at CID for similar reports. Because of the crowd and slow process, it took between three to seven days before I was able to receive my police report.
I believe this area needs serious improvement because many citizens cannot afford to waste days just to complete one step.
Step 3: Visit to NCRA Office and Card Collection
After receiving my police report, I made a photocopy and went to the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) office.
One good thing is that people who are going for renewal do not have to join the long queue, well, not in my case.
I informed the security officer that I was there for renewal and I was directed straight inside.
They first took my height measurement and basic details.
After that, I was told to go to the desk where old ID cards are cancelled, so that my previous card could no longer be used.
After submitting all the documents they requested and providing my phone number, a new record was created for me.
Within a few minutes, I received a text message saying:
“Thank you for applying for your National ID Card at the NCRA.”
I was told to go home and wait for another message.
After about seven to eight days, I received another text message from the NCRA informing me that my Identification Card was ready for collection.
When I went to pick it up, the process was very fast.
It took me about 15 minutes to receive my new National Identification Card.
My Thoughts on the Process
The renewal system is partly efficient, especially at the NCRA office. The staff were organised and the process there was quick.
However, the police report stage at CID is too slow and overcrowded. This is where most people suffer.
If the government truly wants the National ID system to work smoothly, there should be a faster digital reporting system or more officers assigned to handle ID-related cases.
The National Identification Card is important for development and national planning, but the process should not be a burden on ordinary citizens.
With a few improvements, renewing the national ID card in Sierra Leone can become faster, easier, and more citizen-friendly.
