National Registration Card (NRC)
An NRC is a mandatory and foundational identification card, which serves as the primary source of proof of identification of a Zambian National and the basis upon which all other national documents are secured. It is for this reason that the NRC can only be applied for and obtained in Zambia, in person.
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Zambians are encouraged to ensure that NRCs are obtained as early as possible after attaining the age of 16 years.​
A. Requirements for initial/first National Registration Card1.The applicant can only obtain an NRC in Zambia, at any Registration Centre of the Department of National Registration Passport and Citizenship (DNRPC); 2. At least one parent must be a Zambian citizen at the time of the Applicant’s birth; 3. The Applicant must be sixteen (16) years or above at the time of applying; 4. The Applicant must be accompanied by a Deponent (who must be a parent, blood relative or legal guardian); 5. The Deponent must come with their original NRC; 6. The Applicant must be in possession of a Birth Certificate (from the country where the birth occurred) or an Under-five card, Record of Birth or sworn Affidavit; 7. The Applicant must attach a copy of parent’s NRC (if available); 8. Applicants who have lived outside Zambia must show proof of being Zambian citizens by presenting travel documents, Citizenship or Naturalization Certificates for parents; and 9. The NRC photograph is taken at the DNRPC offices in Zambia. The photo must show the Applicant’s full face and both ears, without any braids, headgear or adornment.
B. Requirements for replacement of a lost NRC1. Police Report; and 2. Payment of the prescribed fee.
C. Requirements for replacement of a damaged NRC1. Damaged NRC and, 2. payment of the prescribed fee. Note: An NRC replacement, unlike a Passport, can only be obtained in person in Zambia.
E. Requirements for correction of names on the NRC1. Statutory Declaration duly signed by a Commissioner for Oaths. 2. Original National Registration Card. 3. Payment of the prescribed fee. 4. Any other proof to support the change, as the Registrar may deem fit. 6. Original NRC will be replaced with a new NRC bearing the corrected names.
D. Requirements for change of Name on the NRCEvery registered person must use the names appearing on the National Registration Card (NRC). However, the Law has provided for a procedure to be followed where the Registered Person has assumed new name(s). This procedure can only be done at the Registrar General’s office in Zambia. 1. Deed Poll (sealed by the High Court of the Republic of Zambia). The Applicant must: - Engage a lawyer to draft a Deed Poll - Submit the Deed Poll to Government Printers and any State-owned newspapers (Daily Mail or Times of Zambia) for gazetting within 21 days; and - Submit a Government Printers Certificate, Newspaper cuttings of the advert and Deed Poll to the DNRPC Head Office. 2. Original National Registration Card; 3. Payment of the prescribed fee; 4. Any other proof to support the change of the names, as the Registrar may deem fit; and 5. Original NRC will be replaced with a new NRC bearing the new names.