How to Issue a National ID for the First Time

Timing: same day or within 24 hours for urgent service, and several business days for regular service Fees: vary by application form tier and service speed Attendance: applicant must appear, usually with a fourth-degree relative as guarantor Last Updated: May 2026

Required Documents

Check your readiness before visiting the civil registry

This helper checks the legal age threshold, proof of address, and guarantor availability before you apply.

Steps

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Check Eligibility

Start by confirming the applicant is at least 15 years old, then choose the right filing point: the civil registry office linked to the address, or a model center when available. If timing matters, ask from the start whether the office offers regular, urgent, or 24-hour service.

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Prepare Documents File

Buy the national ID application form from the civil registry, then prepare the mechanized birth certificate, recent proof of address, and arrange for a fourth-degree relative guarantor to attend. If your file includes data that may need support, such as profession or student status, keep those documents ready too.

Madam Afaf Warning: the full name and all form data should match the birth certificate exactly, and the guarantor should attend with a valid ID.
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Submit Application and Pay Fees

Fill in the form carefully, submit it with the documents and guarantor, then complete fingerprints and the digital photo. After review, pay the fees based on the form tier and service speed you choose; regular service is cheaper, while urgent and 24-hour options usually cost more depending on the office.

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Follow-up and Complete Deficiencies

Keep the payment receipt or application number and ask clearly about the pickup timeline: same day, within 24 hours, or after several business days. If the office asks for any correction or extra proof, handle it quickly so the file does not stall.

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Final Receipt and Verification

When you receive the card, review the full name, address, marital status, and all printed data before leaving. If anything is wrong, report it immediately. After that, keep a clear copy of the card and your receipt in case you need a later follow-up.

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take?
There is no single fixed timeline. Regular service may take several business days, while some main civil registry offices or model centers offer urgent processing that may finish the same day or within 24 hours. Ask the office at submission time about the timeline attached to the form tier you choose.
Can this service be done entirely online?
No. You may be able to start the request or review conditions through official platforms, but a first-time ID still requires the applicant to appear in person for fingerprints and a digital photo. In practice, the guarantor is also often expected to attend at submission.
What are the legal age and guarantor requirements?
The legal starting age for a first-time national ID is 15 or older. It is also common for the office to ask for a fourth-degree relative guarantor, such as a parent or another qualifying relative, carrying a valid national ID to support identity and address confirmation.
What core documents should I bring on submission day?
The core file usually includes the ID application form, the original mechanized birth certificate, recent proof of address, and the guarantor attending with their ID. After that, be ready for any extra supporting paper the office may request for profession, student status, or other personal data.
Is a 24-hour urgent option really available?
Yes. Some main civil registry offices and model centers offer faster services than the regular route, including same-day or 24-hour processing in certain cases. That is not universal across all offices, and the price changes with the service tier available at the time, so confirm directly with the office before relying on the timeline.
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