Organization : Department of Civil and National Registration
Facility : National Identity Card Application
Country : Botswana
Website : https://gov.bw/civil-registration/national-identity-card-application
How To Apply For National Identity Card in Botswana?
This service registers citizens aged 16 years and above and issues them with a National Identity Document (Omang). The Omang Card is used as a form of identity and for accessing services. All citizens of Botswana who are 16 years and above are eligible for this service.
Steps:
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps:
** For applicants applying for an Omang Card for the first time, complete and submit the Application for Registration (1st Schedule).
** For applicants applying for an Omang Card due to loss, renewal, theft, damage or change of surname, complete and submit the Application for Replacement.
** Along with the application form, submit the required documents (listed below) and provide finger prints. At the time of submission, a receipt will be issued to the applicant.
** The form is then forwarded to a centralized production center for processing. Upon successful processing, an Identity is issued for collection by the client.
** A receipt of submission is required when collecting the Identity Card.
** New applications done after 30 days of the applicant’s sixteenth birthday or acquiring citizenship are referred to as late registration. Applicants will be referred to the Botswana Police Service for cautioning and fining before collecting the Identity.
Document Required For Botswana National Identity Card Application
** Birth certificate
** Citizenship certificate
** Proof of change of surname for applications due to change of surname
Key Advantages of the Omang include:
Cross-Border Travel:
Citizens can use the ID card to travel to and from Namibia for stays up to 90 days without needing a passport. Botswana and Lesotho are also in the process of rolling out similar agreements to simplify regional mobility and boost trade.
Access to Public Services:
It serves as the main tool for public administration, allowing citizens to easily claim rights, access healthcare, and enroll in social safety programs.
Universal Identification:
It acts as a mandatory breeder document required to apply for other foundational documents, such as driver’s licenses, passports, and voter registration cards.
Unique Identification (UID):
The number assigned at age 16 remains your unique lifelong identifier, ensuring accurate tracking for taxation, social services, and public health follow-ups.
Citizenship Verification:
It officially verifies your status as a Botswana citizen, which is required to participate in national elections and other civic duties.
How long will this service take?
Fourteen(14) working days.
Contact Botswana Department of Civil and National Registration
All Regional and District ofices accross the country
Department of Civil and National Registration
Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave
Khama Crescent
Private Bag 00240
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel : (+267) 361 1400
Fax : (+267) 395 9998
Toll Free Number: 0800 600 777
Opening Hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.