Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about National Registration, Passports, and Citizenship services.

To apply for your first National Registration Card (NRC) in Zambia, you must apply in person at any DNRPC office for biometric capture. Below are the detailed requirements:

Who Must Accompany You?

You must be accompanied by a deponent who can confirm your identity. The deponent must be one of the following:

  • A parent
  • A biological relative
  • A legal guardian

The deponent must bring their original Green NRC to the office.

Required Documents

You must provide the following documents:

  • Birth Certificate (primary proof of place of birth and age)
  • Alternative Proof (if no birth certificate): Record of Birth, Under-five Card, or sworn Affidavit
  • Parent's NRC Copy (if available)

For applicants born outside Zambia: Provide proof of Zambian citizenship (parents' travel documents, citizenship certificates, or naturalization certificates).

Access the Application Form

The NRC application form is available online through the DNRPC e-Services Portal. You can:

  • Log in to your account on the portal
  • Complete the application form online
  • Upload supporting documents digitally
  • Submit your application and receive a reference number
Note: Even if you apply online, you must still visit a DNRPC office in person for biometric capture (photograph and fingerprints).
Access the Online Portal
Biometric Capture Process

At the DNRPC office, you will:

  • Complete the application form (if not already done online)
  • Have your photograph taken (full face, both ears visible, no headcover)
  • Capture 10 rolled fingerprints and 10 plain fingerprints
  • Make and sign a declaration confirming the information is true
Key Requirements
  • Age: Must be 16 years or older
  • Citizenship: At least one parent must have been a Zambian citizen at the time of your birth
  • Cost: First NRC application is free of charge
Important: The NRC is a mandatory foundational document. It is the primary proof of identity for Zambian nationals and is required to obtain a passport, driver's license, and access government services.

Zambian passports are issued to citizens for international travel. All passport applications are submitted online through the Government Service Bus (GSB) Portal.

Apply Online: Visit passports.gsb.gov.zm/services to start your passport application.
Online Application Process
  1. Apply Online: Visit passports.gsb.gov.zm/services to start your passport application.
  2. Create an account or log in to your existing account
  3. Select Passport Application from the available services
  4. Complete the online form with your personal details
  5. Upload required documents (scanned copies)
  6. Pay the applicable fee online
  7. Schedule an appointment for biometric capture at a DNRPC office
  8. Visit the DNRPC office on your scheduled date for biometrics
  9. Track your application online using your reference number
  10. Collect your passport when notified
Required Documents
  • Completed online application form (submitted through GSB Portal)
  • Two passport photos (one endorsed by a recommender who has known you for at least 2 years)
  • Certified copy of your NRC (Green Card)
  • Certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable, for name changes)
  • Current passport (for renewals)
Recommender Requirements

The recommender who endorses your passport photo must:

  • Be a professional of standing (e.g., lawyer, doctor, teacher, civil servant, clergy)
  • Have known you personally for at least 2 years
  • Not be a relative
  • Provide their NRC number and contact details
Passport Fees
Passport Type Fee
32-page Ordinary Passport K320
48-page Ordinary Passport K520
Express Service (3-5 working days) Additional K200
Diplomatic Passport Free
Processing Time
  • Standard: 2-3 weeks
  • Express: 3-5 working days (additional K200 fee)
Where to Collect Your Passport
  • DNRPC Head Office - Independence Avenue, Lusaka
  • Provincial DNRPC offices across all 10 provinces
  • Zambian Diplomatic Missions abroad (for Zambians outside the country)
Passport Collection
  • You must collect your passport in person
  • Bring your NRC and acknowledgment slip
  • Passports not collected within 6 months may be destroyed
Apply Now: All passport applications must be submitted through the Government Service Bus (GSB) Portal

Yes, first issuance of a birth certificate is free of charge under the Birth and Death Registration Act Cap 51.

Why It's Important
  • Legal requirement for every child born in Zambia
  • Essential for school enrollment - required for admission to any school
  • Required to obtain an NRC at age 16
  • Needed to access government services (healthcare, social protection)
  • Required for passport applications
  • Establishes legal identity and citizenship
Where to Register
  • Any DNRPC office across all 10 provinces
  • Designated health facilities (hospitals, clinics, and health centers)
  • District Registrars' offices
Required Documents
  • Notification of Birth from the health facility (or sworn affidavit if born at home)
  • Parents' NRCs or passports
  • Marriage certificate (if parents are married)
Who Can Register
  • Parents (preferred)
  • Legal guardians
  • Hospital administrators (for births at their facility)
  • Any person with legal authority
Deadlines
  • Within 30 days: Free registration
  • 31 days to 12 months: Late registration fee applies
  • Over 12 months: Requires Registrar's approval and higher fees
Deadline: Birth should be registered within 30 days of birth to avoid penalties.
Register Birth Online

Important: Your NRC is a critical identity document. If lost or stolen, take immediate action to prevent identity theft.
Step-by-Step Process
  1. Report the loss to the nearest police station
    • File a formal police report
    • Obtain a certified copy of the police report
    • This report is required for replacement application
  2. Visit a DNRPC office with the following:
    • Police report (original and copy)
    • Any other identification (passport, driver's license, etc.)
    • Birth certificate (if available)
    • Recent passport-sized photos
  3. Complete replacement application
    • Fill out the replacement NRC application form
    • Submit all required documents
    • Pay the applicable replacement fee
  4. Undergo biometric capture
    • New photograph will be taken
    • Fingerprints will be captured again
  5. Collect your new NRC
    • Processing time: 2-4 weeks
    • Collect with your acknowledgment slip
Replacement Fees
  • First replacement: K50 - K100 (subject to change)
  • Second replacement: Higher fees apply
  • Lost due to theft: Police report may waive penalties
Security Tip: Immediately report a lost NRC to prevent identity theft or fraudulent use. The police report protects you from liability if someone misuses your lost card.

Citizenship applications are processed by the DNRPC under the Citizenship Act Cap 124. You can apply through the following pathways:

By Birth

Born in Zambia to Zambian parents

Requires: Birth certificate, parents' NRCs

By Descent

Born outside Zambia to a Zambian parent

Requires: Birth certificate, parent's Zambian passport/NRC, travel documents

By Registration

For foreign nationals who have lived in Zambia for 5-10 continuous years

Requires: NRC (Blue), residence permit, tax compliance, good character references

By Naturalisation

For those with special contributions to Zambia

Requires: Evidence of contribution, Ministerial approval

General Requirements
  • Completed citizenship application form
  • Valid NRC (if already in Zambia)
  • Birth certificate
  • Certified copies of all supporting documents
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Evidence of residence period (for registration)
  • Good character references from two Zambian citizens
Processing Time
  • By Birth/Descent: 2-4 weeks
  • By Registration: 3-6 months
  • By Naturalisation: 6-12 months (subject to Ministerial review)
How to Apply: Visit your nearest DNRPC office for specific forms and detailed requirements. Processing times and fees vary by application type.

Yes! The DNRPC is implementing the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS) to digitize services. You can:

Create Account

On the DNRPC Portal

Submit Applications

Online forms

Upload Documents

Securely submit proofs

Track Status

Monitor your application

How to Get Started
  1. Visit the DNRPC e-Services Portal
  2. Create an account with your email and NRC number
  3. Select the service you need (NRC, Birth, etc.)
  4. Complete the online form accurately
  5. Upload required documents in PDF or image format
  6. Submit your application and note your reference number
  7. Visit DNRPC office for biometric capture (if required for your service)
  8. Track your application online using the reference number
Services Available Online
NRC Application
Birth Registration
Death Registration
Certificate Requests
Document Verification
Application Tracking
Passport Applications: Passport applications are processed through the Government Service Bus (GSB) Portal
Important: First-time NRC applicants must still appear in person for biometric capture (photograph and fingerprints) even if they apply online.
Get Started on the Portal
Still have questions?

Contact the Department of National Registration, Passport, and Citizenship directly:

Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00 Closed Weekends & Holidays

DNRPC - One Zambia, One Nation

National Registration Civil Registration Citizenship
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