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The Gambia’s National Identity (ID) Card is issued to its nationals as official proof of their nationality. This important national document carries the holder’s biodata: photograph, name, date of birth, place of birth, and other personal details.
The ID card’s validity period is now 10 years, up from 5 years in previous years. The card can be renewed if it expires, is lost, or is damaged. Launched on June 30, 2026, as part of the National Identity Management System (NIMS), the card is said to be compliant with ICAO standards and features a biometric chip for real-time verification.
The issuance of the new biometric National Identity (ID) Card, valid for 10 years, began on Aug. 4, 2026, as stated in this announcement published by the Ministry of Interior, the line ministry of the issuing authority, the Gambia Immigration Department (GID). Yet, confusion persists on social media about how to obtain this document.
This explainer details who qualifies for the identity card, the requirements, the cost, and how and where to get the card, among other details.
Who qualifies for the ID card?
To apply for The Gambia’s biometric identity card, applicants must be Gambian and at least 18 years old. In addition, the applicant must present at least one of the following documents recognised nationally for eligibility for the national identity card:
- A valid Gambian Passport;
- A Gambian Birth Certificate;
Meanwhile, applicants who do not have any of the above documents must have the Alkalo (Village head/chief) and the Seyfo (District Chief) of their place of residence or origin identify and vouch for them to establish eligibility for registration.
Application procedure
Once an applicant meets the documentary requirements above, the next step is to apply, starting with obtaining the application form. The form is available for download on the websites of the Ministry of Interior and the Gambia Immigration Department. Alternatively, you can pick up the application form at enrolment centres nationwide.
Next, fill out the application and pay the fee through designated banks or mobile-money providers in the country. Submit the complete application, including the form and payment receipt, at any enrolment centre for processing, printing, and collection.
ID card Fee
The National Identity Card costs D450 to process, while those with a valid, unexpired ID card can receive a free replacement. Technically, it is not free because they have already purchased one that has not been exhausted, and that’s what they should tender. You need a receipt to obtain the new one. Those whose old ID cards have expired or who have yet to acquire one as fresh applicants would need to pay D450.
Where to get ID?
The rollout of the national document, which began in the metropolis, has now been extended to the rest of the country. The development has given prospective applicants many choices, regardless of location. Applicants in the urban area have the choice to file their applications at the centres in Kanifing, Banjul Immigration HQ, Bundung, Brusubi, Abuko, Brikama, or Sanyang; while those in the countryside could submit their applications in Sibanor and Jarra Soma, Barra, Kerewan, Farafenni, Kaur, Janjanbureh, Basse, and Fatoto.
The government has urged citizens to register at the centre serving their area of domicile.
How to apply
1. Download the free application form from www.moi.gov.gm or www.gid.gov.gm, or collect one at the enrolment centre.
2. Pay at Ecobank (unless exempt) and keep the receipt.
3. Go to your centre for photo and fingerprint capture.
4. Collect your card when notified.
Conclusion
According to the Ministry of Interior, the new GAM ID card costs D450 for first-time applicants, is paid for at Ecobank, is free for holders of a valid, unexpired ID card or a GID enrolment printout (during the replacement period), and is available through a phased rollout that began in Greater Banjul on Aug. 4, 2026 and extended to the country’s other regions in September.