National ID replacement process

I lost my National ID last week while travelling from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam. At first, I thought it was no big deal, I mean, I am still Tanzanian whether I have the card or not, right? But suddenly, I couldn’t register a new SIM card, the bank told me I couldn’t update my details, and even my bus conductor teased me, saying I was ‘stateless.’ It made me wonder: Am I still a legal citizen? After realising the chaos of not having my ID, I asked around about how to get a replacement. One friend said I just walk into the National Identification Authority (NIDA) office in my area, and another swore I had to go to Court first. What exactly is the correct process?

HJ, Dodoma

Sorry for the trouble of losing your Identity Card but you still remain a citizen. Citizenship is determined by the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, not whether you physically hold your NIDA card. However, section 10 of the Registration and Identification of Persons Act, Cap. 36 [R.E. 2023] establishes a registration system for citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania and alien residents in Tanzania, as evidenced by the possession of an identity card. The law obliges every registered citizen to maintain a valid identification card.

Without the card, daily life becomes difficult, since banks, telecoms, and service providers lawfully require it. The process outlined in the law requires you to first report the loss to the police, then swear an affidavit under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act, and finally apply for a replacement at NIDA. It sounds simple, but practically it involves queuing and paperwork. While you will not lose your citizenship, failing to replace it can result in administrative penalties, and in practice, it may expose you to suspicion in official transactions or police checks. Note that the law is silent on how you should keep your card safe, however, repeated loss and replacement can draw scrutiny. Practically, avoid keeping it in places where you easily misplace items, and refrain from using it as a bookmark, as some people do. Protecting it is both a matter of legal compliance and common sense. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.