The National Identification Authority (NIA) has officially announced a revised schedule of fees for Ghana Card services, following the approval of a new legislative instrument to support the sustainability of the national identification system.
The new charges will take effect from February 2, 2026, under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), and apply to selected services including first-time registration for adults, card replacement, renewal, nationality updates and premium registration services.
Why the Fees Have Changed
In a public notice, the NIA explained that the adjustment reflects rising operational and technological costs associated with maintaining Ghana’s biometric identity infrastructure, which now underpins key national services such as banking, SIM registration, voter identification, health insurance, social protection programmes and digital government platforms.
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The Authority stressed that the review was carried out in line with statutory requirements and approved through Parliament, dismissing claims that the increases were arbitrary.
Revised Ghana Card Fees (Effective February 2, 2026)
District Registration Offices
- First-time registration (25 years and above): GH¢30
- First-time registration (below 25 years): Free
- Card replacement: GH¢200
- Card renewal: GH¢150
- Nationality update: GH¢200
- Record update without card replacement: Free
- Record update with card replacement: GH¢200
- Card transfer (excluding courier): GH¢75
Premium Registration Centres
- First-time registration: GH¢410
- Card replacement: GH¢520
- Card renewal: GH¢410
- Nationality update: GH¢410
- Record update with card replacement: GH¢410
- Record update only: GH¢165
Foreign Nationals (FIMS Cards)
(Charged in cedi equivalent of US dollars)
- First-time registration / nationality update: USD 120 equivalent
- Annual renewal or replacement: USD 78 equivalent
- Multi-year renewal (minimum two years): USD 75 per year equivalent
- Record update without replacement: Free
Key Exemptions Maintained
The NIA confirmed that first-time Ghana Card registration remains free for applicants below 25 years at district offices, a policy aimed at ensuring broad access for young people and students. Additionally, record updates that do not require card replacement continue to attract no fee.
Public Advisory
The Authority cautioned the public against unofficial fee lists circulating on social media and warned applicants to transact only at authorised NIA centres. It also reiterated that the use of middlemen remains illegal and could result in sanctions.
The NIA said it would intensify public education ahead of the February rollout to ensure smooth implementation and nationwide compliance with the new pricing structure.
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