How to Get a Smart National Identity Card in Bangladesh?

How to Get a Smart National Identity Card in Bangladesh? In Bangladesh, the Smart National Identity (NID) card has transformed the way citizens access services. This innovative card, which contains a SIM-like microchip, stores 32 biometric and identifying pieces of information, making access to various services easier and faster.

With a target to distribute smart cards to all eligible citizens by 2025, the government has streamlined the process to ensure that every citizen benefits from this advanced identification system. Below is a detailed guide on how to get a Smart NID card, its benefits, and the steps to check your card’s status.

What is a Smart National Identity Card?

A Smart NID card is an advanced identification document embedded with a microchip that stores extensive personal information, including:

Biometric data – 10 fingerprints and a retina scan.
Digital information – Signature, photo, and other unique identifiers.

This smart technology enables rapid access to an individual’s details for government services, financial transactions, and public safety, thus enhancing security and reducing fraud.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Smart NID Card

A Smart NID card serves as a critical document for Bangladeshi adults. It is required for:

Applying for government and private sector jobs
Opening a bank account
Obtaining a passport
Registering for mobile banking services such as Bikash and Rocket
Accessing various government services, including voting and tax registration

Below is a table outlining some primary uses of the Smart NID card:

Purpose	Requirement
Government Job	Required for identification
Bank Account Opening	Mandatory for verification
Mobile SIM Registration	Required for SIM purchase and registration
Mobile Banking (Bikash, etc.)	Needed for account setup
Passport Application	Required for identity verification
Train Ticket Booking	Required for identification at purchase

How to Apply for a Smart NID Card?

1. Eligibility Check for Existing Voters

If you are already a registered voter, you may be eligible to receive a Smart NID card by updating your biometric data. For those who registered before 2019, biometric details like 10 fingerprints and a retina scan will need to be provided, as earlier-issued cards typically included only a photo, signature, and two fingerprints.

2. Application Process

To apply for a Smart NID card:

Visit your local Upazila Election Office to initiate the process.
Provide biometric data, including all 10 fingerprints and a retina scan.
Submit the completed application with the necessary identification documents.

The Upazila Election Office periodically organizes area-wise distribution campaigns to deliver the cards.

Updating Information on the Old NID Card

If you find errors in your existing NID card, or if you have changed your name or address, you will need to apply for corrections before obtaining the Smart NID card. This can be done at the Upazila Election Office, where updated details will be recorded and a new Smart NID card will be issued.

Where and When to Collect Your Smart NID Card

Once the Smart NID card is processed, it is sent to the relevant Upazila Election Office. You can collect your Smart card during the local distribution campaigns organized village-wise. Here are the ways to know if your Smart NID card is ready for collection:

Checking Smart NID Card Status Online

To check the status online:

Go to the official NID website: www.services.nidw.gov.bd.
Enter your NID number and date of birth to view the issue status.
If the card is ready, the system will show the collection location.

If your status reads “Incomplete,” you may need to wait and check back periodically until your card is ready.

Smart NID Status Check via SMS

You can also check the card status by sending an SMS to 105. Here’s how:

For a 17-digit NID number: Type “SC NID [Your 17-digit NID]” and send to 105.
For a 13-digit NID number, add your birth year to the beginning of your NID to make it a 17-digit number.

Example:

cssCopy codeSC NID 1991xxxxxxxxxxxx to 105

For those who became voters recently, you can use your voter registration slip number:

cssCopy codeSC F NIDFNxxxxxxxxx D dd-mm-yyyy to 105

What to Do If You Miss the Distribution

If you missed your area’s distribution schedule, there are options for collecting your Smart NID card:

Visit the Upazila Election Office and inquire about uncollected cards.
Cards that were not delivered are often taken back to the Upazila Election Office, where they can be collected later.

In some areas, uncollected cards may be left with local authorities, such as a member or Chowkidar, to facilitate collection by residents.

Importance of the Smart NID Card

The Smart NID card has revolutionized access to numerous services in Bangladesh. Its widespread applications include:

Banking: Essential for opening accounts and mobile banking.
Government Services: Required for employment, tax registration, and public services.
Telecommunication: Used to register SIM cards and confirm ownership of mobile services.
Travel: Needed for passport application and, in some cases, travel permits.

Smart NID Card Requirement

Service	Requirement
SIM Purchase and Registration	NID required
Tax Registration	Smart ID required
Vaccination Registration	Smart ID essential for verification
Job Application	Required as proof of citizenship

Advantages of the Smart NID Card Over the Laminated Card

The Smart NID card’s built-in microchip makes it a secure and efficient alternative to the older laminated card. Here are some of the key benefits:

Enhanced Security: The biometric data in the Smart card prevents fraud and unauthorized access.
Faster Service Access: Microchip technology allows quick information retrieval for government services.
Reduced Risks of Loss and Damage: The durable card is less likely to suffer wear and tear compared to laminated IDs.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the Smart NID card, Bangladeshi citizens now have easier access to essential services. Its biometric capabilities enhance security and make the card a vital document for various official purposes. Following this guide will help you stay informed about the steps to apply for, collect, and use your Smart NID card effectively.