Before you go
Bring these documents to avoid multiple trips.
- Birth certificate
- Any existing government ID (voter card, old national ID, etc.) (optional)
Steps
- 1
Locate your nearest NIN registration centre
NIN registration is free and is handled by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). Registration centres are located in all district capitals and at NATCOM offices in Freetown. You can check natcom.gov.sl for a list of active centres.
📍 NCRA / NATCOM registration centreDay 1 - 2
Provide biometric data and documents
Bring your birth certificate and any existing ID (old ID card, voter registration card, school leaving certificate). An officer will photograph you, scan your fingerprints (all ten), and capture your iris scan. The process takes about 15 minutes per person.
📍 NCRA registration centreDay 1 - 3
Receive your NIN slip
After biometric capture you receive a printed NIN slip on the spot. This slip is your proof of NIN until the full national ID card is issued (which may take several months as the national roll-out continues). Keep the slip safe — it is accepted by most government offices.
📍 NCRA registration centreDay 1
Community tips
“If you don't have a birth certificate, registration is still possible with a sworn affidavit from a Commissioner for Oaths. Many people use this route.”
“NIN registration is completely free. If anyone at the centre asks for payment, report it to the NCRA supervisory officer.”
“Some NATCOM centres have much shorter queues than the Siaka Stevens HQ. The Lumley branch and Waterloo branch are both faster in our experience.”
“go early, I repeat, go early!”