How Long Does National ID Replacement Take in Zimbabwe?

Replacing a Zimbabwean National Identity Card involves an in-person visit to a Registrar General's office, and the time it takes depends largely on which processing option you choose, the location of the office, and whether there is a backlog on the day. For most people applying in Zimbabwe, the ID can be issued on the same day or within a few days of submitting the application — though this is not guaranteed. ## Standard vs Urgent Processing Zimbabwe's Registrar General offers both standard and urgent replacement options: - **Standard replacement**: Typically processed within a few working days. In practice, some offices — particularly busy provincial ones like Harare — may take longer due to high demand or system outages. - **Urgent replacement**: Attracts a higher fee and is designed for same-day or next-day turnaround, though actual processing time still depends on office capacity. There is no fixed nationally published processing time equivalent to, say, the passport system's stated 7 or 14 working days. Processing times vary by district office, and applicants are advised to ask staff directly when collecting their receipt. ## Current Fees (as of 2024) Fees are payable in USD at the point of application: - **Replacement of lost or torn paper ID**: USD $5.00 - **Urgent replacement of lost or torn paper ID**: USD $10.00 - **Replacement of lost or defaced plastic ID (resident)**: USD $10.00 - **Replacement of lost or defaced plastic ID (non-resident)**: USD $15.00 - **Urgent replacement of plastic ID (resident)**: USD $20.00 - **Urgent replacement of plastic ID (non-resident)**: USD $30.00 ZiG equivalents are also accepted at the prevailing rate, though USD is the more stable option. ## What You Need to Bring To replace a lost or damaged National ID, you will need: - Your **original long birth certificate** — this is non-negotiable. A short birth certificate is not accepted. - Your **old ID card** or waiting pass, if you still have it — this speeds up the process. - A **valid passport** can substitute for the birth certificate in some cases. - A **police report** if the ID was lost or stolen. Not every office demands this at the counter, but it is an official requirement and is worth having to avoid being turned away. ## The Application Process All applications — whether first-time or replacement — require the applicant to attend in person. There is no postal or proxy option for ID replacement because biometrics are captured on the day: 1. Arrive early at your nearest District or Provincial Registrar General's office 2. Have your documents vetted by an official 3. Complete the application form provided 4. Have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned on-site (you cannot submit your own photo) 5. Pay the applicable fee and retain your receipt 6. Collect your new ID — either on the day or as advised by the office ## Practical Tips for Diaspora Members Arranging This From the UK If you are in the UK and need a family member in Zimbabwe to handle this on your behalf, bear in mind that **the applicant must be present in person** — no one can do this for you remotely. If you are visiting Zimbabwe, factor in at least one full day for the application, and ideally apply at a less busy district office rather than central Harare if possible. If you have lost your ID while in the UK, a replacement can only be obtained from inside Zimbabwe at a Registrar General's office. The Zimbabwean Embassy in London does not process National ID replacements — this service sits solely with the Registrar General's offices in Zimbabwe. For those who need their ID urgently to support a passport application or other documentation while in the UK, note that an expired or lost Zimbabwean ID does create complications for passport renewals. The Zimbabwe Embassy in London requires an original National ID as part of the passport application process, so sorting the ID replacement during a visit to Zimbabwe — or through a trusted family member — should be a priority.