The National Identification Authority (NIA) has introduced new Parliamentary-approved fees and charges for Ghana Card-related services under three categories, as the Authority implements the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523).
The fee structure covers services provided at NIA district offices, premium centres and prestige registration centres, with charges varying according to the type of service and level of service selected.
The new arrangements come as the NIA transitions to a biometric-based identity verification system under L.I. 2523, which came into force on June 9, 2026. The regulations make biometric verification the mandatory method for confirming the identity of Ghana Card holders in transactions requiring identification.
Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate at the NIA, has stressed that photocopying, scanning or relying on visual inspection, also known as ocular verification, of a Ghana Card for identity verification purposes is no longer permitted under the new regulations.
He said the new regime is intended to strengthen identity security, protect the personal data of Ghana Card holders and reduce opportunities for identity theft and misuse.
Under the approved fee structure, services at NIA district offices include free first-time registration for applicants below 25 years, while first-time registration for persons aged 25 years and above attracts a GH¢30 processing fee.
At district offices, card replacement costs GH¢200, while record update with replacement of the card and nationality update each cost GH¢200. Card renewal attracts a fee of GH¢150, while card transfer services, excluding courier charges, cost GH¢75. Record update only is free.
At premium centres, first-time registration costs GH¢410 per person, while card replacement attracts GH¢520. Record update with replacement and nationality record update each cost GH¢410, with card renewal also priced at GH¢410. A record update without replacement costs GH¢165.
The prestige category carries higher charges, reflecting its accelerated service offering. First-time registration costs GH¢610, while card replacement is GH¢720. Record update with replacement and nationality record update each cost GH¢655, with card renewal priced at GH¢610. Record update only costs GH¢400.
The NIA says the revised fees, which were approved by Parliament, are intended to enable the Authority to continue providing secure, efficient and accessible identity services across the country.
The Authority has also directed customers to pay approved fees and charges through any CalBank branch, the CalBank mobile application or the *771# USSD platform.
The new fee structure forms part of changes to Ghana’s identity management system following the introduction of L.I. 2523.
Under the regulations, organisations that conduct transactions requiring identity verification are expected to use the NIA’s Identity Verification System or approved match-on-card devices instead of relying on photocopies, scanned images or visual inspection of the Ghana Card.
The government has granted institutions a transition period running from July 27 to November 2, 2026, to enable them to integrate with the NIA’s verification platform, procure the necessary equipment and train their personnel.
The NIA has warned that non-compliance with the new verification requirements could attract sanctions, including financial penalties and, in certain circumstances, imprisonment, while institutions could also have their access to the NIA’s Identity Verification System Platform suspended or terminated.
