NIR, CBL Extend Deadline For Mandatory National ID Registration

By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), in collaboration with the National Identification Registry (NIR), has extended the deadline for mandatory National ID registration to August 31, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, NIR’s Executive Director Andrew Peters said the extension comes in response to widespread public concern over limited awareness and access to registration services.
“We listened to the citizens, and we are acting. This extension gives everyone a fair opportunity to obtain their National ID card,” Peters said.
Peters also announced that the number of NIR registration kiosks has expanded significantly from 14 to 164 centers nationwide to improve accessibility for all Liberians.
He emphasized that during the grace period, individuals with expired National ID cards will still be able to conduct financial transactions at banks.
“We plan to have 100 fully functional centers, depending on citizen cooperation. We will operate them for at least a year to ensure broad coverage,” he said.
In outlining the broader purpose of the ID program, Peters explained that the data being collected will help enhance national systems, including future elections, governance, and public service delivery.
“One of the major benefits of this initiative is the accurate identification of all citizens and foreign residents. The data will be shared with relevant agencies, including the Elections Commission and the United Nations, for verification and planning purposes,” Peters noted.
Peters added that misuse of voter registration and identity manipulation, as seen in past elections, would be curtailed.
“What happened before cannot continue. Someone who has never lived in a district, who has no ties or understanding of the people, should not be able to parachute in and represent them. With the National ID system, where you register is where you vote,” he expressed.
He explained that the Elections Commission will work with the NIR to verify voter identities using the national ID database. Individuals attempting to vote in areas where they are not registered will not be able to do so.
“No one will be able to bypass the system. Your name must appear at the correct center, and you must present your unique national ID to vote,” he added.
Peters further stressed that this initiative aligns with global standards. He cited a United Nations resolution aimed at ending statelessness and ensuring that all people are registered and recognized as citizens of a state.
“This is not just a Liberian issue. It’s global. You need to be recognized. You need to have your national card. Just as people in other countries carry green cards or national IDs, Liberians should be able to proudly say, ‘I am a Liberian citizen,’ whether standing on Broad Street or abroad,” he noted.
As part of the ongoing improvements, Peters revealed that an online registration system will be launched next week. This will allow Liberians both at home and abroad to complete the application process digitally.
However, applicants will still need to appear in person for biometric verification before receiving their card.
He reminded the public, “Do not take this extension lightly. August 31 is the final deadline. After that, there will be no additional window. You must register to be recognized by the national government. This is about your identity and your future.”