What is the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) in Singapore

What is an NRIC?

A National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is a form of identification issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Every Singaporean citizen or permanent resident is required to apply for an NRIC once they turn 15 and before they turn 16. 

What is an NRIC Number?

The card often comes with an NRIC number, which serves as a permanent and irreplaceable identifier for the cardholder and can be used in different private and public transactions, as well as documents and accounts. The main purpose of the NRIC is to verify the identity of the owner.

And with one’s NRIC number containing the cardholder’s personal information, it’s seen as highly inappropriate to ask for one’s NRIC, as stated by Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). 

Regarding its format, an NRIC number:

• Is unique for each citizen
• Is a 9-character alphanumeric serial number
• Has a prefix of S or T

Some examples of NRIC numbers are:

• S5351748E
• T9031775K
• S0065677P
• T1580713B
• T5781201H

What Do You Need to Apply for NRIC?

Singapore citizens will need digital images of the following or official translations of the following to apply for an NRIC: 

• Completed online application form from ICA’s online portal
• Baptism or religious certificate (if you have a religious name)
• Change of name certificate using a deed poll (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if you want to include your married name)
• A recent passport-sized colored photograph taken within the last three months

Singapore permanent residents will need digital images of the following or official translations of the following to apply for an NRIC:

• Completed online application form from ICA’s online portal
• Pages from the current passport with all personal details, along with additional pages with amendments to particulars
• Marriage certificate (if you want to include your married name)
• A recent passport-sized colored photograph taken within the last three months

For those who opt to submit official translations, only the following will be accepted:

• Translations from the embassy of the country that issued the document
• Translations from a notary public in Singapore or the country that issued the document
• Privately created translations approved by the embassy of the country that issued the document or notarized by a notary public in Singapore or the country where the document was issued

How Do You Apply for NRIC?

For Singapore citizens or permanent residents who go to government or government-aided schools, the application process is as follows:

• You will receive a notification to register two weeks before the scheduled biometrics enrolment in the school
• You’ll have to complete the online application form before your designated appointment date specified in the notification
• You’ll also have to bring your student identification card

On the other hand, Singapore citizens or permanent residents who don’t go to government or government-aided schools will have the following application process:

• You will receive a notification to register on your 15th birthday
• After completing the online application, you’ll have to make an appointment with ICA for biometrics
• You’ll also have to bring your student identification card for identity verification

First-time registrations will also include a biometric scan:

• If you attend government schools or government-aided schools, biometrics will be done on a scheduled day planned by the school
• Otherwise, make an appointment to go to the ICA building after completing the online application

The following fees will also apply: 

• SGD 10 for Singapore citizens
• SGD 50 for Singapore permanent residents

The claiming process will depend on whether you applied at school or not:

• School registration: Arrangements will be made for applicants to receive their NRICs in schools
• Not school registration: You’ll have to make an appointment the next working day to collect your NRIC at designated post offices

Cards will be held for three months from the date of registration. Should they not be collected, they will be destroyed, and you’ll need to resubmit your application.

What Happens if NRIC is Lost?

In the event of losing your NRIC, you’ll have to report this loss to ICA immediately, fill out a statutory declaration, and apply for a replacement NRIC within 14 days. If this was stolen, then you’ll also need to file a police report. Should you find your original NRIC after getting a replacement, you’ll have to surrender this original NRIC to ICA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between the NRIC and UIN?

Both the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and Unique Identification Number (UIN) of Singaporean citizens and Singapore permanent residents are the same.

What is the Difference Between NRIC and FIN?

While both the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and Foreign Identification Number (FIN) are unique nine-character codes with alphanumeric characters, the NRIC has prefixes of either ‘S’ or ‘T’, whereas the FIN has prefixes of either ‘F’, ‘G’, or ‘M’. However, both of these identification codes serve the same purpose.

Do You Have to Renew NRIC?

Yes, Singaporean citizens and permanent residents will need to renew their NRICs once they reach 30 years of age, as well as when they reach 55 years of age unless they have been given a replacement identity card within the last decade.

Do Foreigners Qualify for NRIC Registration?

No, foreigners don’t qualify for NRIC registration in Singapore. According to the ICA, only Singaporean citizens and permanent residents can qualify for an NRIC. Instead, foreigners can apply for a Foreign Identification Number (FIN).