National ID system moving from physical cards to QR codes, ID numbers

KATHMANDU: The Department of National ID and Civil Registration (DoNICR) is mulling over implementing QR codes and numbers of national ID instead of physical cards.

Kashi Raj Sedhai, the director and information officer of the DoNICR, said they were preparing to discontinue printing and distribution of physical cards, and managing everything through the national ID number system integrated with QR codes. “When national ID numbers are linked with QR codes, it becomes easier for everyone worldwide to verify Nepali citizens. That is why we are moving toward implementing numbers and QR codes instead of physical cards,” Sedhai added.

The use of QR codes and numbers for identification is becoming increasingly common globally.

The DoNICR has been drawing flak for its inability to distribute national ID cards to all citizens. At present, applicants receive their ID number within a week but must wait as much as six months for the physical card.

According to the DoNICR, it has so far distributed 16.5 million national ID numbers, printed six million cards. Of them, 1.95 million cards have been distribute and 5.5 million units have reached respective districts for distribution.

The national ID number is currently being used for passport services. National ID number will be mandatory for opening bank accounts from January 14.

The government began distributing national ID cards in 2018 with a plan to complete distribution to all citizens within three years. However, many citizens still do not have a national ID number.