FAQs about New Digital ID (e-ID or e-ndangamuntu) and Digital ID pre-enrollment

1. What is pre-enrollment

Pre-enrollment is the first step in getting a Single Digital Identity (SDID) number. It lets citizens review and update their details online, submit any required documents, and book a biometric capture appointment, ensuring their identity data is accurate and consistent before full enrollment.

2. What do I need to apply for the pre-enrollment

• To apply, you must be logged in to your account. If you don’t have one, click here to learn how to create it.

• You must have a National ID, a Foreigner ID, or a NIDA application number.

  • If you don’t have any identification documents, visit your local sector or cell office for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) registration.
    
    

3.  Can I edit my information while filling out the pre-enrollment form?

Yes.  However, keep in mind that editing comes with conditions in the form of additional required attachments, as they vary on a case-by-case basis

4. After applying and completing biometric data capture, do I still need to use my ID?

Yes. Pre-enrollment is only the first step toward having a digital ID and does not replace your current ID. The digital ID rollout will be communicated in future phases. For now, the goal is to ensure the registry has the most accurate and up-to-date citizen information.

5. What happens to a foreigner without a national ID or with an expired national ID? 

Foreigners without valid identification must visit a pre-enrollment or enrollment center to complete the process in person.

6. What happens for Rwandans living abroad? Can they apply 

Appointment availability depends on open slots in the system. Plans are underway to open schedules for diaspora applicants, and updates will be communicated once available.

After pre-enrollment, you may have questions about the new Digital ID. Below are some common questions and answers to help you.

1. What is SDID (Single Digital Identity)?

The SDID number is a unique, permanent identifier randomly generated for each registered person. By law, registered individuals must have an SDID card, physical or digital, but are not required to carry it at all times.

2. What is the e-ID or e-ndangamuntu?

The e-ID is Rwanda’s new digital identification system. It captures and stores a citizen’s identity data digitally and provides a unique ID number, a digital ID, and a physical ID card.

3. What are the components of the e-ID?
   The e-ID consists of:

• A digital ID

• A unique identification number

• A physical ID card

You can use any of these three forms when asked to present your ID.

4. How is the biometrics data for the e-ID collected?

The biometric data capture will be collected at the sector and cell levels by designated authorities.

5. What biometric data is collected for the e-ID?
   The following biometric data will be captured:

• All 10 fingerprints

• Iris scan

• Updated profile photo

This data is more comprehensive than what was previously collected and is designed to be inclusive of people with different disabilities.

6. What makes the e-ID different from the current national ID?

Unlike the current ID, the e-ID uses more advanced and inclusive biometric data and allows for digital identification in addition to the physical card. It also gives citizens more control over who can access their personal data, in line with Rwanda’s legal data privacy protections.

7. Will my current national ID still be valid?

Yes, for now. Citizens who have their biometric data collected for the e-ID will continue using their current ID until the full national transition to the e-ID system is complete. After that, the old IDs will be phased out. The exact timeline is yet to be announced.

7. Who can access my data under the e-ID system?

Access to your data is protected by law. With the e-ID, citizens have the right to control who can view certain information, in line with Rwanda’s data privacy and protection regulations.