Liberia Mandates New National ID cards-Here's What it Means

The West African nation is requiring all citizens and residents to register for biometric identification cards, sparking debate over privacy, access, and the value of existing documents.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai signed an  executive order  in April mandating that all citizens and legal residents obtain biometric identification cards — a sweeping policy change that has divided the country between those who see it as a necessary step toward modernization and critics who worry about exclusion and government overreach.

The initiative, launched through Executive Order No. 147 on April 14, 2025, requires enrollment in the National Biometric Identification System and effectively makes previously accepted government documents like passports, driver's licenses, and voter registration cards insufficient for accessing basic services within the country.

What exactly is required?  

All Liberian citizens and foreign residents must now register for the National Biometric Identification System and obtain a National ID card that contains a unique National Identification Number, along with biometric and demographic data.

Foreign nationals who remain in Liberia for 90 days or more must register and obtain either a National Foreigner ID Card.

The policy is being implemented immediately across multiple sectors. Ecobank Liberia informed customers that as of June 1, 2025, all transactions at branches and cash centers require the new biometric ID card. Lonestar Cell MTN announced that starting August 1, 2025, only the National ID Card would be accepted for SIM registration and mobile money services.

The original August deadline for telecommunications services was later extended to August 31, 2025, acknowledging implementation challenges.

Which services now require the new ID?  

The National ID is now mandatory for:

This represents a significant departure from previous practice, where Liberians could use passports, driver's licenses, or other government-issued documents for these services.

Who is running this program?  

The National Identification Registry, an independent agency established by the Liberian Legislature in 2011, manages the initiative. The agency's responsibilities extend beyond ID cards to include assigning Social Security Numbers and overseeing birth and death registration, passport issuance, driver's licenses, immigration documents, and social security administration.

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority plays a regulatory role, particularly in ensuring data privacy compliance and cybersecurity standards in the telecommunications sector.

Why is the government doing this?  

President Boakai has framed the biometric ID system as essential for national security and governance in a rapidly changing world.

"A credible and secure identification system is vital for inclusive development and equitable access to services for all Liberians," the president said during the program's launch.

The government argues the system will eliminate identity fraud, improve data management, enable more effective digital governance, and promote a secure digital economy. The initiative is part of Liberia's broader Digital Transformation Initiative, launched in May 2024, aimed at modernizing government operations and boosting economic development.

What are the main criticisms?  

The policy has faced significant pushback, particularly over its exclusion of previously valid government documents.

Isaac Doe, former Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, sharply criticized the mandate, calling it "dumb and ignorant."

"Every other country on earth values and accepts their own passport, driver's license, and national ID as valid identification. In Liberia, under Boakai, it's different," he wrote on social media.

Representative Maima Briggs Mensah has opposed the exclusion of Liberian passports from domestic transactions, arguing it undermines the document's international credibility.

"The Liberian passport is an internationally recognized document. By refusing to accept it within our own national systems, we are devaluing it and sending a contradictory message to the world," she said.

Critics also worry about data privacy implications, given that the biometric system collects and stores sensitive personal information, and about potential barriers for citizens who may struggle to access registration services.

How does this compare to other African countries?  

Liberia's approach aligns with broader continental trends toward digital identification. According to the Africa Digital Landscape  2022 report , countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda already operate biometric ID systems designed to enhance financial inclusion, national security and public service access.

However, Liberia's policy is more restrictive than most of its regional peers, who typically continue to recognize passports and driver's licenses alongside their biometric systems.

The initiative does support the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy for 2020-2030, which calls for a universal digital identity across the continent, improved public service delivery, and enhanced data governance.

What happens next?  

The National Identification Registry plans to expand ID coverage nationwide while working to integrate the system with both government and private sector services. The agency will coordinate with the Telecommunications Authority to ensure compliance and data protection standards.

For now, Liberians seeking access to banking, healthcare, education, or telecommunications services must first register and obtain the new National ID card — a requirement that represents a fundamental shift in how identity verification works in the West African nation.

The success of the program will likely depend on the government's ability to address concerns about accessibility, data protection, and document recognition while managing the practical challenges of implementing such a comprehensive identification system across the country.