Malawians seeking several registration services may now have to dig deeper into their pockets following changes introduced by the National Registration Bureau (NRB).
NRB has introduced new charges for several registration services, including National ID replacement and marriage certificates, under revised regulations published by the government.
The revised fees were published in Malawi Gazette Supplement No. 19A dated July 31, 2026, and apply to services provided at registration centres across the country.
Replacing a National ID now costs K5,000 per card, while a biometric update also costs K5,000. Foreign nationals registering for a National ID are required to pay US$50.
The revised regulations also introduce charges for electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification services.
Basic e-KYC verification costs K350, intermediate verification costs K450 and advanced verification costs K500 per verification.
A once-off e-KYC verification for mobile money subscribers, SIM card holders, bank account holders and utility services costs K500 per verification.
The new fee structure also sets charges for civil registration services involving Malawian nationals.
Normal birth and death registration remain free, but birth registration for Malawians aged over 16 on demand costs K5,000. Replacement of a birth or death certificate costs K5,000.
Marriage-related services also attract new charges. A marriage certificate costs K50,000 per application, while its replacement costs K20,000.
A letter of no impediment costs K50,000, while authentication of a marriage certificate where both parties are Malawian costs K20,000 per certificate.
The regulations further set charges for special marriage licences. An application for a non-licensed venue costs K100,000, while an application seeking dispensation of the 21-day notice period costs K200,000.
For foreign nationals, birth and death registration costs US$40 per certificate, while replacement of either certificate costs US$10. A marriage certificate processing fee costs US$100 per application.
The government has also introduced data access charges. Individual access to data covering the most recent two years costs K200,000, while institutions pay K1 million for access covering the same period.
The NRB has asked clients to observe the new fee structure when accessing its services to avoid delays.
The National Registration (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 were made by Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito on July 23 under powers provided by the National Registration Act.
The NRB public statement was signed by Principal Secretary Patrick Machika and dated August 17, 2026.
