1. What is the Ethiopian “Fayda” Digital ID and its benefits?

Fayda Digital ID is a foundational ID that enables individuals to prove their identity and offers service providers a trusted real-time digital authentication. Its benefits are:

• A valid proof of legal identity providing the basic “right to identification”.
• An identification scheme with “minimal barriers to entry”, allowing equitable access across all geographies, communities, levels of income, and urbanization.
• Biometric-based identification means the loss of one’s card or credential does not mean the loss of one’s identity.
• Trusted transactions between service provider and consumer, which allows for efficient service delivery.
• Promotes accountability and transparency in all economic, social, and policy aspects of the nation.

2. Who is eligible for Fayda ID?

All residents of Ethiopia are eligible for the Digital ID. In the “ID Proclamation,” a resident is legally defined as a natural person living in Ethiopia, with or without proof of Ethiopian citizenship, a foreign resident living or working in the territory of Ethiopia in accordance with the country’s law. Hence, this includes:

• Children above the age of 5 can register, for children below the age of 5, we will soon roll out a special registration program.
• Ethiopians and non-Ethiopians that have proof of Ethiopian residence.
• People with or without a proof of address, whose Ethiopian residence criteria is on a declaration basis”
• People who lack any documentation as to where they live can also be eligible to enroll via a“ witness” system
• Keep in mind that everyone has to come with acceptable proof of identity as per id.et/proof

3. Where can I register for Fayda ID?

Eligible residents shall visit Ethio telecom centers and partners who have given the right to register customers and the customer must be present physically for biometric data registration. To find the closest live registration center, visit Ethio telecom web site

4. How much does it cost to get a Fayda ID?

Fayda Digital ID registration is free. According to the Ethiopian Digital ID Proclamation, if you have been registered, you will successfully receive your “Fayda Identification Number (Fayda ID) which will be sent to you via SMS. Then you are a “FaydaID holder”. However, if you want a printed card credential, then payment has to be made directly.

5. How long does it take to register for Fayda ID?

Registration for Fayda ID takes an average of 5-10 minutes as long as all requirements are properly presented at the time of registration.

6. How soon can Fayda ID number be issued?

Once you are successfully registered in the system, background processing of your data may take from a few minutes to a few days. Your unique Fayda ID number will be delivered to you through your registered phone number by text message. Primary phone number is a must, will not be changed every time. This is the only way you are contact through. However, in some cases it may take more than a few days for manual and other verification. Rest assured, you will receive your unique number via message from the “9779 or National ID Ethiopia” SMS service center.

7. Can my information be updated after registration?

A person can update their demographic data at any time with supporting proof online or in person. However, this service will be made available after some time. Data updates will be available soon.

8. What are the required documents needed for registration?

A valid proof of current address and proof of identity is required for registration.

• A Kebele ID, a Passport, a Driving license, or any other relevant documents that show legal grounds for the person's identity can be used. See the full list of options described at National ID website.
• If an individual lacks the proper documentation to register, he/she can bring a witness of a person who already has a Fayda Digital ID and register.

9. How to retrieve the unique “Fayda” ID Number (FIN) if lost or forgotten?

Any lost Fayda ID number can be retrieved by providing your personal data, demographic, and biometric information or by visiting the nearest registration center. Once this is complete, it is possible to retrieve the Fayda identification Number (FIN) directly from the enrollment officers and/or via SMS to your phone. The service is currently being processed. We will notify you when it becomes available.

10. Is Fayda ID mandatory?

No. Fayda ID is a right but not mandatory. However, the Digital ID Proclamation states: “Any relying party reserves the legal right to render digital identification a mandatory requirement to offer their services upon the approval of its concerned regulator” This would mean that a given service provider may withhold service until Fayda Identification Number (FIN) is provided if there is a legal or regulatory basis to do so..

11. Can foreigners in Ethiopia get a Fayda ID?

Yes, Foreigners legally residing in Ethiopia can get a Digital ID by providing resident identification or other relevant documents such as work permits, yellow cards and passports.

12. Will my Fayda ID expire?

A Fayda ID Number is a lifetime number that is unique to an individual. However, the card credentials and biometric data would require regular updates. Both card and biometrics renewal now stand at every 10 years.

13. What are your rollout plans in all regions of Ethiopia, including rural areas?

In the next 1 year, all regional capitals and some urban centers will be covered. Before the end of 2025, this program plans to enroll 90 million residents of Ethiopia from all walks of life, geographies, income groups, cultures and communities.

14. How can I get the printed Fayda ID card?

According to the National Digital Identity procedure, an ID means “a unique number”. That you can register for free and you will receive this “unique number” by text message on your registered phone number within certain hours or days of registration. This number is enough to access any service that uses the number as it has the same rights as an ID card. We will have soon large-scale printing operations if you demand a printed Digital ID card. Moreover, you can get you Fayda ID at telebirr super App

15. Will the “Kebele” Resident ID be replaced by the “Fayda” ID and what is their relationship?

No, it will not replace it. In its current principle, “Fayda” ID is a foundational proof of Identity not a proof of address. City and Regional Gov’t Resident ID cards (also known as Kebele IDs) are issued by the local government. Meanwhile, “Fayda” ID works at the national level. Work is progressing to ensure that both “Kebele” and “Fayda” work hand-in-hand.