THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT

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CHAPTER 36
THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION
OF PERSONS ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Omitted.
3. Interpretation.
4. Application.
part ii
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS
(a) Administration
5. Appointments, officers, etc..
6. Terms of service of registration officers.
(b) Registration
7. Registration of persons.
8. Applications for registration.
9. Registration procedure.
part iii
IDENTITY CARDS
10. Types and issue of identity cards.
11. Duty to use registered name and to submit number of identity card.
12. Custody and safety of identity card.
13. Replacement of identity cards.
14. Production and inspection of identity cards.
part iv
GENERAL PROVISIONS
15. Power to exempt.
16. Evidence.

ard.
13. Replacement of identity cards.
14. Production and inspection of identity cards.
part iv
GENERAL PROVISIONS
15. Power to exempt.
16. Evidence.

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
17. Presumption of truth of contents of identity card.
18. Power to certify and furnish certified copies.
19. Duty not to disclose photographs, finger prints and particulars.
20. Control of data.
21. Offences and penalties.
22. Power of arrest.
23. Power to make regulations.
24. Public officers’ indemnity.
25. Omitted.

ars.
20. Control of data.
21. Offences and penalties.
22. Power of arrest.
23. Power to make regulations.
24. Public officers’ indemnity.
25. Omitted.

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CHAPTER 36
THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION
OF PERSONS ACT
An Act to provide for the registration of persons in the United Republic, the
issue to them of identity cards and for connected purposes. [1st September, 2011]
[GN. No. 257A of 2011]
Acts Nos. 11 of 1986
14 of 2019
GN. No. 122 of 2008
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Registration and Identification
of Persons Act. 2. [Omitted]. 3.

019
GN. No. 122 of 2008
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Registration and Identification
of Persons Act. 2. [Omitted]. 3.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“alien” means a person who is not a citizen or a national of
the United Republic of Tanzania;
“applicant” means a person required to apply for registration
under section 7 of this Act;
“citizen” means a person who is a citizen of the United
Republic of Tanzania in accordance with the law for the
time being relating to of citizenship;
“diplomatic person” means the consular or diplomatic
employee and other members of the staff or families of
the staff of a consular or diplomatic mission appointed
to their positions by the government of the appropriate
foreign power or an international organisation, and who
would not otherwise be living in the United Republic
of Tanzania;
Short title
Omitted
Interpretation

n power or an international organisation, and who
would not otherwise be living in the United Republic
of Tanzania;
Short title
Omitted
Interpretation

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
“identity card” means a card indicating the identity of the
holder issued by the Registrar under this Act;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for matters
relating to citizenship;
“Registrar” means the person appointed as such under
section 5, and includes any person discharging the
functions of the assistant registrar or any functions under
this Act upon the directions of the Registrar;
“registration office” means an office established or set up in
pursuance of subsection (4) of section 5; and
“registration officer” means the Registrar, any registrar or
an assistant registrar appointed under section 5 and
performing any function pursuant to any provision of
this Act. 4.–(1) This Act applies to Tanzania Zanzibar and to Mainland
Tanzania. (2) Subject to subsection (3), this Act shall apply to all
persons resident in the United Republic.

ies to Tanzania Zanzibar and to Mainland
Tanzania. (2) Subject to subsection (3), this Act shall apply to all
persons resident in the United Republic.

(3) This Act shall not apply to such persons who are-
(a) bona fide passengers in transit through the United
Republic of Tanzania;
(b) temporary visitors to the United Republic of Tanzania; or
(c) residents entitled to exemption, as the Minister may, by
order published in the Gazette, determine. PART II
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS
(a) Administration
5.–(1) The Minister shall appoint by name or office a public
officer to be the Registrar for the purposes of this Act. (2) There shall be such number and grades of registrars,
assistant registrars and other public officers under the Registrar
as the Minister may determine as necessary for the effective
carrying out of the purposes and provisions of this Act. Application
Appointments,
officers, etc.

inister may determine as necessary for the effective
carrying out of the purposes and provisions of this Act. Application
Appointments,
officers, etc.

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
(3) The powers and discretions vested in the Registrar and
assistant registrar may be exercised by a registrar, assistant
registrar, immigration officer or any other public officer as the
Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, specify. (4) The Minister may establish or set up such offices as
he may deem necessary for the purposes of this Act, and
may appoint an officer to be known by such style as he may
determine, to have charge of each of such office. 6.–(1) Subject to subsection (2), Registrar and every other
registration officer shall hold office upon such terms and
conditions in relation to his office as the Minister may determine. (2) Where any registration officer is appointed to such office
under this Act by reason of his holding any other office in the
public service, he shall hold such office for such term and upon
the conditions under which he continues to hold the first office.

other office in the
public service, he shall hold such office for such term and upon
the conditions under which he continues to hold the first office.

(b) Registration
7.–(1) Subject to subsection (2) and to other provisions of this
Act, a person of or above the age of eighteen years who, on or
after the commencement of this Act, is or resides in the United
Republic of Tanzania and to whom this Act applies may make
an application for registration in pursuance of this Act. (2) The Minister may, where he deems it necessary in the
interests of administrative or other convenience, by order
published in the Gazette, direct that the registration of persons
be effected progressively according to such description
or category of persons or residence in certain areas as he
may determine. (3) Where the Minister makes an order under subsection
(2), a person described or belonging in a category or area of
residence specified may apply for registration in accordance
with this Act. 8.–(1) An application for registration made pursuant to this
section shall, subject to this section, be made in such manner
and on such form as may be prescribed. Terms of service
of registration
officers
Registration of
persons
Applications for
registration

in such manner
and on such form as may be prescribed. Terms of service
of registration
officers
Registration of
persons
Applications for
registration

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
(2) The application for registration shall be made by
the applicant. (3) Every alien who is subject to this Act shall apply for
registration.

E. 2023]
(2) The application for registration shall be made by
the applicant. (3) Every alien who is subject to this Act shall apply for
registration.

9.–(1) The applicant shall-
(a) submit to all such steps as may be reasonably necessary
for the taking and recording of his left thumb-print or
such other single fingerprint and, if so required by the
registration officer at the time, his written signature; and
(b) furnish in writing the following particulars to the
registration officer in such form as he may require,
namely-
(i) the full personal name and surname by which
he elects to be registered and, if he is known by
or uses different personal names or surnames,
each of such names in full;
(ii) his business and residential addresses within
the United Republic of Tanzania;
(iii) the nationality he claims;
(iv) his place of birth;
(v) his age and sex;
(vi) his marital status;
(vii) his profession, occupation, trade or employment;
and
(viii) such other particulars as the Minister may, by
order published in the Gazette, prescribe.

his profession, occupation, trade or employment;
and
(viii) such other particulars as the Minister may, by
order published in the Gazette, prescribe.

(2) Where the applicant is illiterate or, is otherwise unable to
write, he shall dictate the relevant particulars to a registration
officer or any other person authorised by the Registrar for that
purpose and, upon completion, the applicant shall acknowledge
the correctness of the particulars by affixing his signature,
thumb-print, fingerprint or such other mark in the presence of
the registration officer or the other person authorised, in such
place and in such form as may be indicated. (3) A person who is the head of a family shall, in addition
to the requirements of subsection (1) in relation to himself, be
Registration
procedure

d. (3) A person who is the head of a family shall, in addition
to the requirements of subsection (1) in relation to himself, be
Registration
procedure

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
responsible for ensuring compliance by members of his family
with the provisions of subsection (1)(b). (4) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this
section, the applicant who is a diplomatic person may furnish,
and the registration officer may accept, suitable passport size
photographs of himself, his wife, his dependent children and
the recording of their fingerprints shall not be required. PART III
IDENTITY CARDS
10.–(1) There shall be two types of identity cards of such form
as the Minister may prescribe in respect of-
(a) citizens of the United Republic of Tanzania; and
(b) aliens resident in the United Republic of Tanzania;
and an identity card shall contain such particulars to be
prescribed as may be necessary for the purposes of identifying
the holder.

blic of Tanzania;
and an identity card shall contain such particulars to be
prescribed as may be necessary for the purposes of identifying
the holder.

(2) Upon the registration of a person in accordance with
this Act and upon payment by him to the registration officer,
of any fee payable in that behalf, the registration officer shall
cause to be prepared and issued to that person an appropriate
identity card. 11. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary,
a person who is registered under this Act shall, in all dealings
with the Government or of a public nature-
(a) use the personal name and surname by which he
elected to be or is registered;
(b) furnish the number of his identity card to the satisfaction
of the public officer or other person lawfully requiring
the number; and
(c) when he is required by law to furnish particulars of any
other person, so far as he is able-
(i) submit the personal name and surname by which
such other person elected to be registered; and
Types and issue of
identity cards
Duty to use
registered name
and to submit
number of
identity card

ch
such other person elected to be registered; and
Types and issue of
identity cards
Duty to use
registered name
and to submit
number of
identity card

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
(ii) furnish the number of the identity card relating to
such person to the satisfaction of the public officer
or other person lawfully requiring the number. 12.–(1) A person to whom an identity card is issued under this
Act shall keep the card in safe custody and may, subject to this
Act, carry it on his person for self identification. (2) A person who finds or otherwise comes into possession
of an identity card which was not issued to him shall, without
undue delay, return it to the person to whom it was issued or
forward it to the registration office nearest to him. 13.–(1) Where an identity card is lost, destroyed or materially
damaged, the person to whom it was issued shall, without
undue delay, report the loss, destruction or damage to the
registration officer nearest to him who, on payment of any
prescribed fee and subject to any other conditions which may
be prescribed, shall issue to that person a new identity card.

him who, on payment of any
prescribed fee and subject to any other conditions which may
be prescribed, shall issue to that person a new identity card.

(2) Whenever an identity card issued to a person ceases
in any material particular to accurately represent his true
identity, that person shall, without undue delay, surrender his
card to the registration officer and give him such particulars
as shall be necessary for the issue of a new identity card by the
registration officer who, on payment of any fee, and subject
to any conditions which may be prescribed, shall issue to the
applicant a new identity card. 14.–(1) The Minister shall, after consultation with such authority
as may appear to him to be appropriate, by regulations under
this section, specify situations, services, facilities or any other
thing the grant or the obtaining of which may be dependent
upon or on condition that, a person identified himself in the
manner specified in section 11 of this Act.

t or the obtaining of which may be dependent
upon or on condition that, a person identified himself in the
manner specified in section 11 of this Act.

(2) Where a person required under subsection (1) to produce
his identity card fails to do so or to satisfy the authority by
other proof that he is registered under this Act, the authority
concerned may, notwithstanding any other written law to the
contrary, defer consideration of the application of that person
Custody and
safety of identity
card
Replacement of
identity cards
Production and
inspection of
identity cards

ration of the application of that person
Custody and
safety of identity
card
Replacement of
identity cards
Production and
inspection of
identity cards

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
for the grant or for obtaining of any services, facilities or any
other thing until he produces either his identity card or such
other proof. (3) The Registrar, an assistant registrar and any immigration
officer may, in the lawful discharge of the duties of his office
under this Act, require any person purporting to have been
registered under this Act, to produce his identity card for
inspection and, if such person fails or refuses to produce his
identity card or otherwise prove that he is registered under this
Act the person may be required to produce the identity card or
other proof within such time, to such person and at such place
as may be specified in writing by the registration officer. PART IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
15.–(1) Subject to this Act, the Minister may, by order published
in the Gazette, exempt any person or category of persons from
compliance with the provisions of section 7.

s Act, the Minister may, by order published
in the Gazette, exempt any person or category of persons from
compliance with the provisions of section 7.

(2) Where in any proceedings any person claims that this Act
does not apply to him or that he is exempted from complying
with the provisions of section 7, the burden of proving claim
shall lie upon that person. 16. In any proceedings for an offence under this Act, any
document purporting to be a certificate signed by the Registrar
or other registration officer, certifying a copy or extract of any
record kept by him under this Act, shall be prima facie evidence
of the facts stated in the certificate and, unless the contrary is
proved, shall be deemed to be signed by the registration officer
mentioned in it. 17. The burden of proving the truth of the contents of any
application for registration under this Act or the contents of
an identity card issued under this Act shall be on the applicant
or holder of the identity card or on any other person alleging
the truth of those contents. Power to exempt
Evidence
Presumption of
truth of contents
of identity card

identity card or on any other person alleging
the truth of those contents. Power to exempt
Evidence
Presumption of
truth of contents
of identity card

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
18. The Registrar, and any other registration officer authorised
in writing by him in that behalf may, upon receipt of a written
and signed request from the person to whom an identity card
relates or from a public officer or authority, and upon payment
of the appropriate prescribed fee-
(a) certify to the correctness or otherwise of such matters
relating to the person named in the written request
which are within his knowledge; or
(b) furnish a certified copy of the photograph of such
person or relevant document in his custody. 19.

tten request
which are within his knowledge; or
(b) furnish a certified copy of the photograph of such
person or relevant document in his custody. 19.

Subject to section 18, the Registrar, a registration officer
and an immigration officer performing the functions of his
office under this Act shall not-
(a) produce for inspection or supply a copy of, the
photograph of any person registered under this Act or
his fingerprints; or
(b) disclose or supply a copy of the particulars furnished
under section 7 or 9, except and unless with the written
permission of the Minister which may-
(i) refer to a person or category of persons by name,
office or description; or
(ii) contain such terms and conditions as the Minister
may deem fit to impose. 20.–(1) The National Identification Authority established
pursuant to the National Identification (Establishment)
Instrument 2008, shall be the sole data controller of all
registration information of persons obtained pursuant to the
mandate conferred upon the Authority, and the Authority
shall, for that matter, have powers to determine the purpose
and manner of use and means of processing personal data by a
data recipient of any registration information contained in the
National Identification Database.

er of use and means of processing personal data by a
data recipient of any registration information contained in the
National Identification Database.

Power to certify
and furnish
certified copies
Duty not
to disclose
photographs,
finger prints and
particulars
Control of data
GN. No. 122 of 2008
Act No. 14 of 2019 s. 78

furnish
certified copies
Duty not
to disclose
photographs,
finger prints and
particulars
Control of data
GN. No. 122 of 2008
Act No. 14 of 2019 s. 78

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
(2) A person shall not possess, extract, replicate or otherwise
use information contained in the National Identification
Database unless-
(a) that person is a data recipient; and
(b) such information is possessed, extracted, replicated
or otherwise used upon obtaining authorisation from
the Authority. (3) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
or fails to comply to any terms and conditions for use of
information as provided by the Authority commits an offence
and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one
million shillings but not more than twenty million shillings or
to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months but not
exceeding two years or to both. (4) For the purpose of this section-
“Authority” means the National Identification Authority; and
“data controller” means the Authority. [s.

to both. (4) For the purpose of this section-
“Authority” means the National Identification Authority; and
“data controller” means the Authority. [s.

19A]
21.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4, any
person who-
(a) fails or refuses to comply with section 7 or 9;
(b) wilfully obstructs the Registrar, immigration officer
or any registration officer in the due execution of
his duties;
(c) in furnishing any information for the purposes of this
Act, knowingly or recklessly makes any statement
which is untrue or false in a material particular;
(d) falsely denies that he has previously been registered
or by any false representation or any act or omission
attempts to deceive or deceives a registrar as to any
circumstances concerning such previous registration
or particulars given on such previous registration;
(e) wilfully destroys or mutilates any identity card;
(f) unlawfully issues any identity card or makes any
entry, alteration or erasure on any such card or other
registration document;
Offences and
penalties

unlawfully issues any identity card or makes any
entry, alteration or erasure on any such card or other
registration document;
Offences and
penalties

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
(g) unlawfully deprives any person of an identity card
issued to him under this Act;
(h) is in unlawful possession of or makes use of an identity
card issued to any other person under this Act;
(i) knowingly is in possession of an identity card on which
any unlawful entry, alteration or erasure has been made
or of a document so closely resembling an identity card
as to be calculated to deceive;
(j) is in possession of more than one identity card
purporting to show his identity; or
(k) hands over the identity card issued to him under this
Act to any other person to be used by such other person,
commits offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding thirty thousand shillings or to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding three years or to both. (2) A person who contravenes or fails or refuses to comply
with any provision of this Act commits an offence.

nt not exceeding three years or to both. (2) A person who contravenes or fails or refuses to comply
with any provision of this Act commits an offence.

(3) Where a person commits an offence against this Act in
respect of which no penalty is provided, he shall on conviction
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty months or
to both. [s. 20]
22.–(1) The Registrar, any other registration officer or a
police officer may without warrant arrest any person who he
reasonably believes has committed an offence against this Act. (2) The Commissioner General of Immigration Services
and every immigration officer may exercise the powers of
arrest vested in him under the law relating to immigration in
relation to persons committing offence under this Act to the
same extent and in the same manner as if such offences were
offences under such law. (3) A person arrested in pursuance of the provisions of this
section shall immediately or as soon as practicable be handed
over by the person arresting into the custody of a police officer
Power of arrest

f this
section shall immediately or as soon as practicable be handed
over by the person arresting into the custody of a police officer
Power of arrest

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
or taken to the nearest police station, to be dealt with in
accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act. [s. 21]
23.–(1) The Minister may make such regulations as may be
necessary for the better and more effectual carrying out of the
purposes and provisions of this Act. (2) All regulations made under this section shall be
published in the Gazette.

more effectual carrying out of the
purposes and provisions of this Act. (2) All regulations made under this section shall be
published in the Gazette.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the power
conferred by subsection (1), the regulations made by the
Minister may provide for-
(a) the manner in which and places at which applications
for registration shall be made;
(b) the information and documents to be furnished for the
purposes of registration;
(c) the procedure for the taking and recording of
photographs and facsimiles of all such fingerprints
on the expiration or repeal of this Act or its ceasing to
apply in relation to any person registered under it;
(d) the method and manner by which information and
documents furnished by a person required to be
registered are to be recorded and maintained;
(e) the photographing of fingerprints, information and
documents furnished or made for the purpose of
registration and the destruction of their originals;
(f) the keeping and maintenance of registers and the
entry or insertion into or removal from the registers of
particulars furnished under this Act;
(g) returns to be made by registration officers in relation to
persons registered by them;
(h) the form and particulars to be entered on identity cards;
(i) the amendment or cancellation of identity cards and
their replacement;
(j) the issue of reports and certificates;
Cap.

entered on identity cards;
(i) the amendment or cancellation of identity cards and
their replacement;
(j) the issue of reports and certificates;
Cap.

20
Power to make
regulations

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THE REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS ACT [CAP. 36 R.E. 2023]
(k) the procedure to be complied with where registered
particulars undergo change or a registered person
leaves the United Republic of Tanzania or dies;
(l) prescribing fees which may be charged for the issue,
re-issue or replacement of identity cards, including
different circumstances in which the fees may
be charged;
(m) prescribing fees which may be charged for the provision
of extracts from the registers;
(n) the destruction of documents and records; and
(o) anything which is by this Act required or permitted to
be prescribed or otherwise provided for.
[s. 22]
24. A suit shall not lie against any public officer in respect of
anything done or omitted to be done by that officer in good
faith in the exercise or purported exercise of any function
conferred by this Act.
[s. 23]
25. [Omitted.]
[s. 24]
Public officers’
indemnity
Omitted