The Gambian government has announced the temporary suspension of the issuance of national identity cards and driver’s licences as authorities prepare to launch a new identification management system later this month.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, the government said the rollout of new national ID cards, driver’s licences and related documents under a Public-Private Partnership agreement with Margins ID Group has been rescheduled to 29 June 2026.
The suspension takes immediate effect and will involve both the Gambia Immigration Department and the Gambia Police Force, which are responsible for issuing ID cards and driver’s licences respectively.
According to the government, the temporary halt will allow technical teams to review, back up and synchronise existing databases before the new system goes live.
Authorities said applicants who have already paid through the GovPay platform will still be allowed to proceed with enrolment, while those who have completed enrolment and are awaiting their documents will receive the new cards after the launch date.
The government also announced that about 670,000 free replacement ID cards will be issued to holders of valid national identity cards on a first-come, first-served basis during the first six months after the new system becomes operational.
In addition, the validity period of national ID cards will be extended from five years to ten years under the new arrangement.
The government apologised for any inconvenience caused and urged the public to remain patient while the transition is completed.
By Adama Makasuba
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