drp.gov.lk FAQs Frequently Asked Questions : Department for Registration of Persons

Organisation : Department for Registration of Persons
Facility/ Service Name : FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Country : Sri Lanka
Website : https://drp.gov.lk/en/home.php

DRP FAQs

1. Can I obtain an identity card?
If you have completed 15 years of age and if you are a Sri Lankan citizen you can obtain an identity card

2. When should I amend my identity card?
** When you need to amend your name, address or any other personal information given in the identity card.
** When your current appearance is different from the photograph in the identity card

** When your identity card is defaced after using it for a long time
** When a part of your identity card is damaged

3. What are the documents I should submit for an amendment?
** A duly completed application
** A certified copy of the birth certificate (The photostat of the birth certificate should be signed by the Divisional Secretary or any officer designated by the Divisional Secretary)

** 3 photographs obtained during the last six months.
** A service certificate obtained during the last 6 months to prove that you are employed (a certified photocopy of the degree certificate/ a certified photocopy of professional certificate in the cases of doctors, accountants, engineers, lawyers and architects)

** In the case of Buddhist priests, a certified photocopy of the samanera certificate or upasampada certificate issued by the Department of Buddhist Affairs.

** In the case of Sil mathas a certificate or a document testified by the Department of Buddhist Affairs.
** In the case of other clergy – certificate or documents testified by the respective religious Department.

** In the case of a de-robed person, a certificate issued by the Department of Buddhist affairs to the effect.
** A certified photocopy of the marriage certificate to enter the surname of the husband

4. How can I obtain a new identity card in place of a lost identity card?
** Make an entry in the closest police station immediately after realizing that the identity card is lost and obtain the original copy of the complaint.

** Attach 3 photographs and a certified copy of the Birth Certificate.
** If the employment is to be mentioned, attach a service certificate obtained during the last 6 months from the place where you are employed.

** If the profession is to be mentioned attach a certified copy of the Degree certificate (In the case of doctors, registration certificate of the Medical Council is mandatory)

N.B : If any of those who obtain duplicates for lost identity cards, later found or recovered the lost identity card, they should immediately submitted such identity cards to the Commissioner General.

5. How to obtain an application from an identity card?
** From the Grama Niladhari of the Division
** From the estate Superintendent in the case of estate
** From the Principal for students
** From the head office of the Department for Registrations of Persons
** From the Provincial offices of the Department for Registrations of Persons
** From all Divisional Secretariats
** From all District Secretariats

6. To whom the application for identity cards should be handed over?
** Application should be handed over to the Grama Niladhari of the area where the applicant is living, Superintendent of the estates where the applicant is living, to the Principal of the school in the case of students for certification.

** Certified applications can be handed over to the Head Office of the Department for Registrations of Persons or its provincial offices.

** For one day service, applications certified by Grama Niladhari and countersigned by Divisional Secretary can be handed over to the Head Office of the Department for Registrations of Persons (Originals of certification should be submitted for one day service)

7. Is the original of the birth certificate compulsory?
** If you are below 40 years of age or if you do not have a birth certificate, obtain a probable age certificate from the Additional District Registrar.

** If you are above 40 year of age but you do not possess a birth certificate, submit a Nil Result Certificate to the DRP with at least one of the following documents along with an affidavit indicating the date of birth year and using.

** School leaving certificate
** Certificate of baptism
** Birth certificates of your children
** Citizenship certificate
** Certified copy of the passport
** A copy of an acceptable horoscope

** Nil result certificate and an affidavit in accordance with the circular DRP/OP/01/DS/03 (vol.ii) of 06.01.2016 for applicants who do not have the birth certificate or any other document mentioned above, but registered as voters.

8. How to apply for one day service? What is the fee charged?
** First time application for an identity card or application for an amendment to the identity card or for a duplicate of a lost identity card should be duly completed according to your requirement along with the relevant documents and certified by the Grama Niladari and Divisional Secretary and handed over to the DRP paying a fee of Rs. 1000.00.

9. Can I obtain an identity card if my name does not appear in the Electoral Register?
Yes you can. Registration in the Electoral Register is not mandatory to obtain an identity card. Such registration in an added substantiation to prove your identity.

10. Can a person, who is not a permanent resident, obtain an identity card? How?
You can forward an application through the Grama Niladhari.

11. Can a person living abroad obtain an identity card?
No. Application should be submitted after returning to the Island

12. Can the National Identity Card be taken when going abroad?
No. If you intend to stay abroad for a period of more than 6 months your identity card should be handed over to a prescribed officer and a receipt should be obtained in terms of the Section 19(12) of the Act.

13. Can an identity card be translated to a foreign language? What steps should be taken in this regard?
You can come to the Operations Division and you can obtain an English translation after paying a fee of Rs. 1000.00. Rs. 1500 has to be paid for translations to any other language.