The CNIE costs MAD 75 (MAD 100 for a duplicate), is applied for at the local administrative office after an appointment on cnie.ma, and is ready in 5 to 15 days.
An expired card blocks passport, driving licence, banking and vehicle registration. Biometrics are taken on the spot; the acknowledgement of receipt is enough for most internal procedures, but not for travel.
Documents required
The procedure, step by step
- Gather the documents
The certificate of residence is often the one missing: plan for it in advance, you apply for it at the district office.
- Book an appointment
Depending on the centre, the appointment is booked online or taken by queuing in the morning.
- Submit your application and give your fingerprints
Photograph and fingerprints are taken on the spot; the acknowledgement of receipt you are given serves as proof until the card arrives.
- Collect the card
Collection in person at the same centre, on production of the acknowledgement of receipt.
| Situation | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| First application | MAD 75 | Birth certificate required |
| Renewal | MAD 75 | Old card to be produced |
| Duplicate (loss or theft) | MAD 100 | Declaration of loss compulsory |
| Change of address | MAD 75 | New certificate of residence |
Pitfalls to avoid
- Letting the card expire while a passport, a driving licence or a property sale is under way: everything comes to a halt at once.
- Turning up without a certificate of residence when the centre requires one - it is the most common reason for refusal.
- Counting on the acknowledgement of receipt to travel: it does not count as an identity document outside the country.
Illustration of the Moroccan electronic national identity card (CNIE).
Frequently asked questions
What is the CNIE number?
It is the unique identifier printed on the electronic national identity card. You use it on administrative forms, to book on cnie.ma and to track the file. Do not confuse it with the document serial number or with a passport number.
How do I get a CNIE?
Gather the documents (birth certificate for a first application, old card for a renewal, certificate of residence, photos, stamp), book on cnie.ma when the centre requires it, then submit and give fingerprints at the local administrative office. Collect the card at the same centre with the acknowledgement of receipt.
How long is it valid for?
Ten years for adults according to the consular portal. For minors the period may differ: it appears on the card itself and is confirmed when you apply.
Can it be renewed from abroad?
Yes, at the consulate. Prepare the file via cnie.ma when the route provides for it, and book on rdv.consulat.ma. The documents are comparable, the fee is consular, and processing is longer because the card is produced in Morocco.
Is the acknowledgement of receipt enough in the meantime?
It is accepted for most internal administrative procedures, but it does not replace the card for travel, a significant banking transaction or a notarised signature.
How do I book a CNIE appointment?
Depending on the centre, the appointment is booked online on cnie.ma or handled by queueing in the morning. Abroad, it is booked at the consulate on rdv.consulat.ma.
Which documents do I need to renew the CNIE?
For a renewal: the old card, even if expired, a certificate of residence or a recent proof of address, two ID photos meeting the biometric standards, and the tax stamp. The birth certificate extract is mainly asked for on a first application. Check the exact list with the centre where you file.
What should I do if the CNIE is lost or stolen?
You need to apply for a duplicate, with a declaration of loss. The fee table on this page shows MAD 100 for a duplicate, against MAD 75 for a renewal.
Last updated: October 2026 · Indicative estimate - check with the relevant administration.