What Is Nagarik App?

The Nagarik App (नागरिक एप) is the Government of Nepal's mobile platform for accessing supported public services from a phone. It was developed by the National Information Technology Center (NITC) under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

The app can connect verified users to digital records and services such as Citizenship, National ID, Driving License, PAN, vehicle services, police clearance, passport support, government payments, and complaints. Availability depends on the current app version and the rollout status of each government integration.

Important distinction: Nagarik App is the platform. Digital ID and National ID (NID) are government identity records. The app displays or links to those records; it does not issue a National ID or replace Citizenship.

What You Need Before Registering

  • The official Nagarik App installed from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  • A mobile phone with an active internet connection
  • A Nepal-registered SIM in your own name, such as Nepal Telecom, Ncell, or another supported operator
  • Access to SMS for OTP verification
  • An accepted government identity document, commonly Citizenship, National ID, Passport, or Driving License
  • Personal details that exactly match the relevant government record

You do not necessarily need a physical National ID card to create an account. You do need a government-issued identity record that the app can verify. Requirements can vary slightly by version and service.

How to Register for Nagarik App

  1. Install the official app. Search for Nagarik App in Google Play or the Apple App Store and confirm that the publisher is Government of Nepal / NITC. Avoid third-party APK files.
  2. Choose your language and enter your mobile number. Use the Nepal-registered number that belongs to you.
  3. Verify the OTP. Enter the SMS code sent to your SIM. Auto-detection may work when the SIM is in the same phone.
  4. Provide identity details. Select the available verification document and enter its number and requested information exactly as printed.
  5. Review and complete registration. Correct any mismatch before submitting. The app may ask you to create a four-digit PIN for future access.
  6. Open the dashboard. Once verification succeeds, linked records and available services appear on the home screen.
Match matters: Small differences in name spelling, citizenship number, district, date of birth, or mobile ownership can cause verification to fail.

How to Login and Recover Access

  1. Open the official Nagarik App on your phone.
  2. Enter the registered mobile number.
  3. Verify the OTP and enter the PIN if the app requests it.
  4. Use the in-app recovery or re-verification instructions if you changed devices or lost access to the number.

After changing phones, install the official app again and use the same registered number. Linked documents should return after OTP and identity verification succeed. If the old number is unavailable, contact official support or follow the latest recovery flow shown in the app.

How to Link Citizenship

Citizenship is one of the most common identity records used by Nagarik App. The app checks the details you submit against the relevant government database.

  1. Open the Citizenship section or begin the identity-verification flow.
  2. Choose Add Citizenship or the equivalent option shown in your app version.
  3. Enter the citizenship number and any requested district or personal details.
  4. Submit for verification against the government record.
  5. Review the linked details after a successful match.

If the details do not match, check the number format, spelling, and district first. If the underlying record is incorrect, the relevant District Administration Office or authority must correct it; the app cannot repair the source record by itself.

How to Link National ID (NID)

Your National ID has a unique National Identity Number (NIN). After NID enrollment, biometrics, and record activation are complete, Nagarik App may display the digital NID details.

  1. Open the National ID module.
  2. Tap Add National ID or the equivalent option.
  3. Enter your NIN accurately.
  4. Complete the requested verification step.
  5. View the digital NID when the record is found and active.

If the NID does not appear, confirm the NIN, check that enrollment and biometrics are complete, and contact the National ID authority or app support if the record remains unavailable. For a detailed status process, see SolutionsNepal's National ID status guide.

How to Add a Driving License

The Driving License module can show license details, print status, and digital license information where the DoTM integration is available.

  1. Open the Driving License section.
  2. Choose Add Driving License.
  3. Enter the license number and any requested NIN or personal details.
  4. Allow the app to verify against the Department of Transport Management system.
  5. Review the license details and status shown after matching.
Keep the original: Digital license information is increasingly useful, but not every checkpoint, office, insurer, or rental company treats a phone display as a full replacement for the physical smart card.

How to Link or Register PAN

Permanent Account Number (PAN) is the taxpayer identifier issued by the Inland Revenue Department. Nagarik App may allow you to link an existing PAN or start a new individual PAN registration through the IRD service.

  1. For a new PAN: open the PAN service, select PAN Registration, choose the relevant Inland Revenue Office, complete the form, provide the requested occupation and address details, capture a live photo if requested, and submit the application.
  2. For an existing PAN: select Link PAN, enter the PAN number and identity details, and submit for verification.
  3. After submission: save the tracking or submission number and watch the app for approval or correction requests.

If the PAN is not found, recheck the number and personal details. A persistent mismatch usually requires help from the relevant Inland Revenue Office or IRD support. Processing time depends on the service flow and record status.

Nagarik App Digital ID Explained

Digital identity in Nagarik App means your verified profile and the digital versions or linked records of government documents such as Citizenship, NID, Driving License, and PAN. It is not a new identity document issued by the app.

  • Use digital records for supported online applications and pre-filled forms.
  • Use NID or QR-linked information where the service specifically accepts it.
  • View application status, license print status, PAN information, and other records where integrated.
  • Check the specific office policy before presenting a digital record as a replacement for a physical document.
Do not discard originals: Many legal, administrative, transport, and banking processes still require the original Citizenship certificate, physical NID, smart license, or printed PAN.

Services Available on Nagarik App

CitizenshipView details and use verified identity for supported services.
National IDLink NIN and view digital NID information after verification.
Driving LicenseView license details, digital license information, and print status where integrated.
PANRegister for a new PAN, link an existing PAN, and view status or digital details.
Vehicle servicesAccess vehicle-tax payments and supported transport-management services.
Police servicesApply for or access Police Clearance and related information where available.
Passport and voter servicesUse supported pre-enrollment, application, or record-viewing features.
Government servicesAccess NOC, DOFE, social-security, education, health-insurance, NEA, KUKL, complaints, e-Chalan, and other integrations as available.

The service list is not fixed. Some features may be in pilot, limited to certain users, unavailable during maintenance, or changed without notice. Use the current in-app list and official notices as the source of truth.

How to Fix SIM Details Do Not Match

Errors such as SIM details do not match or mobile number is not registered in your name usually mean the app cannot confirm that the SIM belongs to the same person as the identity record.

  1. Check SIM ownership. Ask Nepal Telecom, Ncell, or the relevant operator whether the number is registered in your name. If it belongs to a family member, friend, or shopkeeper, request ownership re-registration using your Citizenship or NID.
  2. Compare identity details. Check name spelling, citizenship number, district, and NID details against the records you entered.
  3. Allow synchronization time. A recently transferred or re-registered SIM may not appear in government systems immediately.
  4. Update and restart. Install the latest Nagarik App version, restart your phone, and retry with a reliable network connection.
  5. Contact the correct authority. Telecom operators handle SIM ownership; the DAO or NID authority handles identity records; app support handles application or system issues.

Do not assume a mismatch proves your documents are invalid. It can be caused by telecom records, a government-record spelling error, or a database synchronization delay.

Registration Failed: Troubleshooting Table

OTP not receivedCheck signal and SMS access, confirm the SIM is active, restart the phone, and request a new OTP.
SIM mismatchConfirm SIM ownership and match telecom, Citizenship, and NID details.
NID not foundRecheck the NIN, confirm enrollment and activation, then contact the NID authority if needed.
Citizenship mismatchEnter details exactly as recorded and correct the underlying DAO record if it is wrong.
PAN not foundVerify the PAN number and contact the relevant Inland Revenue Office if the IRD record is not active.
App crashesUpdate the app, restart or reinstall it from the official store, and check device compatibility.
Service unavailableTry later, check official notices, and do not use unofficial workarounds that ask for your OTP.

Can Nepalis Abroad Use Nagarik App?

Nagarik App is designed primarily for Nepali citizens with Nepal-registered mobile numbers and identity records in Nepali government systems. Foreign numbers are generally not supported in the standard registration and OTP flow.

A Nepali living abroad may be able to use the app if they still have an active Nepal SIM that can receive OTPs, including through roaming where supported. Without access to a Nepal number, registration may not be possible until the official policy or app flow changes.

Is Nagarik App Official and Safe?

Nagarik App is an official Government of Nepal application developed by NITC. Protect yourself by following these rules:

  • Download only from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or the official Nagarik App website.
  • Never share an OTP, PIN, or login detail, including with someone claiming to be support.
  • Avoid unofficial APK files, social-media links, and websites asking for identity documents.
  • Keep your phone operating system and app updated.
  • Check the domain before entering personal details or opening a support link.
  • Report suspicious messages instead of replying with your documents or verification codes.

Nagarik App vs Physical Documents

CitizenshipDigital details may support verification, but keep the original certificate for legal and administrative processes.
National IDDigital NID can be displayed after linking; carry the physical card where an office explicitly requires it.
Driving LicenseDigital license information is useful for supported checks, but the physical smart card may still be required.
PANDigital PAN may work for many online workflows; keep the physical card or a printed copy for institutions that ask for it.

Quick Registration Checklist

  • Install Nagarik App from an official app store or nagarikapp.gov.np.
  • Use a SIM registered in your own name.
  • Keep Citizenship or NID information accurate and consistent.
  • Receive the OTP and never share it.
  • Link Citizenship, NID, Driving License, and PAN one at a time.
  • Update the app when new versions are released.
  • Keep physical documents safe for services that do not accept digital records.
  • Contact the telecom operator, DAO, NID authority, IRD, DoTM, or app support according to the actual problem.

Official Sources and Final Note

Useful official sources include Nagarik App (nagarikapp.gov.np), the National Information Technology Center, the Inland Revenue Department, the Department of Transport Management, and the relevant National ID and Civil Registration authority. For SIM ownership, contact your telecom operator or check guidance from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Last verified October 2026.

Nagarik App can reduce office visits, but it works best when your SIM, Citizenship, NID, PAN, and transport records are accurate and consistent. Features, acceptance rules, and verification procedures may change as government systems are updated. Check the latest in-app instructions and official notices before relying on a digital document for an important transaction.

Frequently asked questions

How do I register for Nagarik App in Nepal?

Install the official Nagarik App, enter a Nepal-registered mobile number in your own name, verify the OTP, complete identity verification using an accepted government document, and set the PIN if prompted.

What documents are required for Nagarik App registration?

You generally need a Nepal-registered SIM in your own name, OTP access, and an accepted government identity document such as Citizenship, National ID, Passport, or Driving License. Requirements can vary by app flow.

Can I link my Citizenship to Nagarik App?

Yes. Open the Citizenship module, choose the add or link option, enter your citizenship number and other requested details, and let the app verify them against the government record.

How do I link my National ID to Nagarik App?

Open the National ID module, choose Add National ID, enter your National Identity Number (NIN), and complete verification. Your digital NID appears when the underlying record is active and matches.

Can I add my Driving License to Nagarik App?

Yes. Use the Driving License module and enter the requested license details. The app checks the information against the Department of Transport Management system.

Can I link PAN to Nagarik App?

Yes. You can link an existing PAN or start a new PAN registration through the Inland Revenue Department service when that flow is available in the app.

Why does Nagarik App say my SIM details do not match?

The SIM may be registered under another person, or the name and identity details in the telecom or government databases may not match. Recent ownership changes can also take time to synchronize.

Can Nepalis living abroad use Nagarik App?

Usually only when they still have access to a Nepal-registered mobile number that can receive OTPs. Foreign phone numbers are generally not supported in the standard registration flow.

Is Nagarik App a replacement for Citizenship?

No. Nagarik App displays and links digital records; it does not replace the original Citizenship certificate. Acceptance of a digital record depends on the specific office or service.

Is Nagarik App safe to use?

Use only the official app from Google Play or the Apple App Store, never share OTPs, avoid unofficial APKs, and use only official government domains and support channels.

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Written by SolutionsNepal Team

Nepal digital-government researchers