The Moroccan CNI is essential for all your administrative and legal procedures in Morocco. Whether for a first application or renewal, here is the complete procedure to obtain your National Identity Card from your country of residence in Europe or elsewhere.
Check your eligibility
The Moroccan CNI is intended for all Moroccan nationals, whether they reside in Morocco or abroad. It is mandatory for numerous procedures: opening a bank account, signing notarial deeds, voting in elections, inheritance matters. If you have an expired CNI, renewal is required. If you have never had one, this is a first application. In both cases, the consular procedure is the same.
๐ก Tip โ Check that your birth certificate is valid (less than 3 months old). If you have changed your name following marriage or divorce, also prepare the corresponding certificate.
Gather the required documents
Required documents: full birth certificate dated less than 3 months ago, proof of residence in the host country, 2 biometric photos in ICAO format (white background 35x45mm), old CNI even if expired if you have one, marriage certificate if name change, and Moroccan passport if available. Each document must be provided in original and photocopy.
๐ก Tip โ Request several copies of your birth certificate at the same time โ you will need them for other procedures (passport, notary, bank).
Book consular appointment
Go to rdv.consulat.ma and select the National Identity Card category. The same portal as for passports is used. Slots become available regularly but can be in high demand at certain consulates (Paris, Brussels, Madrid). If your consulate is saturated, check if a neighbouring consulate has faster availability according to your area of jurisdiction.
๐ก Tip โ Some consulates have dedicated CNI sections with separate time slots from passport services. Read the available categories carefully before choosing.
Submit application at consulate
On the appointment day, bring all your original documents and their photocopies. Consular staff will verify the documents, take your fingerprints and capture a digital photograph. A receipt will be given to you confirming the submission of your application. Keep this receipt carefully as it will allow you to track progress and collect your CNI.
๐ก Tip โ Biometric data capture is mandatory and must be done in person. You cannot send someone else in your place to submit the application.
Collect the CNI
The manufacturing time for the Moroccan CNI is generally 6 to 10 weeks depending on the consulate. You will be contacted by SMS or email when the CNI is ready. Collection is done in person at the consulate in the vast majority of cases โ a power of attorney is generally not accepted for this document. Bring the receipt given when submitting the application.
๐ก Tip โ If your CNI is urgent for a legal or notarial deed, inform the consulate when submitting โ some may expedite processing in justified cases.
โ Common mistakes to avoid
- โConfusing CNI and passport for procedures โ some deeds specifically require the CNI
- โProviding a birth certificate older than 3 months โ it will be systematically refused
- โForgetting to bring the old CNI even if expired โ it is required for renewal
๐ Official links and resources
โ Frequently asked questions
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