Kathmandu [Nepal], July 25 – Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced mandatory National ID verification for opening digital wallets and updating user details as part of the latest amendment to its Integrated Payment Systems Directive, 2082.
Through the 15th amendment to the directive, the central bank has instructed licensed payment service providers to verify the electronic records of the National ID before opening wallets for Nepali citizens.
According to a circular issued by NRB’s Payment Systems Department on Friday existing wallet users will also be required to update their details with National ID information.
Wallet providers must obtain a self-declaration from users by October 17, 2026, stating whether they possess a National ID card. The declaration can be collected through mobile applications or other suitable platforms.
Nepali citizens who already have a National ID must update their wallet accounts with their National ID number by the same deadline.
For users who do not yet have a National ID, payment service providers must establish a system to notify them every month to update their details once they obtain the identification document.
The revised directive maintains existing provisions allowing Nepali citizens living abroad to open digital wallets online using required documents. However, they will have to update their National ID details within six months of returning to Nepal.
NRB has also introduced provisions allowing people with disabilities and those unable to manage their own affairs to open wallets and conduct transactions using alternative required documents even without a National ID number.
The central bank said the changes are aimed at strengthening identity verification and improving regulatory oversight of Nepal’s growing digital payment ecosystem.
