Benin: a decree clarifies the procedures for issuing identification documents

This regulatory text, adopted at the Council of Ministers on 19 February 2025, aims to strengthen the security and reliability of identity documents issued by the State.

The decree specifies the types of identification documents concerned (identity card, identification certificate, etc.) and their characteristics.

It establishes strict issuance procedures to ensure that only legitimate applicants obtain an official document.

Among the announced measures, the validity period of the Certificat d’Identification Personnelle (CIP) will increase from 2 to 5 years.

The decree forms part of a broader framework alongside another measure: the implementation of a national register of identification documents, intended to centralize information related to citizens’ identities.

The objectives are:

1. Secure the identification process: by tightly regulating the production of identity cards and identification certificates, the State aims to limit fraud and identity theft.
2. Improve access to official documents: with clarified procedures, citizens benefit from better organized and more transparent processes.
3. Modernize the administration: the creation of a national register provides a reliable, up-to-date database, facilitating the management of individuals’ identities, including for public services.