KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has amended its Integrated Payment System Directive, 2082, making National Identity Card (NID) verification mandatory for opening and updating digital wallet accounts.

In a circular issued by the central bank’s Payment Systems Department on Friday, NRB said licensed payment service providers (PSPs) must verify the details of Nepali citizens against the electronic records of the National Identity Card before opening new wallet accounts.

The amended directive also requires licensed PSPs to obtain a self-declaration from all wallet users by the end of mid-October 2026 on whether they possess a National Identity Card. The declaration can be collected through mobile applications or other appropriate digital channels.

Under the new rules, Nepali citizens who already have a National Identity Card must update their wallet accounts with their National Identity Card number by the end of mid-October 2026.

For users who have not yet obtained a National Identity Card, payment service providers must remind them every month to update their wallet details once they receive the card.

The central bank has retained the existing provision allowing Nepali citizens residing abroad to open digital wallet accounts online using the required documents. However, they must update their National Identity Card details with the service provider within six months of returning to Nepal.

The amended directive also provides an exception for persons with disabilities and vulnerable individuals who are unable to care for themselves, allowing them to open and use digital wallets based on other valid identification documents if they do not possess a National Identity Card or National Identity Card number.