In order to acquire a Persons of Ethiopian Origin ID card, the applicant must fill out an application and complete the following steps. Please note that all applicants are required to pick up the ID cards in person at the Embassy or Consulate General.

Ethiopian Origin ID cards are valid for five years. If the Ethiopian Origin ID card is not renewed after expiration for a year, it will be considered as if it were returned. The applicant will then need to complete the requirements outlined below.

If an applicant wishes to add children under 18 to his/her ID card, then he/she should present two copies of a legal document showing the relationship (i.e. birth certificate).

Applicants for ID Cards will be notified of his/her status within 15 days of presenting the necessary documentation to the Embassy or Consulate. For further information, please call 202-364-1200 or 202-274-4561.

Requirements for Ethiopian to Acquire a Persons of Ethiopian Origin ID
Requirements for a Foreign National Spouse to Obtain an ID
Returning an Ethiopian Origin ID Card
Replacing a Lost or Damaged ID Card

Requirements for Ethiopian to Acquire a Persons of Ethiopian Origin ID

• Fill out and submit a Persons of Ethiopian Origin ID application form with his/her name appearing both in English and Amharic. Click here to download the form.

• Present a valid passport from the country of naturalization

• Submit payment of $500.00 to the Embassy of Ethiopia in the form of a money order only

• Provide two copies of birth, marriage and school certificates or others as requested by the Embassy

• Supply three passport-size recent color photographs

Requirements for a Foreign National Spouse to Obtain an ID

The foreign national spouse of a Person of Ethiopian Origin who wishes to apply for an ID card should complete the following steps.

• Fill out and submit the appropriate application form. Click here to download the form.

• Provide two copies of a marriage certificate or affidavit from a witness. The proof must show that the marriage has been valid for at least two years prior to the date of the application's submission.

Returning an Ethiopian Origin ID Card

A person wishing to return an Ethiopian Origin ID card should complete the following steps.

• Fill out and submit the appropriate form. Click here to download the form.

• Submit a signed letter that the card is being returned willingly

• Return ID cards belonging to all other family members

Replacing a Lost or Damaged ID Card

A person wishing to replace his/her lost or damaged ID card should complete the following steps.

• Fill out and submit the appropriate form Click here to download the form.

• Provide a police record or affidavit attesting to the loss of the card

• Submit $300.00 in payment in the form of a money order only