New applications for a BI require a valid birth certificate and photo. If renewing a BI within six months of expiry a birth certificate is not required, just the old card and new photo. If replacing a lost/stolen/expired BI, a new application must be made and so both a birth certificate and photo are required.

The BI is a 10.5 cm x 7.2 cm laminated card, embossed with an issuing seal. It is titled with República de Moçambique (English: Republic of Mozambique) with the national seal. It includes the following information about the card holder:

• Photograph
• Finger Print
• Identification Number
• Full Name
• Sex
• Nationality
• Date of Birth
• Place and Date of Issue
• Expiration Date
• Height
• Occupation
• Marital Status
• Address
• Signature

• Politics of Mozambique
• Mozambican passport

• Government of Mozambique Website (in Portuguese)
• Boletim da República (Government Bulletin) March 2, 1999 (in Portuguese)