Kuwait ID Card Application And Photo
The Kuwait ID card is crucial in accessing various government and private services. It is an essential document for residents, facilitating access to multiple services.
These instructions aim to guide you through the Kuwait ID card application process and provide expert advice on capturing the perfect ID photo that complies with Kuwaiti regulations.
Table of contents
- Kuwait Civil ID Card: General Rules
- How to Apply for Kuwait Civil ID Card in Person?
- How to Apply for Kuwait Civil ID Card Online?
- Documents Required for Kuwait ID Card Application
- Kuwait ID Photo Requirements
- Get a Kuwait ID Photo Online!
- Take a Kuwait ID Photo With a Phone
- How to Change Photo in the Civil ID Online?
- Kuwait Civil ID Waiting Times and Status Tracking
- Civil ID Card Fees
Kuwait Civil ID Card: General Rules
Once you get your residency visa in Kuwait, the first thing you will need to do is get a civil ID. This necessary ID comes from the Public Authority for Civil Info (PACI). Remember, you must get it within 30 days of obtaining permanent residency.
The Civil ID is like your personal ID card issued by the Kuwaiti government. Everyone living in Kuwait, including expats, is required to have it. You'll need it for any formal activity in Kuwait—think opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or getting a job. It's also a must for traveling in and out of the country and moving around within Kuwait.
The card contains a lot of information, including your national ID number, full name, date of birth, local address, blood type, sponsor's name, visa type, and when your card is next due for renewal.
If your card expires, your sponsor changes, you renew your residency, or change your address, you'll need to update your citizen card to reflect these changes.
How to Apply for Kuwait Civil ID Card in Person?
Getting your Kuwait Civil ID in person is easy when you follow these simple steps:
- First, visit the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) website to book an appointment for Civil ID services.
- Prepare all the necessary documents.
- Go to the Citizenship Office at PACI headquarters. They will provide you with the application forms you need to obtain a Kuwaiti ID. Fill them out carefully and thoroughly.
- Once you've filled out your forms and have your documents ready, hand them to the Civil Office staff.
- Pay the application fees.
Once your application has been processed, you'll receive a text message detailing how and when to pick up your identity card.
How to Apply for Kuwait Civil ID Card Online?
Applying for your Kuwait Civil ID Card from your home is easy. Here's how to do it online:
- Go to the PACI website. Look for the e-Services section to get started.
- If you're new, you'll need to register. Click New User Registration and follow the instructions to create your account.
- Once your account is ready, log in to the PACI e-Services portal. Find the Citizen ID menu and select New Application.
- Enter your information on the online form. Make sure everything you enter is correct and complete.
- After filling out the form and uploading any required documents, submit your application and pay the fee.
- Wait for your ID. PACI will process your application, and you'll receive an SMS and an email when your citizen ID is ready.
- To activate your new ID, visit a Civil ID office with your Kuwaiti passport. They'll take your photo and fingerprints.
Please remember that your Civil ID needs to be renewed every ten years, but don't worry, it's the same process as before minus the application fee.
Documents Required for Kuwait ID Card Application
When you're ready to apply for your Kuwait Civil ID card, make sure you have these documents:
- Filled out the Civil ID application form.
- Copy of your valid passport.
- Residency Permit.
- Birth Certificate.
- Two recent color photos.
- Proof of Address: a tenancy contract or a recent utility bill.
- Fingerprint form (you will receive this when your fingerprints are taken).
- Blood Type Certificate.
- A power of attorney from the Ministry of Justice, if you can't go in person.
- If someone is sponsoring you, bring a copy of their residency document.
- Copies of the civil IDs for people living at the same address, if applicable.
Kuwait ID Photo Requirements
Before taking your Kuwait ID Card photo, keep in mind the following National ID photo requirements:
- Your Kuwait Civil ID photo size should be 4×6 cm or 40 mm wide and 60 mm high. Your face should be 2.2 to 2.5 cm in the photo and centered.
- Ensure the digital photo size for Kuwait Сivil ID is between 500 and 800 pixels wide and 700 to 1000 pixels high.
- Your photo must be in color.
- The background for your photo must be blue.
- Avoid wearing a military uniform in your photo.
- Your face should be looking directly at the camera.
- Make sure nothing in the background distracts from your clear view.
- Take off your glasses for the photo.
Here is an example:
Get a Kuwait ID Photo Online!
Looking for a fast way to get a photo for your Kuwait ID? Check out Visafoto.com! This user-friendly service boasts an impressive 99.7% success rate.
All it takes is a photo from your phone or digital camera against a plain white backdrop. Upload the picture to Visafoto.com, and they'll handle the rest — adjusting your photo to meet the Kuwait ID specifications, including the right Kuwait Civil ID picture size and background color, and ensuring your face is perfectly positioned. Not happy with the result? They offer a full refund.
Source
Result
First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:
You'll get two versions of your photo: a digital one for online submissions and a template for printing.
Here they are:
Take a Kuwait ID Photo With a Phone
Meet the Kuwait ID photo maker — the 7ID app by Visafoto.com, designed to make taking ID, passport, and visa photos a breeze with your smartphone, whether it's an iPhone or Android.
Just upload your photo, choose the document and country, and 7ID takes care of the rest. It auto-adjusts your photo to fulfill official requirements, centering your face and fixing the background.
After adjusting, 7ID lets you print your photo on standard paper sizes like 4×6 inches, A4, A5, or B5, so you can print it out immediately and use it as needed.
Want to edit your photo more? Switch to Expert mode, like a blue Kuwait ID background, for finer adjustments. Plus, if you need any help along the way, our 24/7 tech support team is on standby.
How to Change Photo in the Civil ID Online?
Changing your photo on your Kuwaiti ID is easy through the Public Authority of Civil Information (PACI) website. Wondering how to add photo in Civil ID Kuwait? Just follow these steps:
- Go to the PACI website. The site starts in Arabic, but you can switch to English for easier navigation.
- Click on e-Service, then look for Non-Kuwaiti Photo Update. You'll see three fields asking for your National ID, serial, and phone numbers.
- Enter your information in the fields provided.
- After selecting Next, wait for a verification code via SMS on your phone and enter it when prompted.
- Follow the instructions to upload your new photo and click Save.
You'll receive an SMS confirming that your photo change request has been sent. In approximately 10–15 days, you'll receive another message with the status of your Kuwait Civil ID photo update request.
Kuwait Civil ID Waiting Times and Status Tracking
Getting your Kuwait Civil ID usually takes 7 to 10 business days. After that, you'll receive a text message saying your ID is ready and telling you how to pick it up.
Here are several ways to keep track of your Civil ID status:
- On the PACI Website: Go to the PACI website Card Status page, put in your Civil ID number, and hit submit. You'll see right away where your ID is at.
- On the Kuwait Government Website: Go to the Kuwait Government Website, type your Civil ID number, press query, and you'll see the status.
- PACI Helpline: Just call 188988, and they can tell you the status of your ID application.
Civil ID Card Fees
How much is the Kuwait ID Card payment? The fee for a Kuwait Civil ID Card is usually around 5 KWD ($16) for locals and 10 KWD ($33) for foreigners. For more up-to-date information, please visit the Card & Fine Payment page on the PACI website.
Good luck with your Kuwait Civil ID Card application!
