The service allows individuals to obtain a replacement card when their original document is missing or unusable, subject to the identification, documentation and payment requirements applicable to their category.

Applications may be completed electronically or through designated customer service centres, with additional options for postal delivery, appointment booking and expedited processing.

These are existing public services rather than newly announced identity card regulations or a recent decision introducing additional charges.

According to the authority’s official fee schedule, Bahraini citizens under the age of 60 pay BHD 4 for the replacement of a lost or damaged identity card.

For non-Bahraini residents, the basic replacement charge is BHD 10, although the final amount may depend on the service channel and the applicable additional options.

An extra postal delivery charge of BHD 1 applies when completing an eligible transaction online and choosing the electronic service delivery arrangement.

Applicants should distinguish the card replacement fee from optional expedited processing charges and delivery costs before making their payment.

One of the most important provisions concerns Bahraini senior citizens aged 60 and above, who qualify for a fee exemption when requesting a replacement through the electronic service.

For these citizens, the basic online replacement service is free of charge, while the published fee for obtaining a replacement through a physical service centre is BHD 4.

A postal delivery charge of BHD 1 may still apply to an online application even when the underlying replacement service is provided without an issuance fee.

This distinction is especially important for senior citizens and their families, since the exemption does not necessarily eliminate every optional cost associated with receiving the replacement card.

The authority also offers an expedited identity card service for eligible applicants, with an additional BHD 10 charge in the relevant citizen service category.

For certain non-Bahraini identity card services, the published total through fast-track offices is BHD 20, depending on the applicant’s category and the service being requested.

Where all requirements are met, in-person identity card transactions can generally be completed in approximately thirty minutes at designated service centres.

Online applications normally require around two working days for processing, with additional time potentially needed for delivery and any outstanding documentation.

The documentation requirements include a valid passport and a correct residential address recorded in accordance with Bahrain’s population registry and identity card service rules.

Applicants may also need a recent personal photograph that meets the authority’s specifications, particularly when a photograph or existing personal information must be updated.

The electronic application system may request additional supporting documents when the necessary information cannot be verified using existing government records.

These documents can include evidence of the applicant’s residential address or marital status where such information is relevant to the individual application.

Applicants aged ten and above who do not have their required biometric information registered in the population records may need to attend a service centre in person.

The authority specifies procedures for capturing fingerprints and signatures where required, together with exemptions or special arrangements for certain senior citizens and people with disabilities.

These conditions mean that a fully online transaction may not be available in every circumstance, even when the replacement service itself is offered electronically.

Applicants should carefully review the requirements displayed for their citizenship or residence category, as the applicable procedures are not identical for every group.

To submit an online replacement request, the applicant accesses Bahrain’s official national portal and selects the relevant identity card replacement service.

The user then completes the required identity verification, reviews the information held in the government system and provides any additional supporting documents requested.

After confirming the application details, the applicant selects an available collection or delivery method and pays the charges applicable to the transaction.

Individuals who need assistance in person can use the appointment booking services or attend the appropriate identity card service centre under the published arrangements.

The authority maintains identity card service facilities in Isa Town and at Seef Mall in Muharraq, with separate procedures for standard appointments and certain fast-track transactions.

For some categories of expatriate workers registered with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, in-person applications may need to be handled by the employer or an authorized representative.

Other categories, including certain non-Bahraini residents and GCC nationals, may be subject to additional requirements based on their residence status and the relevant government records.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to protect their identity cards and promptly arrange replacement when a card is lost or becomes unusable.

They should also confirm the validity of their passport, residential address and personal information before applying to minimize administrative delays.

The Information and eGovernment Authority remains the official source for confirming replacement fees, eligibility for exemptions, processing periods and available application channels.

Source: Information and eGovernment Authority, Kingdom of Bahrain.