The service allows eligible citizens and foreign residents to request a replacement document under the traffic regulations and administrative requirements applicable in Kuwait.

It forms part of the government’s digital traffic services programme, which is intended to simplify public transactions and reduce unnecessary visits to government offices.

This is an existing official service rather than a newly introduced driving licence system or a recently announced change in government charges.

The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that driving licence renewal, replacement of lost licences and replacement of damaged licences are available through the unified government application Sahel.

The application enables users to access relevant government services, initiate a new request and monitor the progress of the transaction electronically.

Applicants can also check whether a request is still being processed or has been completed, helping them determine the appropriate time for collection.

The ministry has explained that the electronic service also identifies the self-service machine through which the completed driving licence can be collected.

Regarding official fees, the State of Kuwait’s government portal lists a charge of KD 10 for obtaining a replacement for a lost driving licence.

The same service card shows fixed fees of KD 0, with the replacement charge listed under the variable fee category.

Applicants should check the final amount displayed by the official service before making a payment, particularly if other procedures are required for their individual circumstances.

The service covers the relevant categories of private, public, motorcycle and construction driving licences under the applicable traffic regulations.

A replacement for a lost driving licence is a separate administrative transaction and should not be confused with obtaining a driving licence for the first time.

The government service information identifies valid residency as a requirement for resident applicants, together with the necessary identification and licence records.

Applicants should also verify the status of their driving licence in the official system, as expired licences may require different procedures.

The competent authority retains responsibility for reviewing the submitted details and confirming that the application meets the applicable conditions.

Providing inaccurate information concerning the loss of a licence may lead to legal or administrative consequences under the relevant traffic rules.

Regarding required documents, the government portal lists the applicant’s Civil ID, a personal photograph and a copy of the passport.

Foreign residents are additionally required to provide a work permit or an employment letter, depending on the circumstances of the applicant.

The published service information also includes proof of blood type among the supporting documents.

Some information may already be accessible through government databases when the application is submitted electronically, so users should follow the document requirements displayed in the selected service.

To use Sahel, the applicant opens the official application and navigates to the government services associated with the General Traffic Department.

The user then selects the relevant driving licence replacement service and starts a new application according to the instructions presented.

After submitting the request, the applicant can monitor its progress and check whether the replacement document is ready for collection.

The ministry has also confirmed that users can identify the self-service machine designated for receiving the completed licence.

Certain official instructions concerning lost driving licences refer to reporting the loss at a police station before proceeding with the replacement request.

Applicants should therefore review the current instructions provided by Sahel or the competent traffic department and complete any required loss-reporting procedure.

The official government portal also describes an in-person application route through the relevant General Traffic Department.

Under that procedure, the applicant prepares the required documents, completes the service form and follows the medical examination requirements included in the published service guide.

The prescribed government fees must then be paid before the relevant authority completes the application process.

Applicants should distinguish the requirements of the in-person procedure from those displayed through the electronic service, rather than assuming that every step applies identically to both channels.

Another important distinction concerns replacing a damaged licence, because the condition of the original document and the required supporting evidence may differ.

Driving licence renewal is also treated as a separate service and is governed by its own eligibility rules and fee schedule.

Kuwait’s traffic regulations contain specific provisions governing driving licences that are lost or damaged and the procedures required to obtain replacements.

Article 104 of the published executive regulations provides for a replacement request within ten days of the loss or damage, subject to verification and payment of the applicable charges.

The same provision requires the damaged original licence to be surrendered and requires a previously lost licence to be handed over if it is subsequently found.

Drivers are therefore advised to begin the appropriate procedures promptly after discovering that their licence has been lost or damaged.

Applicants should retain any official application confirmation and monitor their transaction through authorized government channels.

The availability of this service through Sahel offers citizens and residents a more convenient way to complete traffic-related transactions and obtain replacement documents.

Users should avoid unauthorized intermediaries or unofficial payment links that claim to issue driving licences on behalf of the government.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and General Traffic Department remain the official authorities responsible for determining replacement licence requirements, fees and collection procedures.

Source: Kuwait Ministry of Interior – General Traffic Department – State of Kuwait Official Government Portal.