Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Information has clarified the official procedures for replacing lost or damaged Civil ID cards belonging to non-Kuwaiti residents, including the application requirements, supporting documents, and applicable government fees.
Kuwait Explains Civil ID Replacement for Expatriates: Lost or Damaged Card Procedures and KD 20 Fee
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Public Authority for Civil Information in the State of Kuwait
The service allows eligible expatriates to obtain a replacement identity card through approved government channels, helping them restore an essential identification document used in numerous public and private transactions.
According to the authority’s official service guide, applications may be submitted through the government Sahel application or processed through authorized service centres where personal attendance is required.
The procedure is intended specifically for residents whose existing Civil ID cards have been lost or damaged, rather than those seeking routine renewal or changes to their registered personal information.
Regarding eligibility, the authority confirms that applicants may complete the required procedures personally, while a legally authorized representative may act on their behalf when holding an official power of attorney issued by Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice.
Applicants using the electronic service may submit their requests through Sahel, subject to the applicable identity verification and transaction requirements.
For applicants under the age of 18, the authority’s service guide specifies the attendance of a parent or legal custodian in relevant cases involving divorce when the procedure requires personal representation.
Residents are encouraged to check their eligibility and ensure their documents are valid before beginning the process to avoid delays caused by incomplete information or missing requirements.
The principal documentation requirement for non-Kuwaiti applicants is an original valid passport accompanied by a copy, as specified in the official service instructions.
Applications submitted through an authorized representative may also require the relevant power of attorney and verification of the representative’s legal authority.
While the published service guide identifies the standard documentation needed, individual circumstances may require additional administrative checks before the transaction can be finalized.
Applicants choosing an in-person procedure should confirm the location and opening hours of the authorized service centre before travelling to submit their documents.
Regarding government charges, the Public Authority for Civil Information has established a fixed fee of KD 20 for issuing a replacement Civil ID card following loss or damage.
The amount can be paid through the authority’s official electronic payment channels or the Sahel government application, depending on the selected transaction process.
The published fee schedule lists no additional variable fee for this particular service, although applicants must still satisfy the relevant documentation and identity verification requirements.
Residents should distinguish the replacement fee from the charge for routine Civil ID renewal, as the two services involve different administrative procedures and payment amounts.
The official service information identifies the authority’s headquarters in South Surra as one of the locations where non-Kuwaiti residents may complete relevant transactions.
Other listed service locations include Liberation Tower and branches serving Ahmadi and Jahra, subject to the availability of the required transaction and the procedures applicable at each centre.
The authority also publishes an evening service period at its main headquarters from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, while opening hours and available services may vary by location.
Applicants are therefore advised to verify the relevant centre’s current operating schedule and whether their specific application can be handled electronically before making a personal visit.
The Sahel application offers a practical alternative for eligible residents who wish to complete the procedure digitally without unnecessary travel to government offices.
However, the availability of online submission does not remove the requirement to provide accurate information or comply with the official conditions established for the service.
The authority’s replacement procedure should not be confused with services for correcting identity records, updating residential addresses, or renewing cards that have reached their expiry date.
Residents whose difficulties concern incorrect registered information should select the appropriate administrative service rather than submitting a replacement request intended for lost or damaged documents.
The Public Authority for Civil Information advises applicants to rely on approved government platforms when checking requirements, submitting requests, and paying official fees.
Source: Kuwait Public Authority for Civil Information and Kuwait Government Online.
Verification date: November 8, 2026.
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