Kuwait Driving License Renewal Process in 2024
The Kuwaiti General Traffic Department (GTD) under the Ministry of Interior has introduced a new policy extending the validity of expatriates' driving licenses from one year to three, under specific legal criteria.
Renewing a Kuwait Driving License
Physical copies of licenses are no longer required with this upgrade since the 'Kuwait Mobile ID' app allows one to access them virtually. This move toward digital convenience fits the department's larger initiatives to modernize and simplify the license renewal process for nationals as well as expats.
Changes to vehicle inspection rules have also been implemented. For newly purchased cars and motorcycles, the first inspection will now occur three years after the purchase date, Following this the vehicle will be inspected again after another three years, and a final check two years later, summing up to a total of eight years since the first inspection. For private vehicles the inspection interval has been extended to every three years after the initial inspection, as opposed to the previous two-year requirement.
Whether a citizen or expatriate, it is mandatory to renew your Kuwait driving license as it approaches expiration, This renewal process is simple and can be completed in about 15 minutes online. However certain documentation is required, which varies slightly depending on the applicant’s residency status.
Required Documents
For Kuwaiti citizens, the renewal process requires a completed driving license renewal request form, two 4x6 photos with a blue background, a copy of their Civil ID, and a signature authorization if they are employed by a company.
Non-Kuwaiti residents must submit the same documents as Kuwaitis, along with a copy of their passport, a printed license renewal request form, and their employer’s signature (for those employed in private companies). Individuals aged 70 and older with private licenses, as well as those 60 and older with public licenses, are additionally required to complete a medical check-up before they can proceed with renewal.
Renewal Options
The license renewal process in Kuwait can be completed either through the Ministry of Interior (MoI) website or the Sahel mobile application.
MoI Website
To renew via the MoI website, start by visiting the site and navigating to the “E-Services for Driving Licenses” section. After logging in, select “Driving License Renewal” and upload your photo and signature in .jpg or .jpeg format, ensuring the file size does not exceed 244 KB. Then submit the request and proceed to the payment section to pay the fees. Upon completion, a receipt will be provided as confirmation, finalizing the renewal process.
Sahel App
To renew through the Sahel app, download the application from Google Play or the App Store, Open the app, navigate to the Ministry of Interior section, and select “Traffic Services.” From the menu, choose “Driving License Services” and then “Driving License Renewal”, This will display the license’s expiration date, and once selected, you can proceed to draw your signature using the app’s drawing tool, After signing you’ll be redirected to the payment page, Once the payment is complete, a digital copy of the renewed license will automatically download onto your mobile device. This digital license is then accessible through the Kuwait Mobile ID section within the Sahel app.
Fees and Penalties for Delay
Renewal fees generally cost around KD 5, depending on the license’s expiration status, While the Ministry’s official website does not clearly state the penalties for delays, various sources suggest that late fees could surpass KD 100.
While digital licenses are available to expatriates through the Kuwait Mobile ID app, Kuwaiti citizens can obtain a physical copy at kiosks located in several major malls, including Souq Sharq, Marina Mall, Avenues Mall, and Al Kout Mall. Before visiting, it is recommended to confirm the kiosk’s availability and operating hours. Bring your Civil ID and driving license to use these printing services.
This updated process offers a more accessible and efficient approach for residents in Kuwait to manage their driving licenses, promoting ease of access through digital solutions while maintaining essential regulatory standards.