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Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Kuwait: Going abroad? You might need a physical Kuwaiti driving license, here's what to do next
Kuwait reinstates physical driving licenses for expats, easing travel abroad/ Representative Image TL;DR Expats in Kuwait can now reissue a physical driving license for KD 10 ($32.80 USD). The decision follows a 2025 policy change effective April 13. Physical licenses are essential for driving or renting cars overseas. If you're an expat in Kuwait and planning to travel abroad, you've likely run into a frustrating roadblock: the digital Kuwaiti driving license isn't always accepted outside the country. Whether you're trying to rent a car or just need valid ID while traveling, that digital copy on your phone may not cut it. But as of April 2025, things have changed. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has reinstated the option for expats to get a printed, physical driving license. This decision comes after more than a year of restrictions that made digital-only licenses the norm. Now, with a simple process and a KD 10 fee ($32.80 USD), expats can once again carry a physical license, something that's actually recognized in most countries. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide on how to get yours. Why Did Kuwait Stop Printing Licenses in the First Place? In late 2023, Kuwait's General Traffic Department moved all types of driving licenses, including learner permits, fare services, instructor cards, and personal licenses, to a digital-only system. These were available via the MOI (Ministry of Interior) and Kuwait Mobile ID apps. The move was meant to streamline government services and cut down on paperwork. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo But the change had one major downside: digital licenses weren't widely recognized outside Kuwait. Many expats found themselves unable to rent vehicles or drive abroad, even with a valid digital license. The New Rule: What Changed in April 2025? In April 2025, following a ministerial decision by the Ministry of Interior, the government reinstated the option for expatriates to obtain a printed copy of their driving license. This change was officially published in the Kuwait Al Youm gazette, and it took effect immediately. Now, for a KD 10 printing fee, you can request a physical license again. Note: The digital license is still fully valid for use inside Kuwait. The physical license is optional and mainly useful if you're traveling abroad. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Physical License 1. Go to the Right Traffic Department Visit the traffic department (muroor) of the same governorate where your license was originally issued. It might not be the one near your home. Be prepared for different waiting times based on whether you're applying as an individual, expat, or on behalf of a company. 2. Request and Fill Out the Application Head to the typing section and ask for a reissuance form. The typing service usually costs KD 1. You'll need to bring: A copy of your Civil ID A copy of your digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app) Your old physical license (if you still have it) 3. Submit the Form and Pay the Fee Hand over the filled form at the designated counter. After it's checked and stamped: Pay the KD 10($32.80 USD) reissuance fee If your old physical license is missing, expect to pay an extra KD 10($32.80 USD) 4. Print and Collect Once everything's approved and paid, go to the printing counter. Hand over your documents and wait for your name to be called. Your new physical license will be printed and issued the same day, depending on how busy the center is. Why You Might Still Need a Physical License A digital driving license works well inside Kuwait. It's accepted by traffic police, government offices, and for most identification needs. But outside Kuwait, it can be a different story. Many countries still expect a physical driver's license when you rent a car or deal with local authorities. Some car rental agencies and traffic officials may not recognize digital-only licenses, especially if they aren't familiar with Kuwait's digital system. A printed license helps avoid these issues. It also makes it easier to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which usually requires a valid physical license as part of the application. In short, if you're planning to drive abroad, it's safer to carry a physical license along with your IDP, just to be sure. FAQ 1. Is it mandatory to get a physical license? No. If you only drive inside Kuwait, the digital license is still valid. But if you're traveling, it's safer to have a physical copy. 2. How long does it take to get the physical license printed? Usually same-day, if your documents are in order and there's not a large queue. But delays can happen during peak hours. 3. What if I lost my old physical license? You can still get a new one, but you'll likely need to pay an extra KD 10. Bring all available documents to support your request.
Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Kuwait Times
Traveling abroad and need a physical Kuwaiti driving license? Here's how
KUWAIT: As summer travel picks up, many expatriates have reported that Kuwait's digital driving license is not accepted abroad, making international car rentals challenging. But this is now changing. After a suspension that began on Dec 10, 2023, the issuance of physical driving licenses for expats resumed in mid-April 2025, following ministerial decision no. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The amendment allows expatriates to reissue physical licenses for a KD 10 printing fee, effective immediately upon its publication in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm. Here's a step-by-step guide to the process (the exact steps may vary slightly by location): 1. Visit the traffic department (muroor): Head to the traffic department of the governorate that originally issued your license — this might differ from your current governorate of residence. Keep in mind that working hours and queues can vary for citizens, expats and companies. 2. Request the application form: Go to the typing section and request a form to issue a physical driving license. This service usually costs KD 1. You will need to attach: • A copy of your Civil ID • A copy of your current digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app) • Your previous physical license (if available) 3. Form submission and payment: • Submit the filled form at one of the designated counters for verification and stamping. • Then, proceed to pay the KD 10 reissuance fee. • Note: If you no longer have your previous physical license, an additional KD 10 fee may apply. 4. Final submission and collection: Submit the signed and stamped form at the designated printing counter, then wait for your name to be called. Your physical license will be printed and issued shortly, depending on the number of applicants.
Arab Times
09-06-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Care for elderly in their homes
KUWAIT CITY, June 9: Director of the Elderly Care Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Enezi confirmed that the ministry provides comprehensive care services to around 4,000 elderly people at home through mobile service centers, as part of the State's efforts to improve the quality of life for the elderly and support their families that are taking care of them. In a press statement, Al-Enezi disclosed that the mobile teams of the ministry are currently conducting periodic home visits to the elderly to check their conditions and review the living environment provided by their families. He said these teams help the families identify health changes that may occur in the elderly, educate them about the diseases associated with old age, and teach them how to properly deal with this group. Regarding digital services, Al-Enezi stated that priority cards can be applied for through the 'Sahel' app and delivered electronically through 'Kuwait Mobile ID' app. Meanwhile, parking plates for the elderly are delivered either to the elderly themselves or to their caregiver through the mobile service centers. He said the number of parking plates designated for the elderly has so far reached around 3,000; while around 7,000 priority cards have been issued, reflecting the high demand for this service and the effectiveness of the system launched by the ministry to better serve the elderly
Arab Times
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Lost Your Driving License After a Job Change? All You Need to Know
Expatriates in Kuwait are expressing growing anxiety over the country's stringent driving license regulations, as many fear losing their hard-earned licenses due to changes in job title, residency status, or shifting policy interpretations by traffic authorities. Over the past several years, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has tightened restrictions on who qualifies for a driving license. For expatriates, the rules require not only a valid residency permit but also a university degree, a minimum monthly salary (currently KD 600), and in many cases, a stay of at least two years in the country. Exceptions are granted for certain professions, including doctors, engineers, judges, and university professors. However, the situation becomes particularly complex when expatriates change employers or job titles. A license that was legally obtained under a previous designation can be revoked automatically if the new title does not meet the criteria—even if the individual continues to live and work in Kuwait legally. Social media platforms and expat forums have seen an uptick in complaints, many citing experiences where licenses were revoked without prior notice. Some have even been blocked at routine traffic checks, leading to impoundment of vehicles and heavy fines. Traffic authorities say these measures are part of broader efforts to reduce road congestion and curb illegal driving practices. Still, many expats argue the policies lack transparency and consistency. What To Do If Your Driving License Is Revoked in Kuwait: Step-by-Step Guide If you're an expat and your driving license has been revoked, here's what you should do Step 1: Check Your License Status - Visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or use the Kuwait Mobile ID app or Sahel App to check if your license is active or has been blocked. - Alternatively, go to the Traffic Department in your governorate to inquire in person. Step 2: Understand Why It Was Revoked Common reasons include: - Change in job title (to non-eligible categories like "driver", "cleaner", "technician") - Change in sponsor - Expired residency - Salary below the minimum requirement Step 3: Gather Required Documents If your license was revoked due to a technical or administrative reason, prepare: - Civil ID copy - Work permit showing job title - Salary certificate from your employer - Copy of your university degree (attested) - Passport copy with residency pages Step 4: Visit the General Traffic Department - Head to the License Division of the Traffic Department in your area. - Ask for a review of your license status and submit supporting documents. Step 5: File an Appeal If you believe your license was wrongly revoked, you may file an appeal through: - The General Department for Traffic Investigation - Or escalate to the Ministry of Interior Complaints Department Step 6: Apply for a New License (If Required) If your license is permanently cancelled, and you still qualify under the rules: Reapply through the usual process: - Eye test - Traffic department approval - Theory and road tests (if required) Step 7: Seek Legal Help (Optional) If your situation is unresolved or you face legal penalties, you may consider hiring a local legal advisor who specializes in labor and residency issues.
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Driving Licenses of Ineligible Expats Cancelled Under New Enforcement Measures
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: The General Traffic Department has begun canceling driving licenses for expatriates who no longer meet eligibility criteria such as minimum salary or valid residency status, thanks to automated data-sharing systems. The source warned that individuals caught driving with a revoked license will be treated as unlicensed drivers and referred to legal authorities. Expatriates are advised to regularly verify the validity of their driving licenses via their Kuwait Mobile ID or the 'Sahel' app, as being unaware of the status will not absolve them of legal responsibility. Notably, ministerial guidelines continue to outline specific categories of residents exempt from the standard conditions for obtaining a driving license, including salary, duration of stay, and academic qualification.
