1. The new Identity Card

• What are the features of the new ID card?
  • Compatible with the latest technologies and in line with the international high-standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
  • Advanced features utilizing the latest technologies in security to ensure the protection of the users data
  • Enhanced look and feel, content of the chip as well as durable material used in producing the card and its resistance to damage

• Is there any additional charge for issuing the new Identity Card?
  • No additional charges, the ID card is issued in accordance with the legally approved current Identity card services fees.

• Do we have to renew our valid ID card with the new one?
  • No need to renew the current ID card, as it is recognized in all government transactions until their expiration date.

• Is the new Identity card for all citizens and residents?
  • The new ID Card is issued to all citizens and Non-Bahrainis residents.

• Is there a special specification for the image used in the new ID card?
  Yes, below are main specifications:
  • The applicant photo must be in grey color background i.e. RED GREEN BLUE (RGB 168, 168,168).
  • The applicant photo must be recent and not more than 6-months old.
  • The applicant photo must show the whole head and top of your shoulders. The face must take up 70–80% of the photograph.
    For more details about the ID Card photo requirements (PDF, 1.38MB, 4 pages)
• Why is the icon of driving license removed from the Identity Card?
  • The ID card (whether the present or former version) does not replace the driving license. Especially certain procedures which require in certain circumstance to withdraw the license when committing traffic violations – which is not applied on procedures related to identity cards as they are official documents which cannot be confiscated without a legal act.

2. Identity Card Validity

• The identity card validity period is 5 years from the date of issuance and 10 years for those above 70 years old.
• The identity card validity period is not related to the validity of any other cards or documents such as passport or driving license, each card/document has its own expiry date, which are not related to each other. Passport has to be valid at the time of renewing the identity card or applying for a replacement for a lost/damaged one.

3. ID Card Fees

• Bahrainis:
  • First issue of identity card: BD 2
  • Renewal of identity card: BD 2
  • First issuance and renewal of identity card if the owner of the identity card is 60 years or above: BD 1
  • Replacement for lost identity card: BD 4
  • Information update: BD 1

• Non-Bahrainis:
  • First issuance of identity card for children below 10 years: BD 10
  • Domestic Workers
    • First issuance of the ID card for those who hold a work permit issued before the implementation of the new domestic worker permit system: BD 10
    • First issuance of the ID card for those who hold a work permit issued with the implementation of new domestic worker permit system: Free
    • Renewal or replacement of lost ID card (If both the sponsor and the working permit are changed): Free of charge
    • Renewal or replacement of lost ID card (If work permit is changed only): Free of charge
    • Renewal or replacement of lost ID card (If the sponsor and the work permit are not changed): BD 10
  • First issuance of identity card for employees registered in LMRA : Free
  • Renewal of identity card: BD 10
  • Replacement for lost identity card: BD 10
  • Chip details update: BD 1

• Fast Track Lounge:
  • In addition to the above, BD 10 is added as Fast-Track charges.

Note: online service charges do not differ from those on the counter, but if the customer apply online and chooses to receive the card by post, 500 Fills will be added as delivery charges. If you wish to book for a distinctive Personal Number, you have to use online services for which you will be charged based on selected category.

4. ID Card Centers Working Hours

• Identity Card Delivery Methods:
  • Personal Collection:
    • Identity Card can be collected personally by visiting Salman Port Branch, Isa Town Branch or Muharraq Branch (Seef Mall).
  • Post: Identity Card can be received through the post by mailing it to the delivery address entered in the application.

5. Address Update Conditions

• It will be compulsory to update the address of anyone holding an electricity account on the address of the account. Head of households are required to update the address of all of their family members and are kindly requested to bring their identity card at the time of the update.
• If the person would like to update the address to an address that does not belong to him/her, it will require the attendance of the owner to sign no objection approval to add him/her on the desired address.
• If a person is renting a property but not owning an electricity account, it is required to bring a statement from the area’s municipality to update his/her address information.
• Non-Bahrainis under LMRA can update their address through LMRA e-service.
• In case the person owns multiple bills, he/she can choose to update the address to any of them on the condition of having full ownership of the property.
• If the user has a housing request with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, it is compulsory to register on the same property.

6. Identity Card for disability

• How can a user update the disability type on the ID card?
  • The User disability information type is received from the Ministry of Social Development via a system integration with the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). Therefore the user must ensure it the disability information is first registered in the Ministry of Social Development and then it will automatically be linked with the ID Card system within the iGA . If the disability type is not registered or under scrutiny in the Ministry of Social Development system the user will need to visit the Ministry’s Social Centers. For any inquiries regarding this process, please contact the Ministry of Social Development on 17102378.

• What action is required if user requires to have the disability type printed on the ID card?
  • If the disability type is registered in the Ministry of Social Development, then it will be automatically updated on the ID card data in the system, hence when wanting to have it printed on the ID card; user can issue a new ID card or wait till his/her ID card expires and issue a renewal via the National Portal www.bahrain.bh.

• Will the disability icon be displayed on the ID card?
  • The disability icon will be printed behind the card & will appear as per the disability registered in the Ministry of Social Development.

• Will the type of support will be mentioned on the ID Card?
  • No, nothing related to support type will be mentioned on the ID Card.

• Do privileges apply on the users ID Card?
  • Yes, the ID Card with the type of disability printed on it applies to all privileges the user can benefit from facilities in most stores, including the private path on King Fahd Causeway.

7. FAQ

• Can I travel with a valid identity card while my passport is expired?
  • No, you can’t use your valid identity card as a travel document to GCC countries if your passport is expired.

• I am travelling tonight and I need to renew my identity card, but I do not have the time to book an appointment or use an online services, what shall I do?
  • For such cases, iGA is providing a Fast-track lounge for those who do not wish to wait. The fast-track lounge is providing services similar to Bahrain.bh and counters with an additional BD 10 fast track charges. For example, ID card renewal fees for Bahrainis is BD 2 therefore BD 2 plus fast track charges will be BD 12.

• Is it required to bring any supporting documents when visiting information update?
  • Electricity & Water Authority (EWA), Social Insurance Organization (SIO), Nationality, Passport & Residence Affairs (NPRA) and Ministry Of Industry & Commerce (MOIC) are linked with the Identity Card Centres, hence the information related to these entities are visible, and it will not be required to submit any supporting documents. The information update staff will require further documents at the time of the visit if needed. Yet, in cases where the person is not an owner of an electricity account and renting a property, it will be require providing a statement from the areas municipality to update the address to this property or the attendance of the electricity account holder to sign a no objection letter to him/her for this address. In all cases, physical attendance is required.

• Can anyone use the fast track lounge?
  • Yes, the fast-track lounge is available for all categories.