Civil ID Collection in Kuwait: PACI Machine, Counter & Home Delivery

Your PACI status finally says ready. Now the only job left is getting the card into your hand. This guide covers civil ID collection from the PACI card machines and counters, home delivery, collecting for your family or your house worker, what to bring, and what to do if something goes wrong on the day.

Not sure if it’s ready yet? Do a quick civil ID status check first. When the card is printed, the PACI message also tells you which centre has it.

Ways to get your civil ID

Option	Good for	Bring
Card machine at a PACI centre	Quick pick-up, no counter queue	Receipt, or your old civil ID
PACI counter	Machine errors, other people’s cards, any problem	Receipt and passport
Home delivery	Skipping the trip completely	Civil ID number, card serial number and your address

Before you leave home: checklist

• Check the status once more on the day. Make sure it still says ready.
• Note the exact centre name from the status message.
• Take the receipt (envelope).
• Take your passport.
• If renewing, take your old civil ID.
• If collecting for someone else, take their receipt and any authorisation PACI requires.
• Have the status screenshot on your phone.

Collecting from the PACI card machine

1. Go to the centre named in your status message, not just the nearest one.
2. Find the self-service card machines, usually near the entrance.
3. Choose English, then scan your receipt or place your old civil ID in the slot, as the screen asks.
4. Follow the steps on screen and take your new card.
5. Check the name spelling, photo, nationality and expiry date before you walk out.

The machines are the fastest option when they work. Go early in the morning if you can. Afternoons and the days around public holidays get crowded, and the machines can run slow when the hall is full.

Collecting at the counter

If the machine says the card is not found, or you have any issue, go to the counter in the same centre. Take your receipt, your passport, and a screenshot of the PACI status page on your phone. Staff will usually sort it out on the spot.

The counter is also the right place if:

• You’re collecting several cards for your family
• The card belongs to someone who can’t come
• You noticed a mistake on the card
• You lost your receipt

Civil ID home delivery

PACI runs a delivery service so you can get the card at your address instead of visiting a centre. You will normally need:

• Your civil ID number
• The card serial number
• A working mobile number
• Your delivery address details

The service, its fee and the areas it covers can change, so check the current option on the PACI website or in the Sahel app before you rely on it. When the courier arrives, check the card before signing, just like you would at the centre.

Delivery or collection: which is better?

	Collect yourself	Home delivery
Speed	Same day once ready	Depends on the courier
Cost	No extra fee	May have a delivery charge
Fixing mistakes	On the spot at the counter	Needs a follow-up
Best for	Most people	Busy schedules, elderly, families

Collecting for your family or domestic worker

Parents usually collect children’s cards, and sponsors often collect for their domestic workers. Take the receipt for each card plus your own civil ID and passport.

For collecting an adult’s card on their behalf, PACI can ask for a proper authorisation, and for some services an official power of attorney from the Ministry of Justice. If you’re not sure, call 1889988 before you go so you don’t make a wasted trip.

Wife or husband

Take both receipts and both passports, or your spouse’s passport copy, and expect the counter to ask questions. If in doubt, let your spouse come along.

Children

The parent who sponsors them usually collects. Take the children’s receipts and your own civil ID.

Housemaid or driver

The sponsor can collect, or the worker can collect with their own receipt and passport.

Don’t leave a ready card at PACI

Printed cards are not kept forever. If you leave yours for too long, you may have to apply and pay again. Collect it as soon as the status says ready. It also protects you: an uncollected card means you’re walking around without a valid ID.

After you get the card

• Check every detail on the card again at home.
• Update Kuwait Mobile ID; it should switch to the new card.
• Give the new card details to your bank if they ask for an updated ID.
• Keep the old card if PACI didn’t take it, but don’t use it.
• Take a photo of the new card and store it safely, in case it’s lost later.

Common collection problems

• Machine can’t find the card: go to the counter with your receipt and passport.
• Wrong centre: check the centre name in your status. Cards are not moved between centres on request.
• Mistake on the card: don’t use it. Ask the counter to correct it straight away.
• Delivery hasn’t arrived: call 1889988 with your civil ID number.
• Lost the receipt: use your civil ID number at the counter.
• Status still not ready: read what your status means in our civil ID status meaning guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I collect my civil ID in Kuwait?

From the PACI centre shown in your status message when the card is ready, either from the card machine or the counter.

Do I need an appointment to collect my civil ID?

Usually not. Ready cards can be collected from the machines or counter without booking.

Can I collect my civil ID without the receipt?

Usually yes. Go to the counter with your civil ID number and passport.

Can someone else collect my civil ID?

Family and sponsors often can, but PACI may ask for an authorisation or a power of attorney. Check with 1889988 first.

Is there a fee to collect the card?

No separate fee for collection at PACI. The 5 KD card fee is paid before the card is printed. Home delivery may have its own charge.

What if I don’t collect my civil ID?

Uncollected cards are not kept forever, and you may need to apply and pay again.

Can I use my civil ID on the phone instead?

Yes. Once your card is issued, the Kuwait Mobile ID app shows your digital civil ID, which government offices and border points accept.