Newborn Civil ID in Kuwait: Documents, Steps and Late Fine

Congratulations on the new baby! Once the hospital paperwork is done, one more job is waiting: registering your baby with PACI and getting the newborn civil ID. Do it on time, because late registration can bring a fine. This guide covers the order of steps, documents, online registration, fees, the late fine, and tips for both Kuwaiti and expat parents.

Why your baby needs a civil ID

Your child’s civil ID is needed for health insurance and hospital visits, school admission later, travel paperwork, adding the child to your bank or family records, and many government services. For expats, it also completes the child’s legal stay in Kuwait.

The order things happen in

Step	Where	Who
1. Birth certificate	Ministry of Health	Parents
2. Passport	Embassy (expats) or Ministry of Interior (Kuwaitis)	Parents
3. Residency	Ministry of Interior (expats only)	Father or sponsor
4. Civil ID	PACI	Father or sponsor

PACI can only issue the card once the earlier steps are complete.

Documents to keep ready

• Baby’s birth certificate
• Baby’s passport
• Residency for the baby (expats)
• Father’s or sponsor’s civil ID
• Baby’s photo on a plain background
• Parents’ marriage certificate, if asked

How to register a newborn with PACI online

PACI has an online service to complete a newborn’s data, with separate options for Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti babies. You’ll find it in the e-services section of services.paci.gov.kw and in the Sahel app.

1. Open the newborn data service that matches your nationality.
2. Enter the parent’s civil ID number and the baby’s details.
3. Upload the birth certificate and passport, plus residency for expat babies.
4. Add the baby’s photo.
5. Submit and pay the card fee of 5 KD online.
6. Save the receipt number.

Taking a good baby photo

• Lay the baby on a plain white sheet.
• Take the photo from above in daylight.
• Eyes open if possible, no hands or toys in the frame.
• No filters.

Is there a fine for late registration?

Yes. PACI has fined sponsors who didn’t get a newborn’s civil ID on time, with a fine of 20 KD reported, counted from 60 days after the date of birth. The fine has to be paid before the baby’s card is issued. Check your file on PACI’s Card & Fine Payment page, and see our civil ID fine check guide.

Kuwaiti vs expat babies

	Kuwaiti baby	Expat baby
Passport from	Ministry of Interior	Parents’ embassy
Residency	Not needed	Needed before civil ID
PACI service	Complete newborn data (Kuwaiti)	Complete newborn data (non-Kuwaiti)

Tracking and collecting the baby’s card

After submitting, follow the card with a civil ID status check using the receipt number, and collect it from the centre shown when it’s ready. The parent can collect it.

Tips for new parents

• Start the embassy passport process as soon as you have the birth certificate.
• Ask your company PRO early about the baby’s residency.
• Count 60 days from the birth date and aim to finish before that.
• Keep digital copies of every document in one folder.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a civil ID for my newborn in Kuwait?

Use PACI’s complete newborn data service online or in Sahel, after the birth certificate, passport and residency are done.

How much is a newborn civil ID?

The card fee is 5 KD.

What happens if I register late?

A fine can apply. It has been reported at 20 KD after 60 days from birth.

Does a newborn need a photo?

Yes, a clear photo on a plain background is usually needed.

Who can apply for the baby’s civil ID?

The father or the sponsor of the child.