After the approval of Ministerial Resolution No. (410) of 2023, which defines the validity criteria for driving licenses for Kuwaitis and expats in different residency categories, specifying a one-year duration for residents with the option of renewal, Sheikh Talal Al- Khaled, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has directed the General Traffic Department at the Ministry of Interior to solely use electronic driving licenses for expats within the country. This instruction comes into effect today, Sunday, 10/12/2023, and removes the necessity for physical print copies, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The Ministry of Interior has provided additional clarification, stating that the electronic renewal of driving licenses is achievable through the Ministry’s website and the consolidated government application for electronic services, referred to as “Sahel.” Applicants who meet the specified conditions and comply with regulatory requirements will receive electronic approval for their applications. Following this, the license can be activated using the Ministry of Interior’s documents within the “Sahel” application, specifically in the section labeled “Kuwait Mobile ID.”

The Ministry underscored that individuals residing in the State of Kuwait can check the status of their driving licenses using the “Kuwait Mobile ID” application. It was highlighted that a green mark indicates validity, whereas a red mark indicates expiration, requiring either renewal through the “Sahel” application or withdrawal in compliance with traffic regulations. For Kuwaiti license holders, following these procedures entails contacting the General Traffic Department.

Furthermore, Domestic drivers and truck drivers transporting goods across countries are excluded from this decision. Kuwait residents traveling abroad are obligated to use driving licenses issued by their respective countries. These streamlined processes align with the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to digital transformation, aiming to enhance efficiency, simplify procedures, reduce paperwork, and ultimately save public funds.