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Who is issued an ID card?
All citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Bahrain are issued with ID Cards.
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What documents do I need to get an ID card?
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For new card: Valid Passport.
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For switch from CPR: CPR card and Valid Passport.
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For change of information within the ID card like the address or profession: any document proving this would be accepted.
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When card is lost: fill application for lost or damaged cards. This application can be found in the ID card counter.
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Newborn: Valid passport and photo with white background.
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Where can I obtain an ID card?
There are 3 CIO branches for issuing and ID card:
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Isa town and Muharraq for Bahraini’s, GCC nationals and domestic household employees.
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Sitra branch for expatriates.
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Will the ID card replace the existing cards, such as the Driving License and Immigration ID Card?
The ID card is a multi-application smartcard that will replace many of the existing government issued cards, including the Driving License, Immigration ID Card and CPR card.
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What is the validity period of the card?
The card will be valid for five years from the date of issue.
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Will the cards validity period be related to the validity of the applications in it?
No. Each card/application (Driving License, Immigration ID card .. etc) will have its own validity period and expiry date. The expiry date for each may differ, in which case the owning government body will be responsible for updating its details upon expiry.
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What is the card reader?
It is a device with a slot for insertion of the card. This device allows the data on the chip to be read and updated.
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Can we use the ID Card as a travel document to travel within the GCC?
Yes, the ID Card can be used as a travel document within the GCC. Due to the cards compliance with international standards, it will eventually be possible to use the card with other countries that implement similar systems.