ID Card

What is the ID card?

The Identity Card is the official identification document recognized by all governmental and non-governmental entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Issued by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), it serves as a primary form of identification for both citizens and residents. The ID Card enables access to various services, including government transactions, banking, healthcare and more.

Additionally, key personal information is printed on both the front and back of the card, including a unique nine-digit personal number on the front. The card features a smart electronic chip that securely stores personal and biometric data, with key details such as name, personal number, and nationality.

ID card uses:

• Proof of individual’s identity and provides accurate personal details
• Used when voting in parliamentary and municipal elections, in addition to the individual’s passport
• Can be used to benefit from government services in the Kingdom of Bahrain
• Travel document for Bahraini citizens traveling to other GCC countries
• Allows access through eGates at airports

GCC citizen ID cards:

GCC residents and investors residing in the Kingdom can have ID cards issued provided they meet the following criteria:

• Proof of residence in the Kingdom of Bahrain
• Applicant must own a house or property in the Kingdom of Bahrain
• Applicant must be an investor in the Kingdom of Bahrain
• Female applicant must be the wife of a Bahraini citizen
• Male applicant must be a husband to a Bahraini citizen or her children
• Applicant must work or study at the Kingdom of Bahrain

Applicants who don’t meet the aforementioned requirements can still have their ID cards issued if they own a place rented under their name and are either not a permanent resident or make frequent visits the Kingdom. Once the GCC card data is activated at an ID card service center, its holder can access the same benefits in the Kingdom as those offered by the Bahrain ID card.