PACI Kuwait — Complete Guide to Civil Information Services

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) is the Kuwait government authority responsible for issuing Civil ID cards, maintaining civil records, and providing identity-related services to all residents and citizens. Every Civil ID task in Kuwait — status checks, renewals, address updates, and card payments — is processed through PACI. Most services are available online at paci.gov.kw, through the Sahel app, or in person at PACI offices.

What to Do Now

1. Identify which PACI service you need from the list below
2. Click the relevant link to get full steps, fees and requirements
3. If visiting in person check PACI office timings before you go

What PACI Does in Kuwait

PACI manages Kuwait’s national civil records database — the authoritative source for every resident’s identity, address, and documentation status.

Every organisation in Kuwait — banks, telecom operators, government ministries, hospitals, and employers — aligns its records against the PACI database. When a bank flags a name mismatch or a government portal rejects your application, the resolution always starts with PACI.

PACI was established in 1982 under Decree Law No. 32 and operates under the authority of the Kuwait government. Its main headquarters is located in Surra, with a second major centre in South Surrah serving the southern governorates.

All PACI Online Services

PACI provides the following services through paci.gov.kw and the Sahel app — no office visit required for most tasks.

As of 2026, PACI does not process Civil ID renewals, address changes, or name corrections through third-party platforms — all transactions must go through the official PACI portal, the Sahel app, or a PACI office directly.

PACI Smart Card — Kuwait’s Civil ID

The Civil ID card issued by PACI is a smart card — a chip-embedded identity document that stores biometric and personal data in encrypted form.

The smart card replaced the older laminated card format and is the only valid form of Civil ID accepted across Kuwait government systems, banks, and telecom platforms. PACI issues the smart card at a standard fee of 5.000 KWD plus 0.250 KWD for the envelope.

Full details on the smart card, including what the chip contains and how biometric registration works, are on our PACI smart card page.

PACI Office Locations and Timings

Two main PACI offices handle the majority of in-person Civil ID transactions in Kuwait.

PACI Headquarters — Surra

The main PACI headquarters in Surra handles all Civil ID services, including renewals, name corrections, biometric registration, and complex cases that cannot be resolved online. This is the primary office for most residents in Kuwait City and the central governorates.

Full address, map, timings, parking, and which services are handled here are on our PACI headquarters Surra page.

PACI South Surrah Centre

The South Surrah centre serves residents in Ahmadi, Fahaheel, Mangaf, and the southern areas of Kuwait. It handles the same services as the main headquarters and includes a Civil ID collection point for residents who collected via the South Subahiya option.

Full address, map, timings, and services are on our PACI headquarters South Surrah page.

PACI Working Hours

PACI offices operate on a morning and evening shift system. Hours change significantly during Ramadan. Friday is a closed day across all PACI offices.

Full timings for all shifts, including Ramadan hours, are on our PACI timing page.

In practice, Sunday and Monday mornings are the busiest times at both PACI offices — these are the first working days of the Kuwait week and queues build quickly after 8am. Visiting on Wednesday or Thursday in the late morning shift consistently results in shorter wait times at both locations.

When You Must Visit a PACI Office in Person

Most PACI services are available online. However, certain situations require a physical visit and cannot be resolved through the portal or Sahel app.

• Suspended Civil ID — suspension cannot be cleared online, regardless of the cause
• Name correction — Arabic or Latin name discrepancies require in-person document submission
• Biometric registration — fingerprint and photo capture for new residents or first-time registrations
• Lost or damaged card — replacement applications are handled at the counter
• Data mismatch cases — where PACI records conflict with MOI or passport records

For contact numbers, email, and the correct department to call for each issue, see our PACI contact page.

PACI and the Civil ID Cluster

Every service PACI provides connects directly to the Civil ID. The Civil ID is the document PACI issues, manages, and updates — understanding the two together gives you the full picture of Kuwait’s civil identity system.

For the complete guide to Civil ID tasks, including status checks, renewal, fines, payment, and collection points, start with our Civil ID Kuwait hub page.

What is the PACI phone number in Kuwait?

The official PACI inquiry phone number is 1889988. This line handles Civil ID status enquiries, appointment questions, and can direct you to the correct department for complex issues. The line operates during standard government office hours — Sunday to Thursday, morning and evening shifts. Call volume is highest at the start of the working week.

Can I use PACI services without visiting an office

Yes. Most PACI services — card status, card validity, renewal, payment, and address updates — are available through paci.gov.kw and the Sahel app without an office visit. Exceptions include suspended cards, name corrections, biometric registration, and lost card replacements, all of which require an in-person appointment at a PACI branch.

What is the difference between PACI and the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait?

PACI manages civil identity records — it issues Civil ID cards and maintains the national civil database. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) manages residency permits, traffic fines, and travel bans. The two authorities are linked — Civil ID validity matches residency permit duration — but they are separate organisations with separate portals and separate processes. A residency renewal at MOI does not automatically trigger a Civil ID renewal at PACI.