Step-by-Step KW Kuwait ID card 4x6 cm (40x60 mm) Application Guide

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 40 × 60 mm (4 × 6 cm) printed with no borders on high-quality, matte or glossy photo paper
• Head size: 32–36 mm measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (50–60 % of photo height)
• Head position: Precisely centered, full-face view looking straight at the camera with both ears visible
• Background: Uniform off-white or light grey, free of patterns, shadows or reflections
• Facial expression: Neutral expression with closed mouth, relaxed face, eyes open and clearly visible
• Eye line placement: 28–35 mm from the bottom edge of the photo to the center of the eyes
• Lighting and contrast: Even, diffuse lighting with no hotspots or under-exposed areas, natural skin tones
• Glasses: Permitted only if frames are thin and lenses clear; no glare, reflections or tinted lenses
• Head coverings: Allowed solely for religious purposes; must not obscure hairline or cast shadows on the face
• Photo quality: Sharp focus, high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), free of creases, scratches, dust or distortions
• Color reproduction: True-to-life color balance; no red-eye, over-saturation or excessive digital retouching
• Clothing: Wear dark, plain clothing that contrasts with the background; no uniforms, camouflage or excessive accessories
• Photo age: Must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect current appearance
• File requirements (for digital upload): JPEG format, color mode RGB, file size 200 KB–1 MB, no compression artifacts

Step-by-Step Process

• Prepare Required Documents and Photo: gather your original passport, residency permit or previous Civil ID, a set of photocopies, and two 4×6 cm (40×60 mm) color photos taken within the last six months on a white background with no shadows, glasses glare, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons).
• Capture a Compliant Photo: stand 5 m from a plain white wall, look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, ensure your head occupies 70–80 % of the frame (32–36 mm from chin to crown), use even lighting to avoid shadows, and have a professional studio or high-resolution digital camera print at 600 dpi.
• Print and Verify Physical Photos: request prints on matte photo paper at a certified photo studio; measure each print to confirm it’s exactly 40 × 60 mm, check that eyes are between 28 mm and 35 mm from the bottom edge, and verify there’s a 4 mm margin above the head.
• Complete the Civil ID Application Form: go online at https://moi.gov.kw or pick up a form at your nearest PACI Service Center, fill in personal details (name, civil ID number if renewing, residence address), and double-check spellings against your passport or current ID.
• Submit Application and Pay Fees: visit a PACI Service Center or use a B9 kiosk, hand over your filled form, original documents, photocopies, and two compliant photos; pay the KD 5 issuance fee (KD 2 renewal) via K-NET or cash and obtain your payment receipt.
• Provide Biometrics and Photo at PACI Center: once documents are accepted, have your fingerprints scanned and your photo retaken on-site for the chip; the on-site photo will override your submitted print for the digital ID.
• Track and Collect Your Civil ID: use the tracking number on your receipt to monitor status via the MOI website or mobile app; once ready (usually within 3 working days), return to the issuing center with your receipt to collect your new Kuwait Civil ID.

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Size Verification: Always measure your printed photo with a metric ruler to confirm it’s exactly 40 × 60 mm—even a 1 mm deviation can lead to outright rejection.
• Uniform Background Check: Use a plain, light-colored background (off-white or pale blue) free of shadows or patterns to meet Kuwaiti ID standards and avoid delays from retakes.
• Correct Head Positioning: Frame your head so it fills 70–80% of the 40 × 60 mm area with eyes 28–35 mm from the bottom edge; improper cropping is a top reason for photo refusals.
• High-Quality Print & Paper: Print on professional-grade, non-glossy photo paper at 600 dpi; low-resolution or glossy prints often fail the automated quality checks at service centers.
• Pre-Submission Quality Control: Examine your photo under bright, natural light and compare it side by side with official samples—catching color casts, shadows, or surface scratches early prevents last-minute reprints and application delays.

Conclusion

In summary, completing your Kuwait ID card application with a 4×6 cm (40×60 mm) photo involves a precise sequence of steps and strict adherence to specifications:

• Photo requirements: 40×60 mm, neutral light gray/white background, head height 32–36 mm, full face centered, no glasses or headgear
• Document checklist: original passport, filled application form, sponsor’s Civil ID (for dependents), photo printout, additional nationality documents (if required)
• Application submission: online via MOI “QID” portal or in-person at authorized typing centers/KAEC offices
• Fee payment: KWD 7 for first issue, KWD 4–7 for renewals depending on validity, payable online or on-site
• Processing timeline: 3–5 business days for standard applications, express service available (additional fee)
• Card collection: notification via SMS/email, present your receipt and original ID documents at collection center

By following these steps and ensuring all photo and document specifications are met, you’ll minimize delays and secure your Kuwait ID card swiftly and without complications.