Kuwait Extends Expat License Validity to 3 Years

Kuwait has introduced significant changes to its traffic law, impacting driving licence validity and regulations for various vehicle categories. The new amendments are part of ongoing efforts to modernize Kuwait's traffic management and make it easier for residents and expatriates alike to navigate these requirements.

Extended Validity for Driving Licences

Under the new law, driving licences will be valid for longer periods, providing more convenience to drivers:

• Kuwaiti and GCC Citizens: Private driving licences are now valid for 15 years.
• Expatriates: Licences will be valid for three years, a significant change from the previous annual renewal system.

This update comes as part of the changes issued by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Interior.

General Licence Categories Explained

The amendments also define new categories for general driving licences, tailored to different vehicle types and purposes:

• Category ‘A’: Covers vehicles with more than 25 passengers, public transport vehicles, trailers, and hazardous material carriers. The validity is 10 years for Kuwaitis and GCC nationals, while expatriates will have three-year licences.

• Category ‘B’: Includes vehicles carrying between 7 and 25 passengers and transport vehicles with a capacity of up to eight tons. The same validity rules apply—10 years for citizens and GCC nationals, and three years for expatriates.

No More Physical Driving Licences

Another significant change is the digitalization of driving licences. All licences must now be accessed through the “Kuwait Mobile ID” app, making physical cards a thing of the past. This step aims to streamline identification processes and reduce paperwork.

New Rules for Vehicle Inspections

Technical inspections for newly purchased vehicles and motorcycles have also been updated. The first inspection will now take place three years after the date of purchase. After that, inspections will occur at three-year and then two-year intervals, completing the cycle over eight years. This new schedule reduces the frequency of inspections for new vehicles, making it more convenient for vehicle owners.

A More Efficient Driving Experience

These changes bring welcome convenience for drivers in Kuwait. By extending the validity of driving licences and digitizing the licensing system, the new traffic laws aim to simplify the driving experience and reduce the administrative burden on residents.

This update also means that expatriates, who previously had to renew their licences annually, now have fewer renewal hassles to deal with. The shift to digital licences further highlights Kuwait's move towards a more technology-driven approach in public services.

With these new rules, Kuwait is taking steps to improve road safety and streamline the responsibilities of vehicle owners.