Almost every official task in Kuwait runs through the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), from your Civil ID to your registered home address. In 2026, most of these services have moved online through the Sahel app, the Kuwait Mobile ID app and PACI’s own portals. This guide walks expats through the main PACI tasks and how to complete them step by step.
What PACI Does and Why It Matters
PACI maintains the national civil register: your Civil ID number, personal details and, crucially, your official residential address. That address is not just paperwork. It is linked to your residency and sponsorship records, to government correspondence, and to many private-sector checks such as banking and telecom updates. If your PACI record is wrong or out of date, other services can stall.
Because of this, PACI has pushed hard to digitise. Several Civil ID services are now available only through the Sahel app and are no longer offered in person at service centres, so getting comfortable with the digital tools is no longer optional for residents.
The Three Digital Tools You Need
Sahel app
Sahel is Kuwait’s unified government app, developed by PACI and used by many ministries. It groups your official data, available services and government announcements in one place. For PACI specifically, Sahel now handles a growing list of Civil ID tasks. In May 2026, PACI added a service in Sahel that lets a sponsor link and manage dependents’ Civil IDs digitally, alongside existing functions such as requesting a replacement for a lost Civil ID and adding a photo to the Civil ID of a child who has turned five.
Kuwait Mobile ID (Hawiyti)
The Kuwait Mobile ID app, branded “Hawiyti,” is PACI’s official digital version of your Civil ID. Once activated, it stores a secure electronic copy of your ID that can be used to identify yourself for many government and private-sector services without carrying the physical card. It is available to citizens and residents who hold a smart Civil ID.
PACI online portals
PACI also runs web services at services.paci.gov.kw and through the national e-government portal (e.gov.kw), where you can check Civil ID status, verify address availability and access several inquiry tools. These are useful on a laptop when you would rather not use the app.
How to Activate the Kuwait Mobile ID
Setting up the Mobile ID takes a few minutes and only needs to be done once per device:
- Download Kuwait Mobile ID (Hawiyti) from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Enter your personal details: Civil ID number, passport number, the serial number printed on your Civil ID, your email and your mobile number.
- Review and accept the terms and conditions.
- Complete identity verification by taking a selfie when prompted, then submit.
- Enter the verification code sent to your mobile number by SMS.
- Create and confirm a password for your digital ID.
- Enable fingerprint or facial recognition so future access is quick and secure.
Once set up, the digital ID works offline, so you can present it even without a data connection. Keep your Civil ID serial number handy before you start, as registration will not proceed without it.
Why Keeping Your Address Current Matters
Your registered address is one of the most important fields in your PACI record, and Kuwait treats an outdated one seriously. Under the civil information law, failing to update your residential address within the required window can expose you to a fine, and PACI has repeatedly warned residents about this. Reports in 2026 describe penalties of up to KD 100 under Article 33 of Law No. 32 of 1982, with the exact figure depending on the circumstances and the number of people covered by a single violation.
PACI has also periodically cancelled addresses it found to be invalid and given the affected residents a fixed window, commonly cited as 30 days, to register a correct address before penalties apply. Because the precise fine can vary by case, treat any figure you see online as indicative and confirm the current amount with PACI when you file. The safe rule is simple: update your address promptly whenever you move.
How to Update Your Address Step by Step
You can update your address digitally in most cases. Before you start, gather your documents so the process is not interrupted:
- Your Civil ID and passport.
- Proof of the new residence, such as a registered lease or tenancy contract.
- A recent utility bill for the address, where requested.
- Written authorisation if the lease is not in your own name.
Then follow these steps:
- Open the Sahel app and sign in, or use the relevant PACI online service.
- Go to the Civil ID or address-update section and select the option to change your residential address.
- Enter the new address details and upload the supporting documents.
- Submit the request and note any reference number the system provides.
- Wait for verification. Processing typically takes a few working days depending on document checks.
If a fee or a pending fine applies, the system will direct you to settle it, generally through Kuwait’s official payment portal, before the change is finalised. Keeping records of your submission helps if you need to follow up.
Other PACI Services You Can Do Online
Beyond address changes, the digital channels now cover a range of everyday tasks: checking your Civil ID status and expiry, verifying whether an address is available, requesting a replacement for a lost card, linking dependents under a sponsor, and adding a child’s photo once they turn five. For a fuller walkthrough of applying for and renewing the card itself, see our dedicated Kuwait Civil ID guide. Budgeting for these small official fees and fines is also worth factoring into your wider cost-of-living planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to visit a PACI centre in 2026?
For many tasks, no. Several Civil ID services have moved to the Sahel app and are no longer offered in person, and others can be handled through PACI’s online portals. Some cases still require an in-person visit or biometric step, so check the app first and only book an appointment if the service directs you to.
What happens if I do not update my address after moving?
You risk a fine under Kuwait’s civil information law, with figures of up to KD 100 reported in 2026 depending on the case, and PACI can cancel an address it deems invalid. Updating promptly through Sahel or a PACI service after any move is the simplest way to avoid penalties.
Is the Kuwait Mobile ID accepted instead of the physical Civil ID?
The Kuwait Mobile ID is PACI’s official digital identity and is accepted for many government and private-sector services once activated, and it works offline. Even so, it is sensible to keep your physical card available, as acceptance can vary by service provider.
Primary sources: the Kuwait Ministry of Interior e-services portal and the Kuwait Ministry of Interior, which operate the residency and civil-status services these digital identity credentials are issued against. PACI’s own portal was unreachable at the time of writing.
