Back in January I read that the driving license renewal process will be moving online similar to how the Civil ID renewal process is right now. Looks like its going to happen soon since a few days ago while renewing my car registration I spotted the driving license renewing machines above. This service is going to be available to Kuwaitis first followed by expats at a later stage. Hopefully, by the time I have to renew my license in May this service is going to be up and running because the process right now is a complete mess.
Previously, expats were able to renew their license for 10 years but a couple of years ago they limited it to match your residency (so 1 or 2 years) and that caught the traffic department off guard. They weren’t prepared for the amount of people who would be renewing on a daily basis and so the process became an unorganized mess with extremely long lines and multiple visits. Just thinking about renewing my license is giving me anxiety right now…
25 replies on “Online Driving License Renewal Soon”
Hi Mark,
If this does not come through for expats before May, I suggest you use one the many companies that provide services where they renew your license for you at a cost. It will save you the headache.
yup thats the plan!
which companies are there that renews your license?
Khadamat Express: https://www.instagram.com/khadamatexpress/
I used their service in October and it was very time consuming –
1. Had to wait for around 2 hours to submit my application (you need to get your papers typed before submitting them as at that time they did not have typing services)
2. Paid extra for the VIP service that is supposed to deliver the license to you within two working days
3. After five days of continuous follow up I had to visit their office again, wait for 2 hours to speak to a customer rep.
4. Had to wait for another hour to finally get my license.
The plus point I guess is that you can sit and wait there, rather than having to stand in a queue and they can speak Arabic and English.
You’re lucky. I called them for their VIP service THREE TIMES and nobody bothered to call back or show up…
To be fair though, their management mentioned that they were not prepared / staffed to manage such a large number of applicants.
The service was set up with an expectation of only a few applicants everyday.
I would still recommend them over the chaos of going to the traffic department. Just do not apply for the VIP service and save your self the money.
Is it is legal to drive without out license because it was submitted for renewal.
I guess it also depends on which governorate you are in. My issuance is in Hawally and I applied for my license with Khadamat in the evening and got a call from them at 2 PM the next day to pick it up. My colleague, whose was out of Asma, took 10 days. He had applied along with me.
here rules are made without studying the impact. And plus they don’t care if the people are impacted. Insurance, License m Residency, medical . you name it they have screwed it.
The problem is license should not be yearly.
That’s the point, they want you to give up on your license.
This is the aspect of coming to Kuwait in August that really really worries me.
It will be my wife, myself and our two daughters aged 3 and 2. We’ll both be working, and we’ve been told that getting a driving licence will be virtually impossible. We have no idea how we’re going to get around – can’t use taxis with young children.
We’re worries about being isolated, about not being able to get to work, do anything at the weekends, etc etc.
Why can’t u use taxis?
I believe people from wealthier nations (Eu, Korea ect) get their licenses rather easily. I remember our all teachers back at school had licences even when they did not drive, I also know a chef who’s job shouldn’t allow her to obtain a license and yet she does. I recommend going to the e-gov website (switch to English of-course) to see the papers needed to switch licenses from an international to a local one.
Thanks – I didn’t know there was an e-gov website. I’ll check it out. I’m going to be a teacher and my wife a TA. Hopefully we’ll be able to get on wheels.
I’m told passing a Kuwaiti test may be quicker and easier than getting our licence transferred.
It is easier, especially if you have wasta!
I presume they don’t have car seats…..?
Ah I presumed you’d carry the kids.
Is that something that’s done in Kuwait? Obviously illegal here in UK which is why we hadn’t considered it, but we won’t be living in the UK…….:)
Also is it financially feasible to travel by taxi? Again, in the UK it isn’t 🙂
Thanks
yup perfectly legal and yes its financially feasible. Cabs are A LOT cheaper here than London.
It is not a matter of legality but of a common sense. Here kids hang out of the window and no one cares, but we have only one child and we would like to keep it. When you see the driving here I don’t think you’d be comfortable just holding your kids in a taxi.
In any case I believe you will be eligible for a driving license so eventually you will get it.
Hey Andrew,
Why don’t u just get ur UK driving license transferred for now until u actually come to kuwait & see how things goes!? (Get it done there) Its much easier. Especially given the fact that u have a family.
My bro visited me from the states & thats what he did. He simply used my car here going around with no worries whatsoever.
But of course it would be better & much safer if a person (Taxi driver maybe) would guide u through the streets here before u start driving urself, it kinda differs from driving in UK ( u would know what i mean once u start driving here lol)
All the best,
Cheers Mark – appreciated.
Hey,
Thank you so much for Sharing.
Same here, gotta renew mine before May 19th..
Any idea how their schedule works during ramadan!? & Is there a specific timing set for expats or not!?
I really wanna get it over with tomorrow or so cuz its getting on my nerves just thinking about it daily.
Getting mine renewed for the first time after 10 years & i cant believe i gotta go through this every year or two from now on! =((
Thanks,