Kuwait extends private driving licence validity

Licence valid for 15 years for Kuwaitis, GCC citizens; 5 years for expats

Last updated: July 30, 2025 | 09:31

1 MIN READ

Under the new regulations, the validity of licences for expatriates in Kuwait has been increased to five years, up from three.

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Dubai: Kuwait has extended the validity of private driving licence to 15 years for Kuwaitis and GCC citizens, and five years for expatriate residents, Al Anba Arabic daily reported.

Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, issued a ministerial decision extending the validity of driving licence for both citizens, GCC nationals and expatriate residents, marking a significant change to the country’s licencing rules.

Under the new regulations, the validity of licences for expatriates has been increased to five years, up from three. Licences for Kuwaiti citizens and Gulf nationals will now be valid for 15 years instead of 10. For stateless residents, the licence term will remain tied to the validity of their identification documents.

The duration of licences for Kuwaitis had traditionally been 10 years, while for expatriates it was reduced at one point to a single year. Several months ago, Sheikh Fahad Al Sabah extended expatriate licence validity to three years, the new announcement pushes it to five years with immediate effect.

Kuwait maintains strict conditions for expatriates seeking a driving licence, including a requirement to hold a university degree. New arrivals are eligible to apply only after residing in the country legally for two years.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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