Kuwait Expats Misled By Fake WhatsApp Message On Driving License Validity

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed that the driving license validity in Kuwait remains unchanged—15 years for Kuwaiti citizens and 5 years for expatriates, according to regulations implemented on March 23, 2025.

Amidst widespread misinformation circulating on social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp, the Ministry clarified that no new changes have been introduced regarding license validity for expats.

False Claims Circulating on Social Media

A misleading message has been making rounds online, urging expats to renew their licenses immediately to benefit from a 5-year validity before an alleged shift to residency-based validity. The message reads:

“If your driving license is expiring within six months, renew it today via the Sahel app to receive a five-year validity. From tomorrow, the validity will be based solely on your residency status—so act today.”

This statement is completely false. The MoI has confirmed that there is no deadline-driven policy change, and expatriates will continue to receive five-year renewals under the current law.

New Traffic Law Effective April 22, 2025

Starting April 22, 2025, a new traffic law in Kuwait imposes stricter penalties for operating a vehicle without a valid driving license. The updated regulation covers three key violations:

• Driving without a valid license
• Driving with a license not suitable for the vehicle type
• Driving with a revoked or suspended license

Penalties for Violations

Violators of this law will face the following consequences:

• KD 75 fine issued on the spot
• If referred to court:
  • Up to 3 months of imprisonment
  • A fine between KD 150 to KD 300, or both

Using the Sahel App for License Renewals

License renewals for both citizens and expats can be easily processed through the Sahel App, the official e-government platform in Kuwait. Despite rumors, there is no advantage to rushing a renewal ahead of an imaginary deadline.

Ministry of Interior Urges Public to Verify Information

The Ministry strongly urges all residents to verify information through official government platforms and avoid acting upon unverified social media messages.