How to Change Arabic Name in Kuwait Civil ID – Complete PACI Guide 2026

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If the Arabic name printed on your Kuwait Civil ID is incorrect, misspelled or different from the name shown on your official documents, you may need to complete a name correction procedure before the Civil ID can be updated.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) provides an official service for changing or correcting names on Civil IDs. However, the procedure depends on your category. For Kuwaiti citizens, PACI currently lists a dedicated Change or Correction of Name service. The official service requires the concerned person, parent/guardian or an authorized representative to attend according to the applicable rules. PACI also lists specific documents and a service fee.

GCC citizens have a separate PACI service for name change or correction. For non-Kuwaiti residents, PACI’s current transaction guide does not list a general name-correction service under the non-Kuwaiti section in the same way it does for Kuwaiti and GCC applicants. Therefore, expatriates should first confirm the applicable procedure with the relevant authority before assuming that the Kuwaiti name-correction process applies to them. This guide explains the process, documents, fees, appointment information and important points you should know before trying to change or correct an Arabic name on a Kuwait Civil ID.

What Is an Arabic Name Correction in Kuwait Civil ID?

An Arabic name correction means changing or correcting the Arabic version of a person’s name recorded in Kuwait’s Civil Information system.

This may be necessary when:

The Arabic name contains a spelling mistake.
The Arabic name does not match official documents.
The name was entered incorrectly in the Civil Information system.
The name needs to be changed following an official legal procedure.
The Arabic and Latin versions of the name do not correspond correctly.
A person’s official documents contain an updated name.

A Civil ID contains important personal information, so any name correction should be based on valid official documentation.

Can I Change My Arabic Name on My Kuwait Civil ID?

Yes, name correction or change is possible in applicable cases, but the process depends on your nationality and circumstances.

PACI currently lists:

Change or Correction of Name – Kuwaiti
Change or Correction of Name – GCC Citizens

The PACI transaction guide does not currently list a general name-correction service in the non-Kuwaiti section.

This distinction is important because many older online articles describe one process for everyone.

How to Change Arabic Name in Kuwait Civil ID

If you are a Kuwaiti citizen and need to correct or change your Arabic name, the official PACI process should be followed.

Step 1: Check Your Official Documents

Before starting the process, check the name appearing on your official documents. Depending on your situation, these may include:

Kuwaiti nationality certificate
Passport
Birth certificate
Other official government documents

The document supporting the requested name correction is important because PACI needs an official basis for changing Civil Information records.

Step 2: Determine Whether You Need a Name Correction or Another Service

Not every name-related problem is handled through the same PACI service. For example, PACI separately provides a service for updating the Latin name of a Kuwaiti citizen. PACI’s current electronic service allows a Kuwaiti citizen to update the Latin name through PACI electronic services or the Sahel application. A valid passport is listed as the required document.

Therefore:

Arabic name problem: Use the applicable name change/correction procedure.

Latin/English name problem: Check PACI’s separate Latin-name update service.

This distinction can save you from applying for the wrong transaction.

Step 3: Contact or Visit the Appropriate Authority

For Kuwaiti name correction, PACI’s current service information states that the concerned person, parent/guardian or authorized representative should attend according to the applicable circumstances. The PACI transaction guide currently lists the service through:

PACI headquarters in South Surra
The applicable registration section
Liberation Tower government mall service location

The current listed service period is the morning period, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Always check the latest PACI information before traveling because service locations and working hours can change.

How to Book a Civil ID Address Change Appointment in Kuwait 2026 – Best Complete Guide

Step 4: Submit the Required Documents

Prepare the documents required for your particular case. For Kuwaiti citizens, PACI currently lists:

Original nationality certificate and a copy
Additional birth certificate and nationality documents for applicants under 18, depending on the type of name change
Original passport and a copy when the applicant wants the Latin name to match the new name, for applicants who have reached 18 years of age

The exact documents depend on the type of correction being requested.

Step 5: Complete the Name Correction Procedure

Once PACI receives the application and supporting documents, the responsible department can process the requested correction according to the applicable rules. The source article describes an older process involving the Ministry of Interior’s passport/computer sections, fingerprint-related stamping and subsequent PACI processing.

However, PACI’s current official transaction guide is the better source for the present procedure. It specifically lists the name correction service and the documents and attendance requirements.

Therefore, applicants should follow the instructions given by PACI rather than relying on older step-by-step instructions found online.

Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fee

The current PACI service information lists the fee for the Kuwaiti name change/correction service as: KD 5.250

PACI states that the fee can be paid through the authority’s website or the Sahel application.

The fee may be different for other categories or related Civil ID transactions, so check the applicable service before payment.

Step 7: Update the Civil ID

After the name correction is accepted and the Civil Information record is updated, the Civil ID information can be updated accordingly. Depending on the transaction, you may need to complete the relevant Civil ID issuance or replacement procedure.

Do not assume that correcting the database automatically means that an existing physical card will immediately display the new name.

How to Change Arabic Name in Civil ID Through an Appointment

The source article describes using the Meta platform to book an appointment for the name correction procedure.

Meta is Kuwait’s government appointment platform used for various government services.

However, appointment availability and service routing can change.

If PACI or the relevant government service currently directs you to use Meta, follow the appointment instructions displayed there.

Step-by-Step Meta Appointment Process

If an appointment is required for your transaction:

Open the official Kuwait Meta appointment platform.
Log in using your Civil ID credentials.
Search for the relevant government service.
Select the Public Authority for Civil Information.
Open the available service categories.
Look for the relevant Civil ID/name correction service.
Select the appropriate service.
Choose an available service center.
Select an available date.
Select an available time.
Confirm the appointment.
Save the appointment confirmation.
Visit the selected center on the scheduled date.
Bring all required original documents and copies.

Do not rely on screenshots from older articles because the Meta platform interface can change.

What Is the Meta Platform in Kuwait?

The Meta platform is Kuwait’s government appointment system used to organize appointments for various government services.

It is different from:

PACI electronic services
Sahel
Kuwait Mobile ID

If your specific PACI transaction requires an appointment, use the official government appointment channel indicated by PACI or the relevant government authority.

Documents Required to Change Arabic Name in Civil ID

The required documents depend on your nationality and the type of correction.

For Kuwaiti Citizens

PACI currently lists the following for its Kuwaiti name change/correction service:

Original nationality certificate
Copy of nationality certificate
Birth certificate and copy for certain applicants under 18
Nationality documentation where applicable
Original passport and copy when the Latin name is to be matched with the new name for applicants who have reached 18

For Applicants Under 18

PACI has additional requirements for applicants under 18.

For certain changes involving the first name or adding a surname/title, PACI lists:

Original birth certificate showing the new name
Copy of the birth certificate
Applicable nationality documentation
Father’s original nationality documentation and copy showing the new name where required

Because requirements can depend on the exact type of name change, parents or guardians should confirm the current PACI requirements before visiting.

Arabic Name Correction for GCC Citizens

GCC citizens have a separate PACI name change or correction service.

PACI currently states that the concerned person, guardian or authorized representative can attend according to the applicable rules.

Documents for GCC Citizens

PACI currently lists:

Original valid passport
Passport copy
Passport validity of at least six months
Original Civil ID and copy
Original birth certificate and copy for Kuwait-born individuals where applicable
Documentation from the educational institution where applicable

PACI also states that the name change is carried out through the passport.

GCC Civil ID Name Correction Fee

The current PACI service information lists: KD 5.250 The fee is payable through the PACI website.

What About Non-Kuwaiti Residents?

This is where readers should be particularly careful.

PACI’s current transaction guide lists several services for non-Kuwaiti residents, including:

Civil ID renewal
Address change
Nationality change/correction
Photo update
Lost/damaged Civil ID replacement
First-time registration
Other Civil Information services

However, the current PACI transaction guide does not list a general “Change or Correction of Name” service under the non-Kuwaiti category.

Therefore, an expatriate should not simply follow the Kuwaiti name-correction process. If you are a non-Kuwaiti resident and the Arabic name on your Civil ID is incorrect, first determine whether the correction needs to originate from:

Passport records
Embassy documentation
Ministry of Interior records
Residency records
PACI Civil Information records

The correct authority depends on the reason for the discrepancy.

Arabic Name vs English/Latin Name

This is one of the most important points to understand.

Your Civil ID can contain both Arabic and Latin/English versions of your name.

A problem with the Arabic spelling is not necessarily handled in the same way as a problem with the Latin spelling.

Arabic Name

If the Arabic name itself is incorrect, use the applicable name change/correction process.

Latin Name

PACI provides a separate service for updating the Latin name for Kuwaiti citizens.

The current PACI electronic service requires information such as:

Civil Number
Serial Number
Mobile Number
Verification code

PACI lists a valid passport as the supporting document. The current PACI service information lists a KD 5 fee for the Latin-name update, plus an SMS charge where applicable.

What If the Arabic Name Does Not Match the Passport?

If the Arabic name on your Civil ID does not match your official passport or other government records, do not assume that simply requesting a Civil ID correction will solve the underlying problem.

First determine which government record contains the authoritative name.

For GCC citizens, PACI explicitly states that the name change is made through the passport.

For non-Kuwaiti residents, the appropriate procedure may depend on the residency and passport records.

If the discrepancy involves an embassy-issued document, you may also need supporting documentation from your embassy.

What If My Name Is Misspelled on the Civil ID?

If the name is simply misspelled, gather the official document that shows the correct spelling.

For Kuwaiti citizens, the PACI name correction service requires the applicable official documentation, such as the nationality certificate and, for certain cases, birth certificate or passport documentation.

Take the original documents and copies where required.

Do I Need My Old Civil ID?

If you are correcting or updating Civil ID information, it is sensible to bring your current Civil ID.

For GCC citizens, PACI explicitly lists the original Civil ID and a copy among the documents for the name correction service.

The exact requirements for other categories should be confirmed with PACI.

Can I Change My Arabic Name Online?

This depends on the type of name change and applicant category.

The current PACI transaction guide lists the Kuwaiti name change/correction service as an attendance-based transaction, while certain other name-related services, such as updating a Kuwaiti citizen’s Latin name, are available electronically.

Therefore, you should not assume that every Arabic name correction can be completed entirely online.

Can I Change My Arabic Name Through Sahel?

The answer depends on the specific transaction.

PACI currently allows payment for the Kuwaiti name correction service through its website or Sahel.

However, the PACI transaction guide states that the concerned person, guardian or authorized representative should attend for the name correction service.

Therefore, Sahel should not be described as a completely online replacement for the in-person name correction procedure.

How Much Does Arabic Name Correction Cost in Kuwait?

For the current Kuwaiti PACI name change/correction service, the listed fee is: KD 5.250

For GCC citizens, PACI also lists: KD 5.250

The fee can differ for other Civil ID transactions, such as Latin-name updates or card issuance. Always check the current PACI service page before payment.

Is There a Fine for Changing the Arabic Name?

It is better to distinguish between a service fee and a fine. The current PACI name correction service lists a service fee of KD 5.250 for Kuwaiti citizens. That should not automatically be described as a fine for correcting a spelling mistake. Additional costs may apply if the name change requires other government documents or a new Civil ID transaction.

How Long Does Arabic Name Correction Take?

The processing time depends on the reason for the correction and the documents involved.

The source article describes an older process in which applicants could be instructed to wait approximately one week before continuing with another step.

However, this should not be treated as a guaranteed current processing period.

PACI’s current transaction guide does not promise a universal processing time for the name correction service.

If your application requires additional verification, the processing time can be different.

What Should I Do After My Arabic Name Is Corrected?

After the Civil Information record has been corrected, check whether you need a new Civil ID.

You should also consider updating records with other organizations if they rely on your Civil ID name.

Depending on your circumstances, this could include:

Bank records
Employer records
Mobile phone records
Insurance records
Government records
School or university records
Other official accounts

Keeping the spelling consistent across important documents can prevent future problems.

Important Things to Check Before Applying

Before visiting PACI or starting the process, check the following:

Is the Arabic name actually incorrect?
Which official document shows the correct name?
Does the passport contain the correct name?
Does the nationality certificate contain the correct name?
Does the birth certificate contain the correct name?
Is the issue Arabic or Latin spelling?
Are you a Kuwaiti citizen, GCC citizen or non-Kuwaiti resident?
Do you need an appointment?
Do you have the original documents?
Do you have copies of the documents?
Have you checked the current PACI fee?

Doing these checks beforehand can save you a second trip.

Common Mistakes When Correcting a Civil ID Name

Mistake 1: Treating Arabic and English Names as the Same Service

PACI has separate services for certain name-related corrections.

Do not select a Latin-name update service if your actual problem is the Arabic name.

Mistake 2: Using an Old Online Guide

Government procedures can change.

The source article describes several steps involving passport and fingerprint offices that may not correspond exactly to the current PACI transaction guide.

Always confirm the current procedure with PACI.

Mistake 3: Arriving Without Original Documents

Take the original documents and copies required for your category.

Mistake 4: Assuming Expatriates Follow the Kuwaiti Procedure

PACI currently separates its transaction guide into Kuwaiti, GCC and non-Kuwaiti categories.

Mistake 5: Calling the Service Fee a Fine

The current PACI service lists a fee, not necessarily a penalty.

Mistake 6: Assuming Everything Can Be Done Online

Some name corrections require attendance.

PACI’s current Kuwaiti name correction service specifically lists attendance by the concerned person, guardian or authorized representative.

Quick Guide – Change Arabic Name in Kuwait Civil ID

If you need the process in a hurry:

Check the incorrect Arabic name on your Civil ID.
Compare it with your passport and other official documents.
Determine your applicant category.
Identify the correct PACI name correction service.
Prepare the required original documents.
Prepare copies of the documents.
Check whether an appointment is required.
Attend the applicable PACI service center if required.
Submit the name correction application.
Pay the applicable service fee.
Wait for the Civil Information record to be updated.
Complete any required Civil ID issuance or replacement.
Check the new Civil ID carefully after receiving it.

Official PACI Name Correction Services

Kuwaiti Citizens – Name Change or Correction

Official PACI service:

https://services.paci.gov.kw/applications-guide/detail/name-correction/5

PACI currently lists the service fee as KD 5.250 and states that payment can be made through the PACI website or Sahel.

GCC Citizens – Name Change or Correction

Official PACI service:

https://services.paci.gov.kw/applications-guide/detail/name-change-or-correction-%28nationals-of-the-gulf-cooperation-council-countries%29/14

PACI Transaction Guide

https://services.paci.gov.kw/applications-guide

The transaction guide is particularly useful because it separates services for Kuwaiti citizens, GCC citizens and non-Kuwaiti residents.

PACI Electronic Services

https://services.paci.gov.kw/

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Arabic Name in Kuwait Civil ID

How can I change my Arabic name in Kuwait Civil ID?

If you are a Kuwaiti citizen, PACI provides an official Change or Correction of Name service. The current procedure requires the concerned person, guardian or authorized representative to attend according to the applicable circumstances and submit the required documents.

Can I change my Arabic name online?

Not every Arabic-name correction can be completed completely online. PACI’s current Kuwaiti name correction service is listed as an attendance-based service, while certain other name-related services are available electronically.

How much does it cost to change the Arabic name on a Kuwait Civil ID?

The current PACI fee for the Kuwaiti name change/correction service is KD 5.250.

Can I change my Arabic name through Sahel?

PACI states that the Kuwaiti name correction service fee can be paid through Sahel, but the transaction itself may require attendance.

What documents are required to correct an Arabic name?

The documents depend on your circumstances. For Kuwaiti citizens, PACI currently lists the original nationality certificate and copy, with additional birth certificate, nationality and passport documents in applicable cases.

Can GCC citizens change their Civil ID name?

Yes. PACI provides a dedicated Change or Correction of Name service for GCC citizens.

What documents do GCC citizens need?

PACI currently lists a valid original passport and copy, original Civil ID and copy, and additional documents where applicable. The passport must have at least six months of validity.

Can expatriates change the Arabic name on their Civil ID?

The procedure for non-Kuwaiti residents is different. PACI’s current transaction guide does not list a general name-change/correction service under the non-Kuwaiti section.

If you are an expatriate, determine which official record needs correction first and confirm the applicable procedure with the relevant authority.

What if my Arabic name is misspelled?

If the Arabic name is misspelled, prepare the official document showing the correct spelling and follow the applicable PACI correction procedure.

What if only my English name is incorrect?

PACI provides a separate Latin Name Update for a Kuwaiti Individual service. The current service requires a valid passport and can be accessed electronically through PACI or Sahel.

Do I need my passport?

Passport requirements depend on the type of name correction.

For Kuwaiti citizens, PACI requires the original passport and copy when the Latin name is being matched to the new name for applicants who have reached 18.

For GCC citizens, PACI lists the original valid passport and copy as required documents.

Do I need my old Civil ID?

It is advisable to take your current Civil ID. PACI specifically lists the original Civil ID and copy among the documents for GCC name correction.

Do I need a Meta appointment?

The appointment requirement depends on the current service procedure. If PACI or the relevant government authority directs you to book an appointment, use the official Meta platform and select the applicable service.

How long does Civil ID name correction take?

There is no single guaranteed processing time for every case. Processing depends on the type of correction, documents and verification requirements.

Will I get a new Civil ID after correcting my name?

If the Civil ID information has been changed, you may need the applicable Civil ID issuance or replacement procedure. Follow PACI’s instructions after the name correction is approved.

Can I change the Arabic name without changing the English name?

It depends on the reason for the correction and your official documents. PACI treats Arabic name correction and Latin-name updates as distinct services in applicable cases.

What should I do if the Arabic and English names do not match?

First determine which version is incorrect by comparing both with your passport and other official documents. Then use the appropriate PACI or government procedure for correcting the affected record.

Is the name correction fee a fine?

No. The PACI service information describes the amount as a service fee. The current Kuwaiti name correction fee is KD 5.250.

Where can I correct my Arabic name in Kuwait?

For Kuwaiti citizens, PACI currently lists its South Surra headquarters and Liberation Tower government mall among the service locations. The listed service period is 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Always check PACI’s latest service information before visiting.

Correcting an Arabic name on a Kuwait Civil ID is possible, but the correct procedure depends on your nationality and the reason for the correction.

For Kuwaiti citizens, PACI currently provides a dedicated Change or Correction of Name service. The authority lists the required documents, attendance requirements and a current service fee of KD 5.250. GCC citizens have a separate PACI name-change service, with requirements based largely on their passport and Civil ID documentation.

For non-Kuwaiti residents, the current PACI transaction guide does not list a general name-correction service in the non-Kuwaiti section, so expatriates should not automatically follow the Kuwaiti procedure. Before visiting any government office, check your passport, nationality certificate, birth certificate and Civil ID carefully to identify exactly where the name discrepancy exists.

Most importantly, use the official PACI website and current government instructions rather than relying on older appointment screenshots or outdated procedures.

Official PACI Website: https://services.paci.gov.kw/

PACI Transaction Guide: https://services.paci.gov.kw/applications-guide

Kuwait Civil ID, Arabic Name Correction, Civil ID Name Change, PACI Kuwait, PACI Name Correction, Kuwait Civil ID Update, Civil ID Correction, Kuwait Government Services, Kuwait Expatriates, Kuwait Citizens, Meta Appointment, Sahel Kuwait

Change Arabic Name in Kuwait Civil ID