Lost Your Driving License After a Job Change? All You Need to Know
Expatriates in Kuwait are expressing growing anxiety over the country's stringent driving license regulations, as many fear losing their hard-earned licenses due to changes in job title, residency status, or shifting policy interpretations by traffic authorities.
Over the past several years, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has tightened restrictions on who qualifies for a driving license. For expatriates, the rules require not only a valid residency permit but also a university degree, a minimum monthly salary (currently KD 600), and in many cases, a stay of at least two years in the country. Exceptions are granted for certain professions, including doctors, engineers, judges, and university professors.
However, the situation becomes particularly complex when expatriates change employers or job titles. A license that was legally obtained under a previous designation can be revoked automatically if the new title does not meet the criteria—even if the individual continues to live and work in Kuwait legally.
Social media platforms and expat forums have seen an uptick in complaints, many citing experiences where licenses were revoked without prior notice. Some have even been blocked at routine traffic checks, leading to impoundment of vehicles and heavy fines.
Traffic authorities say these measures are part of broader efforts to reduce road congestion and curb illegal driving practices. Still, many expats argue the policies lack transparency and consistency.
What To Do If Your Driving License Is Revoked in Kuwait: Step-by-Step Guide
If you're an expat and your driving license has been revoked, here's what you should do
Step 1: Check Your License Status
- Visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or use the Kuwait Mobile ID app or Sahel App to check if your license is active or has been blocked.
- Alternatively, go to the Traffic Department in your governorate to inquire in person.
Step 2: Understand Why It Was Revoked
Common reasons include:
- Change in job title (to non-eligible categories like "driver", "cleaner", "technician")
- Change in sponsor
- Expired residency
- Salary below the minimum requirement
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
If your license was revoked due to a technical or administrative reason, prepare:
- Civil ID copy
- Work permit showing job title
- Salary certificate from your employer
- Copy of your university degree (attested)
- Passport copy with residency pages
Step 4: Visit the General Traffic Department
- Head to the License Division of the Traffic Department in your area.
- Ask for a review of your license status and submit supporting documents.
Step 5: File an Appeal
If you believe your license was wrongly revoked, you may file an appeal through:
- The General Department for Traffic Investigation
- Or escalate to the Ministry of Interior Complaints Department
Step 6: Apply for a New License (If Required)
If your license is permanently cancelled, and you still qualify under the rules:
Reapply through the usual process:
- Eye test
- Traffic department approval
- Theory and road tests (if required)
Step 7: Seek Legal Help (Optional)
If your situation is unresolved or you face legal penalties, you may consider hiring a local legal advisor who specializes in labor and residency issues.
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Lost Your Driving License After a Job Change? All You Need to Know
Expatriates in Kuwait are expressing growing anxiety over the country's stringent driving license regulations, as many fear losing their hard-earned licenses due to changes in job title, residency status, or shifting policy interpretations by traffic authorities. Over the past several years, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has tightened restrictions on who qualifies for a driving license. For expatriates, the rules require not only a valid residency permit but also a university degree, a minimum monthly salary (currently KD 600), and in many cases, a stay of at least two years in the country. Exceptions are granted for certain professions, including doctors, engineers, judges, and university professors. However, the situation becomes particularly complex when expatriates change employers or job titles. A license that was legally obtained under a previous designation can be revoked automatically if the new title does not meet the criteria—even if the individual continues to live and work in Kuwait legally. Social media platforms and expat forums have seen an uptick in complaints, many citing experiences where licenses were revoked without prior notice. Some have even been blocked at routine traffic checks, leading to impoundment of vehicles and heavy fines. Traffic authorities say these measures are part of broader efforts to reduce road congestion and curb illegal driving practices. Still, many expats argue the policies lack transparency and consistency. What To Do If Your Driving License Is Revoked in Kuwait: Step-by-Step Guide If you're an expat and your driving license has been revoked, here's what you should do Step 1: Check Your License Status - Visit the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or use the Kuwait Mobile ID app or Sahel App to check if your license is active or has been blocked. - Alternatively, go to the Traffic Department in your governorate to inquire in person. Step 2: Understand Why It Was Revoked Common reasons include: - Change in job title (to non-eligible categories like "driver", "cleaner", "technician") - Change in sponsor - Expired residency - Salary below the minimum requirement Step 3: Gather Required Documents If your license was revoked due to a technical or administrative reason, prepare: - Civil ID copy - Work permit showing job title - Salary certificate from your employer - Copy of your university degree (attested) - Passport copy with residency pages Step 4: Visit the General Traffic Department - Head to the License Division of the Traffic Department in your area. - Ask for a review of your license status and submit supporting documents. Step 5: File an Appeal If you believe your license was wrongly revoked, you may file an appeal through: - The General Department for Traffic Investigation - Or escalate to the Ministry of Interior Complaints Department Step 6: Apply for a New License (If Required) If your license is permanently cancelled, and you still qualify under the rules: Reapply through the usual process: - Eye test - Traffic department approval - Theory and road tests (if required) Step 7: Seek Legal Help (Optional) If your situation is unresolved or you face legal penalties, you may consider hiring a local legal advisor who specializes in labor and residency issues.
