PACI Self-Service Machines in Kuwait: Locations and Collection
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When your new Civil ID is printed, you usually do not get it from a person at a counter. You get it from a PACI self-service machine, a large kiosk that stores thousands of cards and releases yours when you prove who you are. Other PACI kiosks, inside banks across Kuwait, set up Kuwait Mobile ID at its highest level and the electronic signature.
I compared the official Kuwait Mobile ID pages from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), news reports from Arab Times, Kuwait Times and Times Kuwait, and the guides people in Kuwait rely on. Before you go anywhere, use our Civil ID status checker to see if your card is ready. This guide explains the two types of machines, where they are, how to collect step by step, the machine number in your status result, kiosk services, hours and common problems.
Table of Contents
Popular Civil ID guides
Quick answers to the most common Kuwait Civil ID and PACI questions.
What Are PACI Self-Service Machines?
PACI self-service machines are automated kiosks that let you finish Civil ID tasks without waiting at a counter. PACI developed them to cut queues, and they now handle most card handovers in Kuwait.
The numbers show how central they are. In August 2020, PACI had 55 card machines, each holding 5000 cards. By August 2021 it had added 10 more, for 80 at its headquarters alone, and in August 2023 Times Kuwait reported 100 card delivery machines.
Two Types of Machines: Card Collection vs Mobile ID Kiosks
Many guides mix these up, which sends people to the wrong place. They are different devices:
| Feature | Card collection machine | Mobile ID kiosk |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Releases your printed Civil ID card | Sets up Kuwait Mobile ID, PIN unlock, e-signature |
| Where | PACI buildings (South Surra, Jahra, Ahmadi) | PACI HQ and bank branches |
| You need | Old card or QR code | Valid smart Civil ID and your phone |
| Gives you a card? | Yes | No |
A bank kiosk cannot print or release your card. If your status says the card is ready, go to the PACI location shown in the result.
Where to Find PACI Self-Service Machines
Card collection machines are at PACI buildings. Arab Times reported in May 2023 that cards were stored in machines at the headquarters in South Surra and at the two branches in Jahra and Ahmadi (South Sabahiya).
Mobile ID kiosks are listed on PACI’s official Kiosk Locations page for Kuwait Mobile ID (checked October 2026):
| Location | Branches with a kiosk |
|---|---|
| PACI | Head Office (South Surra), PACI Ahmadi, PACI Jahra, Al-Hamra Tower |
| Kuwait Finance House (KFH) | Head Office, Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Andalus, Fahad Al-Ahmad, Faiha, Fintas, Hateen, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Rehab, Saad Al-Abdullah, Sabahiya, Salmiya Wataniya, Qaser |
| National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) | Head Office, Surra, Al-Siddiq, Avenues (beside IKEA) |
| Boubyan Bank | Qaser, Sabah Al-Salem, Andalus, Al-Siddiq, Ahmadi |
| Kuwait International Bank (KIB) | Head Office, Egaila 89 Mall, Zahra (South Surra), Farwaniya, Jaber Al-Ahmad |
| Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) | Head Office, Salmiya, Hawally, South Sabahiya, Jahra 1, Al Khiran Mall |
| Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) | Head Office, Hawally, Al Jahra, Al Salam, Al Fahaheel |
| Burgan Bank | Head Office, Adailiya, Marina Walk |
| Al Rajhi Bank | Sharq, Jahra Mall |
| Others | Kuwait Credit Bank (Mubarak Al-Kabeer), KNPC (Al-Ahmadi) |
So most kiosks you see in malls, such as The Avenues or Al Khiran Mall, sit inside bank branches. Some guides also mention kiosks at co-ops (jamiyas) or the Ministries Complex, but those are not on PACI’s list. The list changes, so check the kiosk locator in the Kuwait Mobile ID app before you go.
The Ministry of Justice runs its own separate kiosks. They do not handle Civil ID cards.
Before You Go: Get Your Machine Number
Only go to a machine once PACI shows that your card is ready. That result also gives the collection location (for example South Surra, Jahra or Ahmadi) and the machine (kiosk) number that holds your card. Write the number down, because each machine only releases the cards loaded into it.
To see that result, follow our Kuwait Civil ID status check guide. It explains each status message step by step.
How to Collect Your Civil ID from a Machine (Step by Step)
This is the usual flow for a renewed card, when you still have the old one:
Prefer to watch? This short video shows a Civil ID collection at a PACI machine:
- Step 1 Check your status and note the collection location and machine number.
- Step 2 Go to that PACI building during card collection hours. No appointment is usually needed.
- Step 3 Find the machine with your number.
- Step 4 Insert your old Civil ID into the card slot, or scan your QR code if you have one.
- Step 5 Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm your identity if asked.
- Step 6 Wait a few seconds while the machine finds your card.
- Step 7 Take your new Civil ID from the Receive the Card slot.
- Step 8 Check your name, photo and expiry date before you leave.
The machine keeps your old card. If your card was renewed online, see our Civil ID renewal guide for the steps before collection.
Collecting with a QR Code (First Card or Lost Card)
New residents and people replacing a lost card have no old card to insert. In August 2021, PACI already let these groups collect with a barcode read from the phone. On 21 May 2026, PACI added a QR code service to the Kuwait Mobile ID app:
- Step 1 Wait for the app notification that your Civil ID is ready.
- Step 2 Tap the link in the notification to generate a QR code.
- Step 3 Enter your mobile number and the OTP sent to you.
- Step 4 Show the QR code at collection to receive your card.
PACI said the service is meant to speed up collection and reduce visits. Keep your passport with you in case staff ask for it.
Services Offered at PACI Mobile ID Kiosks
According to the Kuwait Mobile ID FAQ, the kiosks offer:
- Mobile ID enrollment at the highest level, with strong authentication.
- Electronic signature setup, which needs kiosk enrollment with a valid smart Civil ID.
- PIN unlock if you locked your Mobile ID PIN; go to the nearest kiosk.
- Mobile ID cancellation, for example before giving away a phone.
Some guides also list renewal requests, data updates and fine payments at kiosks. PACI’s FAQ does not list these, so use Sahel or PACI’s website for them.
Getting the Verified Level and E-Signature at a Kiosk
Kuwait Mobile ID has three levels: Medium (manual registration), High (NFC registration) and Verified (registration at a self-service device). PACI’s FAQ calls the kiosk level Qualified; it is the same top level. Only this level can sign documents.
What has changed in 2026:
- 9 July 2026: PACI let Kuwaiti citizens activate the e-signature in the app with a valid Civil ID and passport, with no kiosk visit. This first phase is for citizens only.
- 3 August 2026: the Ministry of Justice and PACI urged everyone to activate it. Residents still activate it at PACI self-service machines.
To do it at a kiosk, bring your valid smart Civil ID and your phone with Kuwait Mobile ID installed, and follow the kiosk screens. Our Kuwait Mobile ID guide explains the levels in detail.
PACI Self-Service Machine Hours
PACI returned to its full schedule on Sunday 3 May 2026. Arab Times reported these card collection hours at South Surra, Ahmadi and Jahra:
| Location | Hours |
|---|---|
| Card collection machines | 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday |
| PACI on Friday and Saturday | Closed |
| Bank Mobile ID kiosks | Follow the bank branch hours |
| Ramadan and holidays | Shorter hours; check before you go |
Guides list different shift times for each branch, so confirm on PACI’s channels before a long drive.
Collect on Time: What Happens to Uncollected Cards
Uncollected cards fill the machines and slow everyone else’s cards. In May 2023, about 211000 cards were waiting, and in August 2023 Times Kuwait reported more than 220000, about 70 percent belonging to Article 18 and 22 residents.
PACI then proposed a fine of up to KD 20 for cards not collected within three months, and destroying cards still left after another three months, which would mean a new request and new fees. The proposal needed board approval, and reports differ on whether it is in force. Collect within days to be safe.
Can Someone Else Collect My Civil ID?
Usually no. Guides say you must verify your identity yourself. PACI has also said that lost-card replacements and cards for children over five who need a new photo require the owner in person. If you cannot go, home delivery is the safer option.
Home Delivery Instead of a Machine
Once the status shows ready, you can pay to have the card delivered. Guides report KD 2 for the first card to an address and KD 0.250 for each extra card in the same order, paid by KNET. Delivery saves a trip, but collection from a machine is free and often faster.
Common PACI Self-Service Machine Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Machine says card not found | Check you are at the right machine number and location |
| Status ready but no machine number | Check again later or call 1889988 |
| Machine out of service | Ask staff or try again later |
| Old card not accepted | Clean the chip, insert it the right way, or ask staff |
| Lost old card | Use the QR code from Kuwait Mobile ID |
| No QR notification | Update the app and check your mobile number in Sahel |
| Went to a bank kiosk for your card | Bank kiosks do not release cards; go to the PACI location |
| Mobile ID PIN locked | Unlock it at the nearest Mobile ID kiosk |
| Wrong details on the new card | Book a PACI appointment to correct them |
Tips for Using PACI Self-Service Machines
- Check status before you leave home.
- Screenshot the machine number.
- Bring your old card and passport.
- Go early in the morning shift.
- Check the card before you walk away.
- Collect soon to avoid fees and delays.
- Use bank kiosks only for Mobile ID tasks.
- Keep your mobile number current in Sahel.
If the machine is not working, check the PACI office locations and timings. To track a card, keep the Civil ID serial number handy.
More Civil ID and PACI guides
Every guide on the site, in one place.
FAQs About PACI Self-Service Machines
Where are PACI self-service machines for Civil ID collection?
Card collection machines are at PACI headquarters in South Surra and the Jahra and Ahmadi branches. Your status result names the exact location.
What is the machine number in the Civil ID status?
It is the number of the kiosk that holds your printed card. Go to that machine at the location shown.
Do I need an appointment to collect my Civil ID?
Usually no. Collection from a machine is done during collection hours without a Meta appointment.
What do I need to collect my card from the machine?
Your old Civil ID for a renewal, or a QR code from Kuwait Mobile ID for a first card or a lost card. Carry your passport too.
Can I collect my Civil ID from a bank kiosk?
No. Bank kiosks handle Kuwait Mobile ID enrollment, PIN unlock and the e-signature, not card collection.
What services do PACI kiosks in banks offer?
Mobile ID enrollment at the top level, electronic signature setup, PIN unlock and Mobile ID cancellation.
How do I get the Verified level in Kuwait Mobile ID?
Register at a PACI self-service kiosk with your valid smart Civil ID. This level allows the electronic signature.
Can residents activate the e-signature in the app?
Not yet. The July 2026 app option is for Kuwaiti citizens first; residents use PACI self-service machines.
What are the machine collection hours?
Arab Times reported 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday, in 2026.
What if I lost my old Civil ID?
Use the QR code service in Kuwait Mobile ID, launched in May 2026 for first cards and lost-card replacements.
What happens if I do not collect my card?
PACI proposed fines and destroying cards left for months. Collect quickly to avoid paying again.
Can I send someone to collect my Civil ID?
Usually no. You normally need to verify your identity yourself, so use home delivery if you cannot go.
Conclusion
PACI machines are fast once you know which one to use. Here is the short version:
| If you want to | Do this |
|---|---|
| Collect a renewed card | Insert your old card at the machine number shown |
| Collect a first or lost card | Use the QR code from Kuwait Mobile ID |
| Get the e-signature | Register at a PACI self-service kiosk |
| Skip the trip | Pay for home delivery |
- Check status first and note the machine number.
- Use PACI buildings for cards and bank kiosks for Mobile ID.
- Collect quickly so your card is not held or destroyed.
Locations, hours and services change, so confirm the latest details in Kuwait Mobile ID and on PACI’s pages before you go. I based this guide on PACI pages, official app information and news references, last checked in October 2026.
Plan Your Machine Visit
Check your Civil ID number and see which PACI machine to use and what to bring.
