No more paper! Oman residents can now legally use digital copies of their national IDs and driver's licenses

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has made a significant stride in digital transformation by legally recognizing certified electronic versions of national ID cards and driver’s licenses. This new measure allows citizens and residents to access and use these documents online with the same legal validity as physical copies, simplifying daily procedures and aligning with Oman’s broader goals for government modernization and convenience.

Digital IDs and driver’s licenses gain full legal status in Oman

The Royal Oman Police has officially announced that certified electronic copies of the national ID card and driver’s license are now legally valid throughout Oman. These digital documents can be accessed directly via the ROP’s official website, eliminating the need to carry physical versions or visit service centers for many transactions. First Lieutenant Salem bin Saeed Al-Farsi, Project Manager for Digital Identity at ROP, confirmed that electronic documents hold equal legal weight as their hardcopy counterparts and can be used in all official situations, including when presenting identification to government authorities or police officers.

This move marks an important milestone in Oman’s commitment to digital government services, enhancing convenience for both citizens and residents. The shift reduces paperwork, speeds up verification processes, and supports a streamlined approach to identity management.

Flexibility introduced with new expat residence cards in Oman

In parallel with the digital ID rollout, the Royal Oman Police recently introduced flexible residence cards for expatriates with validity periods ranging from one to three years. This update aims to provide greater flexibility and ease in the renewal process for the diverse expatriate population living in Oman.

The introduction of these flexible residence permits comes alongside changes to the validity period of Omani citizens’ personal identity cards, which has been extended from the previous 10 years to match the duration of the Omani passport.

Renewal rules and compliance in Oman

Despite the extended validity and new formats, all residents and citizens must renew their residence cards and ID documents within 30 days of their expiration date to remain compliant with legal requirements. These renewal protocols are part of Oman’s broader efforts to modernize civil status laws and improve the efficiency of residency management.

The government’s focus on updating these systems benefits Oman’s population by making document management more convenient and cost-effective, reflecting the ongoing commitment to digital transformation and public service improvement.

Impact on citizens and residents: Digital identity in Oman
With these updates, Oman’s residents and citizens are set to experience smoother administrative processes and greater ease in proving identity across the country. The move toward digital certified documents not only facilitates day-to-day interactions with government entities but also supports Oman’s vision for a fully digital, efficient, and modern public service infrastructure.

In summary, Oman’s recognition of digital national IDs and driver’s licenses, along with the new flexible residence cards and extended validity periods, represent key steps toward a more accessible, secure, and user-friendly identity system for all who live in the Sultanate.