The CPR (Central Population Register) card is the national identity document issued in Bahrain to citizens and to residents holding a valid residence permit. Each holder is assigned a unique CPR number that follows them through government records, and the smart card stores identity details and biometric data used to authenticate the holder.
The CPR is administered by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) in coordination with residence authorities. A resident's CPR is linked to their residence permit, so it is typically issued or renewed alongside the permit and can lapse when the permit does. The number is needed to open bank accounts, register a tenancy, access health services, and complete most transactions on the national portal.
Because the CPR number is the key identifier across Bahraini systems, keeping the card valid and the registered address up to date matters; many online services on bahrain.bh use the CPR for sign-in and verification.