CPR (ID Card) in Bahrain
Your CPR is the master key to every Bahrain service - renew it online via bahrain.bh in minutes if your residence is valid.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The CPR (Central Population Register) card is Bahrain's unified national identity card, issued to citizens, GCC nationals, and all resident expats by the Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA). It carries your CPR number, photo, and a chip used across health, banking, and government services.
For expats, the CPR is tied to your LMRA work visa or NPRA family permit - it cannot outlast the underlying residence. Renewal is therefore usually triggered by, and aligned with, residence renewal. The IGA accepts most renewals online via the bahrain.bh portal using eKey, with biometrics only required if the card is more than 10 years old or your appearance has changed substantially.
Documents required
- Current CPR card (even if expired)
- Valid passport
- Valid residence permit (LMRA or NPRA)
- Recent passport-size photo if biometrics are required
- eKey account linked to the CPR
Eligibility
- Underlying residence permit is valid or being renewed in the same flow
- No outstanding traffic or municipality fines flagged on the CPR
- Sponsor's LMRA file is in good standing (for sponsored expats)
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPR card issuance/renewal | 5 BHD | Standard card fee per issuance; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Replacement (lost or damaged) | 20 BHD | Higher fee for lost or damaged cards; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
| Express same-day issuance | Varies BHD | Available at some IGA centres for urgent travel; confirm current amount on bahrain.bh. |
Step by step
- 1
Log into bahrain.bh with eKey
Sign in to the national portal using your eKey credentials. Open 'CPR Card Services' and select 'Renewal'.
5 minutes · online
- 2
Verify your details
Confirm name, address, employer, and contact details. Update your address if you have moved - this is a common reason renewals are flagged.
5 minutes · online
- 3
Pay the card fee
Pay the BHD card fee online by debit, BenefitPay, or credit card.
Instant · online
- 4
Biometrics (if required)
If you are due for new biometrics or the system requests it, book an IGA appointment via bahrain.bh for fingerprints and a photo.
30 minutes on-site · center
- 5
Card collection or delivery
Choose courier delivery to your address or collect from your nearest IGA centre. Most cards arrive within 3-5 working days.
3-5 days · either
Processing time: Online-only renewal: 3-5 working days. With biometrics appointment: 5-10 working days.
Where to do it online
- Bahrain.bh
CPR renewal, address change, dependents, and ID-card status via eKey
Not typically required. IGA service centres (e.g., Isa Town, Seef) handle walk-in or appointment cases when online renewal is not possible.
Renewal
Cards typically last 5 or 10 years for citizens and align to the residence period for expats. Apply at least 30 days before expiry. Expats cannot renew a CPR if the underlying LMRA or NPRA residence is expired - renew residence first.
Fines & penalties
- Expired CPR can block banking, telecom, and clinic services within days of expiry
- Lost-card replacement carries a higher fee and a fraud-screening step
- Failure to update address within 30 days can trigger a fine on the CPR record
Common pitfalls
- Trying to renew CPR while the LMRA visa is in transfer - the renewal will fail
- Outdated address on file - couriers can't deliver and the case sits in limbo
- Letting the CPR expire and only then renewing residence - some banks freeze accounts in the gap
- Booking biometrics at the wrong centre - some are appointment-only via bahrain.bh
FAQs
Yes. Most CPR renewals are completed entirely on bahrain.bh through your eKey account. Biometrics are only required if your card is more than 10 years old, you lost the card, or the system specifically requests it.
The standard CPR card fee is around BHD 5 per issuance for both citizens and residents, paid online via BenefitPay or card. Lost or damaged cards carry a higher BHD 20 replacement fee. Confirm current amounts on bahrain.bh.
After payment and any required biometrics, the card is normally couriered or ready for collection within 3-5 working days. Express same-day issuance is offered at some IGA centres.
Yes - and you should. Bahrain.bh prompts you to confirm address details during renewal. A wrong address is the single biggest cause of failed deliveries.
No. CPR is the identity card, but it carries the CPR number used by GDT for driving licences and by the Ministry of Health for clinic records. You still need the relevant service cards.
Skip the hassle
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