Understanding Bahrain's Personal Number System: Your Unique Identity

In Bahrain, all residents, including expatriates, are required to have an identity card, known as the Central Population Registry (CPR) card. This card serves as an official identity document and is used to access government services. Each CPR card has a unique 9-digit personal number, which is essential for various administrative processes and online services. This personal number is made up of the individual's birth year and month, followed by four random digits and a check digit. The CPR card also includes other personal information such as the individual's name, nationality, country flag, expiry date, and fingerprint.

The personal number is a 9-digit identifier

In Bahrain, all residents, including non-Bahrainis, must have an ID card. This ID card is a Central Population Registry (CPR) card, which serves as an identity document. The CPR card is equipped with a distinct 9-digit personal number, which is unique to each resident in Bahrain. This personal number is essential for accessing various government services and streamlining administrative processes.

The 9-digit personal number is located on the upper middle side of the CPR card, above the nationality details. It is structured in four parts: the first two digits represent the birth year, the next two digits indicate the birth month, followed by four random digits, and finally, a single check digit. However, this format may not apply to all CPR holders as there is an option to request a unique personal number for a fee.

The personal number plays a crucial role in facilitating access to online government services. By inputting their personal number on official government platforms, individuals can schedule appointments, verify their legal status, access travel information, and avail of healthcare services, among other things. The CPR card also serves as a travel document for Bahraini citizens travelling to other GCC countries and allows cardholders to pass through electronic border control gates at airports.

The CPR card is issued by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), under the Ministry of Interior. It is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and can be renewed online. The card incorporates advanced security features, such as a microchip that stores the individual's basic information, fingerprint, and other personal details. The card also includes the individual's passport, population registry, and driving license data, making it a comprehensive and convenient form of identification.

It is exclusive to each resident of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain mandates that all residents, regardless of nationality, possess an identity card. This ID card is a smart card that combines the functionalities of the original Central Population Registry (CPR) card, the immigration ID card, and the driving license. It is issued to citizens and residents by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), which operates under the Ministry of Interior.

The CPR number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to each resident in Bahrain. This number is exclusive to each individual and serves as a pivotal gateway for citizens and expatriates to access various online government services and streamline administrative processes. The personal number is not just a random assortment of digits; it follows a structured format. The first two digits denote the birth year, while the subsequent two represent the birth month. This is followed by four random digits and concluded with a single check digit.

The CPR number is not to be confused with the CPR block number, which indicates the residential location of the individual in Bahrain. The CPR card, bearing the personal number, enables individuals to avail themselves of numerous government services. By inputting their personal number on official government platforms, residents can schedule appointments, verify their legal standing, access travel-related information, and avail themselves of healthcare services, among other benefits.

The ID card itself also contains a host of security features and advanced technologies. It includes a microchip that stores the holder's basic details, passport information, population registry data, driving license information, fingerprints, photo, and signature. The card is designed with durability in mind and features Bahrain's flag and a portrait of the king. The card is valid for five years from the date of issuance and can be renewed online.

It is pivotal for accessing government services

In Bahrain, all residents, including citizens and non-citizens, must possess an identity card, known as the Central Population Registry (CPR) card, to access government services. This card, issued by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), serves as an essential tool for individuals to avail of various government services and streamline administrative processes.

The CPR card is a powerful tool that enables residents to access a wide range of online government services. It is a 9-digit personal number that acts as a unique identifier for each individual. This number is pivotal as it grants access to government platforms, where individuals can schedule appointments, verify their legal standing, access travel-related information, and avail of healthcare services. The CPR number is also linked to other important information such as nationality, birth year, and birth month.

The CPR card is not just a physical document; it also incorporates advanced technology. The card includes a microchip that stores essential details, such as passport information, basic medical details, academic qualifications, and fingerprint data. This chip enhances the security of the card and prevents tampering. Additionally, the card features a contactless chip, allowing users to make electronic payments at various locations, including road tolls, car parks, and petrol stations.

The process of obtaining a CPR card is straightforward. Individuals need to provide several supporting documents, including their passport, a sponsorship letter from their employer, and relevant certificates for any dependents. The main smart card office in Isa Town issues these cards, and there is also a smaller office in Sitra. The CPR card is valid for five years and can be renewed online, ensuring convenience and ease of use for residents.

The CPR card is not just a form of identification; it is a key that unlocks a wide range of government services and benefits for residents in Bahrain. It streamlines access to essential services, simplifies administrative tasks, and provides a secure and convenient way to manage personal information. By utilising the CPR card, Bahrain has made significant strides in improving the efficiency and accessibility of its government services, benefiting both citizens and expatriates alike.

It is used for scheduling appointments and travel

In Bahrain, residents and long-term expatriates are required to have an identity card, also known as the Central Population Registry (CPR) card. This card is crucial for accessing various government services. One of the most important features of this card is the 9-digit personal number, which serves multiple purposes.

The personal number on the CPR card is not just an identifier but also a tool that facilitates various administrative tasks. When it comes to scheduling appointments and travel, the personal number plays a significant role. Individuals can use their personal numbers to schedule appointments at government establishments efficiently. This streamlined process ensures that residents can plan their interactions with government entities in a timely and organised manner.

Additionally, the personal number is essential for travel-related matters. The CPR card itself serves as a travel document for Bahraini citizens travelling to other GCC countries. The card allows cardholders to pass through electronic border control gates, such as those at Bahrain International Airport. This means that individuals can use their CPR card as a valid form of identification when travelling within the GCC region.

The personal number on the CPR card is also linked to passport information. This integration ensures that individuals can use their CPR card as a complementary form of identification when travelling internationally. The card's advanced security features, including the microchip that stores essential details, further enhance its reliability as a travel document.

Moreover, the CPR card's online integration allows individuals to retrieve travel ban details. This functionality is particularly useful for residents who need to stay updated about any travel restrictions or requirements. By inputting their personal number on the official government website, individuals can access crucial information that may impact their travel plans.

In conclusion, the personal number on Bahrain's CPR card is not just a mere identifier but a powerful tool that facilitates scheduling appointments and travel. The CPR card's integration with various government services ensures that residents can efficiently manage their daily lives and travel plans, contributing to a seamless and organised lifestyle in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

It can be found on the upper middle side of the CPR card

In Bahrain, all residents, including non-Bahrainis, must possess an identity card known as the Central Population Registry (CPR) card. This card is a crucial piece of identification that enables individuals to access various government services. One of the most important features of the CPR card is the 9-digit personal number, which is located on the upper middle side of the card.

The personal number on the CPR card is not just a random collection of digits. It follows a structured format that conveys important information about the cardholder. The first two digits of the number represent the birth year, while the subsequent two digits denote the birth month. This is followed by four random digits, which are then succeeded by a single check digit. This structured format ensures that each personal number is unique and exclusively associated with the individual.

The personal number on the CPR card is not just for identification purposes. It serves a wide range of functions and is essential for navigating life in Bahrain. For instance, individuals can input their personal numbers on official government platforms to schedule appointments, verify their legal status, access healthcare services, and even retrieve travel ban details. Essentially, the personal number acts as a key to unlocking various administrative processes and services in the country.

The CPR card itself is more than just a simple identity document. It is designed to be compatible with advanced technologies and adheres to the high standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The card includes a microchip that stores critical information such as passport details, basic medical information, and the cardholder's fingerprint, photograph, and signature. This chip enhances the security of the card and protects the personal information of the individual.

The CPR card is issued by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), which operates under the Ministry of Interior. To obtain the card, individuals must provide several supporting documents, including their passport, a sponsorship letter from their employer, and birth and marriage certificates for any dependents. The card is valid for five years from the date of issuance and can be renewed online or at designated ID card service centres.

Frequently asked questions