Lebanon

What type of document can youth seek which will allow them to move around the country?

A national identification (ID) card (Articles 18, 19 and 20 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic ) or a valid passport are required.

PROCESS & RESOURCES

What is the process for getting a National ID card?

An application may be in two ways:

• through the mayor (Mukhtar) of the place of registration. The Mukhtar will prepare the application and a Mukhtar attestation, and the application is then submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Status.
• Or in the fingerprint stations centers available in all the civil records centers to which their place of residence belongs, regardless of the place of their registration in the civil records, provided that the applicant has reached the age of fifteen years.

  For the application, in each case, a statement of individual registration (Bayan Kard Fardi), two passport photos and other documents are required as described under the following link: بطاقة الهوية | DGCS.

Where can I find information online about getting a National ID?

The information is available on the website of the Directorate General of Civil Status under the following link: بطاقة الهوية | DGCS.

DOCUMENTS

What documents do I have to have to get a National ID? Is there any document that I must have to get an ID?

Please see the information mentioned under the following link: بطاقة الهوية | DGCS.

• (Two new photographs certified by the competent mukhtar in case of applying to the mukhtar of the locality.
• A statement of individual registration dedicated to the identity card whose date of issuance does not exceed six months, or a true copy thereof.
• A medical report, laboratory examination or a true copy of it proving the blood type.
• An identification statement from the mayor of the place of residence (Mukhtar El Sakan) in the event of applying at the fingerprint station center, with a reminder that submitting applications at fingerprint stations includes people who have reached or have not reached the age of fifteen.
• Original ID card in case the application is related to "Renewal of ID Card".
• The original ID card loss report in the event that the application is related to obtaining a replacement card for a lost ID card, provided that a copy of the lost ID card is available with respect to the applications submitted at the fingerprint station center.

The choice is left to the guardian of those under the age of fifteen to apply for obtaining the identity card, either at the mukhtar of the locality or at the electronic fingerprint stations located in all the civil records centers in the various governorates. 

What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?

The address is not mentioned on ID. The address is only relevant to determine the mayor in the place of residence where relevant. As to the error in the name, if the error is administrative, then relevant administration will fix the error. If the error is in the civil records, then the court will need to fix it (Judge handling Personal Status Affairs) (https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1).

What if I only have foreign documents?

We need to distinguish between (i) a non-Lebanese applicant and (ii) an applicant who have Lebanese parents.  Under the first category, there are different sub-categories, such as refugees. For those persons, some kind of identification cards may be issued (Articles 17 to 27 in Section 3 relating to the Directorate General for Political Affairs and Refugees of Decree no. 4082 relating to the organization of the Ministry of Interiors and Municipalities) . Further, foreigners residing in Lebanon will have Residency Permits. For the second category, parents can still register a child up to one year from birth; after one year, a court decision is required following the request of the concerned persons or public prosecutor. An applicant who is an adult can initiate the procedure. (Article 12 of the Law on Registration of Personal Status Records dated 7 December 1951).

What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a National ID card?

In this case, a follow up with the relevant administration to solve the issue is recommended, and if unable to solve the issue, a challenge of the administration’s decision before the relevant court (Sole Judge handling personal affairs as per Article 68 of the New Civil Procedure Law) is possible.

RESIDENCY

Do I have to be a resident of the country to get a National ID card?

There is no need for residency to obtain a national ID card (https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/identitycard).

What does it mean to be a resident of this country? How do I prove residency?

The concept of legal residency is not relevant for national ID card. Residency can be proven by an attestation of the Mukhtar or Residency Permits.

What can I do if I do not have residency in this country?

Residency in Lebanon is not relevant to obtain a national ID card but the request to obtain an ID is made in Lebanon (https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/identitycard).

Will I need a mailing address?

No

What can I do if I am homeless?

Residency is not relevant for a Lebanese to obtain a national ID card, if other requirements are satisfied (https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/identitycard).

APPLICATION DETAILS

What is the application process?

An application may be in two ways:

• through the mayor (Mukhtar) of the place of registration. The Mukhtar will prepare the application and a Mukhtar attestation, and the application is then submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Status.
• Or in the fingerprint stations centers available in all the civil records centers to which their place of residence belongs, regardless of the place of their registration in the civil records, provided that the applicant has reached the age of fifteen years.

For the application, in each case, a statement of individual registration (Bayan Kard Fardi), two passport photos and other documents are required as described under the following link: بطاقة الهوية | DGCS.

For documents required, please see the information mentioned under the following link: بطاقة الهوية | DGCS

Can I complete it online?

No, but a statement of registration may be obtained online (Bayane Kayd).

Is there an application fee?

Yes cost of documents and stamps

Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?

Article 18 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the committees for statistics of the residents of Lebanese Republic provides for the possibility of waiving the fee then applicable and stamps.

How old do I have to be to apply for a National ID card by myself?

18 years old

What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me (and the application says I have to have one)?

In this case, the court will appoint a guardian.

At what age can I get a National ID card by myself?

18 years old

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?

Yes, the organizations in charge will handle their situations (Article 11 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the committees for statistics of the residents of Lebanese Republic).

Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?

No

TESTING and PERMITS

Will I have to take a test?

A test is needed to identify blood group if no medical report identifying the blood group is available.

If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?

No

What organization issues a driver's license in this country?

The Traffic, Vehicles and Vehicles Management Authority that is part of the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities.

PROCESS & RESOURCES

What is the process for getting a driver's license?

Typically, the process is described under the following link: Traffic Management Organization (tmo.gov.lb). That said, currently due to the economic crisis in Lebanon and shortage of employees, the service of obtaining a new driver’s license is not offered and process of obtaining a new driver’s license is not mentioned on the Traffic Management Organization website[1]. Services offered include renewals of old existing licenses or replacement of lost driver’s licenses. After inquiry before a person involved with services of the Traffic Management Organization, I have been advised that the process of obtaining a driver’s license is similar to the process of renewal of a license.

An application must be submitted to Traffic, Vehicles and Vehicles Management Authority including the following documents:

• Criminal record not dating back more than three months
• Blood type card or affidavit
• A medical certificate issued by the Medical Syndicate, (not dated for more than three months)
• A copy of the ID card, a copy of the registration certificate or a copy of the passport. Non-Lebanese must present a valid residency.
• A domicile certificate from the Mukhtar
• two passport photos certified by the Mukhtar

In addition, article 204 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد   (confirm the above requirements, in addition to:

• actual residency in Lebanon
• special training for the relevant category of license evidenced by an attestation from the attended training school
• passing the driving test as per the requirements of the driving test
• payment of test and license fees

Where can I find information online about getting a driver's license?

Traffic Management Organization (tmo.gov.lb) and in law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  )

DOCUMENTS

What documents do I have to have to get a driver's license? Is there any document that I must have to get a driver's license?

An application must be submitted to Traffic, Vehicles and Vehicles Management Authority including the following documents:

• Criminal record not dating back more than three months
• Blood type card or affidavit
• A medical certificate issued by the Medical Syndicate, (not dated for more than three months)
• A copy of the ID card, a copy of the registration certificate or a copy of the passport. Non-Lebanese must present a valid residency.
• two passport photos certified by the Mukhtar
• A domicile certificate from the Mukhtar
• Attestation of training attendance

Traffic Management Organization (tmo.gov.lb)

What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?

The address is not mentioned on a driver’s license, but the Mukhtar will need to fix the address in domicile certificate and the residency certificate issued by the Directorate of the General security may be fixed if stated incorrectly. As to the error in the name, if the error is administrative, then relevant administration will fix the error. If the error is in the civil records, then the court will need to fix it (Judge handling Personal Status Affairs).

What if I only have foreign documents?

Non-Lebanese must present a valid residency. Foreigners may use international driving licenses in Lebanon.

What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a driver's license?

In this case, fixing the relevant documents will be necessary. If the rejection decision is unjustified, a follow up with the relevant administration to solve the issue is recommended, and if unable to solve the issue, a challenge the administration’s decision before the court is possible. If the documents are not accepted due to a physical condition of the applicant, then a medical committee will be involved.

RESIDENCY

Do I have to be a resident of the country to get a driver's license?

Yes, as per article 204 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  )

What does it mean to be a resident of this country? How do I prove residency?

Residency may be proven by a valid residency card for foreigners and by a domicile certificate for Lebanese.

What can I do if I do not have residency in this country?

International driver’s license may be used but a local driver’s license may not be issued for a non-resident.

Will I need a mailing address?

The residence address mentioned on the domicile certificate or the residency certificate may be used as mailing address, where needed.

What can I do if I am homeless?

A domicile certificate will not be able to be issued then and one of the driver’s license conditions is not satisfied then.

APPLICATION DETAILS

What is the application process?

An application must be submitted to Traffic, Vehicles and Vehicles Management Authority including the following documents:

• Criminal record not dating back more than three months
• Blood type card or affidavit
• A medical certificate issued by the Medical Syndicate, (not dated for more than three months)
• A copy of the ID card, a copy of the registration certificate or a copy of the passport. Non-Lebanese must present a valid residency.
• two passport photos certified by the Mukhtar
• A domicile certificate from the Mukhtar
• Attestation of training attendance

Traffic Management Organization (tmo.gov.lb)

Can I complete it online?

No

Is there an application fee?

Yes

Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?

No

How old do I have to be to apply for a national driver’s license by myself?

18 as per article 199 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  )

What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me (and the application says I have to have one)?

An applicant has to be 18 years old or above as per article 199 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  )

At what age can I get a driver's license card by myself?

18 as per article 199 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  )

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?

No

Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?

No

TESTING and PERMITS

Will I have to take a test?

Yes, as per article 204 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  )

If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?

Yes

Where can I take the driving test?

Driving tests are taken at specific locations under The Traffic, Vehicles and Vehicles Management Authority

What can I do if I cannot get to a testing location?

Not conceivable generally, knowing that currently, issuing driver’s licenses is suspended. Services offered are limited to renewing existing licenses or replacing lost licenses.

Do I need to get a permit or authorization to practice driving before I get my driver's license?

No, but typically an applicant practices driving with an instructor before applying for the license and a certificate of training must be issued by the attended school (article 204 of law no. 243 dated 22/10/2012 (New Traffic Lawقانون السبر الجديد  ))

What is the document detailing a person's birth called in this country?

Birth Certificate وثيقة ولادة

I'm not sure I have a birth certificate, what can I do to find out if I have one and where to get it?

This may be checked in and obtained from the records of the Directorate General of Civil Status (Articles 1 to 11 (sections 1 and 2) of the Law on Registration of Personal Status Records dated 7 December 1951)

How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?

The concerned party may request a true copy from the Directorate General of Civil Status

Can I order my birth certificate online?

No

What documents will I need to get my birth certificate?

An application to obtain a copy of the registered certificate is required. The concerned party shall submit an application to the registrar of personal affairs, attested by the Mukhtar of the area of registration stating the area of registration. Payment of stramp duty is required (https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/applicationmechanisms/mechanism4).

What happens if I don't have some or all of the documents that are required?

The copy of the birth certificate will not be obtained.

How old do I have to be to get a copy of my birth certificate by myself?

18, otherwise a guardian can obtain it

What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me to get a birth certificate (and the application says I have to have one)?

The relevant court (as per the religion and sect of the concerned party) will appoint one.

What is the cost to get a birth certificate?

Currently LBP 3000000 (approximately USD 34)

Is there a waiver if I cannot afford the fee?

No

Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I have been in the foster care system (children in custody of the government)?

Yes, typically the organizations in charge will handle the birth certificates (Articles 16 and 17 of the Law on Registration of Personal Status Records dated 7 December 1951).

Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I am homeless?

Homelessness is not relevant; what matters is registration in the civil records. Articles 15, 16 and 17 of the Law on Registration of Personal Status Records dated 7 December 1951 include provisions relating to registering the birth of abandoned or illegitimate children.

Where do I get my birth certificate if I was born in another country?

A true copy may be obtained through the embassy or consulate of the country of birth, but the Registrar for Person al Affairs in Lebanon would have a copy thereof (Article 19 and 20 of the Law on Registration of Personal Status Records dated 7 December 1951 and Article 13 of Section 2 of Decree no. 4082 relating to the organization of the Ministry of Interiors and Municipalities).

Is there a way to get my birth certificate without going somewhere in person?

No

Where can I find information online about getting a birth certificate?

https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/applicationmechanisms/mechanism4

NAME CHANGE

What vital doc should I start with to change my name?

The process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters). Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it in the relevant personal identification document. (Article 21 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic). https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1.

Is the process easier for one of the IDs?

It is a different process.

How do I change my name on my birth certificate?

If there is a technical error by the Mokhtar or the relevant administration, they can fix it. If no error is involved, the process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters). Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it in the relevant personal identification document (Article 21 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic). https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1.

How do I change my name on my National ID?

If there is technical error by the relevant administration, they can fix it. If no error is involved, the process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters). Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it in the relevant personal identification document (Article 21 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic). https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1.

How do I change my name on my driver's license?

If the error is a technical error by the relevant administration, they can fix it. If no error is involved, the process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters). Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it in the relevant personal identification document (Article 21 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic). https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1.

At what age can I change my name by myself?

At the age of 18.

What can I do if I have a parent or guardian with to change my name and do not have anyone who can help me?

Before 18, a guardian is needed. After 18, it is not needed.

GENDER MARKER CHANGE

What vital doc should I start with to change my gender marker? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?

The process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters) enclosing medical documents. Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it in the relevant personal identification documents. (Article 21 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic). https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1.

How do I change my gender marker on my birth certificate?

The process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters) enclosing medical documents. Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it in the relevant personal identification document. (Article 21 of Decree no. 8837 dated 15 January 1932 relating to the Committees for Statistics relating to the Residents of Lebanese Republic). https://www.dgcs.gov.lb/arabic/decisions/alhawiya/taamim-1.

How do I change my gender marker on my National ID?

The process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters) enclosing medical documents. Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration to reflect it.

How do I change my gender marker on my driver's license?

The process starts with a claim before the relevant court (the judge handling personal status matters) enclosing medical documents. Once the court issues a decision, it is notified to the administration.

At what age can I change my gender marker by myself?

At 18

What can I do if I have a parent or guardian with to change my gender marker and do not have anyone who can help me?

Before 18, a guardian is needed. After 18, it is not needed.