Qatar ID (QID) is a plastic card issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to all citizens and expatriates regardless of age. It's an essential document that proves one's legal status in the country, containing full name, date of birth, photo, and an 11-digit QID number.

QID can be used digitally to access services on the official MOI website, the Qatar e-government portal Hukoomi, and the Metrash app. You'll need your QID for almost any bureaucratic task, from paying traffic fines or opening a bank account to obtaining a family residence visa in Qatar. Our instructions will help you check the status of this universal document. 

Getting a QID will be your priority after moving to Qatar. Whether you arrive on a work or family residence visa, you'll enter with a six-month entry document but must complete the residence permit process within the first month. For those with a work visa, an employer is usually responsible for handling your QID application. This includes scheduling your application submission, visiting the medical commission, fingerprinting, and submitting all necessary documents to the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

You can still start working in Qatar without a QID, but opening a bank account, receiving your salary, getting a driver’s license, accessing healthcare, and sponsoring your family will require one. Thus, after you or your employer submits all the required documents and pays the 500 QAR fee, it typically takes one week for a QID to be issued. You can track and check your QID’s validity status via MOI.

1. Head over to the MOI website and select Inquiries

2. Choose “Other Inquiries” from the menu and click “Official documents”

3. Type in your 11-digit Qatar ID number. If you’ve only applied for QID and want to check whether it’s ready, type in your passport number

4. Enter the verification code and hit “Inquire”

That’s it. In just seconds, your QID status will appear. If your ID is valid and active, you’ll also see the expiry date. 

Another place to check your QID status is Metrash, a free application developed by the Ministry of Interior and available in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu. However, to use it, you’ll need a QID and a SIM card registered to it.

1. If you haven’t already, install the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Enter your QID number and registered mobile number to sign in. If you're using it for the first time, follow the simple setup process

3. Once logged in, click on the “Profile” section on the main menu 

4. Your digital Qatar ID card will appear in your Metrash profile

When you check your Qatar ID, you might see one of the following status messages. Here’s what each of them means and what to do next:

Valid and active: Your Qatar ID is up to date and ready to use. You will see it appear in your Metrash profile.

Under renewal: Your QID is in progress. No action is required unless you’re notified.

Expired: Your QID is no longer valid. You must renew it immediately to avoid fines.

Pending approval: If you haven't received your ID yet, it means your residency application is still being processed. You can check its status on the MOI website using your passport number.

If your Qatar ID has expired, you need to take immediate action to renew it. Contact your employer, as it’s usually the employer’s responsibility to provide the documents to their employees.

Depending on your residency status, you may be required to pay applicable renewal fees online via the Metrash app or at the MOI service centers. Once your renewal is approved, you’ll receive a new ID card, which can either be collected from an MOI service center, where it will be printed immediately, or delivered via Q-Post within three days.

Letting your Qatar ID expire or become invalid can lead to serious consequences, including fines, legal trouble, and even Qatar visa cancellation. Not to mention how an expired or suspended QID can disrupt your daily life, from banking to healthcare access. Your Qatar ID is proof of your legal residency in the country. Keeping it valid helps you stay on the right side of the law, avoid fines, and ensure smooth access to essential services.