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Qatar ID (QID) is a plastic card issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) to all citizens and expatriates of all ages. 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 could be used digitally to access services from the official MOI website, Qatar e-government portal Hukoomi, and the Metrash app. You’ll need your QID for almost any bureaucratic occasion, from paying traffic fines or opening a bank account to getting a family residence visa in Qatar. Our instructions will help you check this universal document’s actual status.
QID Validity Check
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 will typically take one week for a QID to be issued.
MOI Qatar ID Check by Passport Number
1: Head over to the MOI website.
2: Choose »Other Inquiries» from the menu and click «Official Documents.»
3: Type in your 11-digit Qatar ID number in the «Personal Number» field. 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.
Qatar ID Сheck via Metrash
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 to have a QID and a SIM card registered under it.
1: If you haven’t already, install the app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2: 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, you can find the «Profile» section on the main menu. Click on it.
4: Your digital Qatar ID card will appear on the screen within your Metrash profile.
What to Do if Your Qatar ID Has Expired
After checking your ID, you may see different results. Here’s what each status means:
Valid and Active. Your Qatar ID is up to date and valid for use; it will appear in your profile in the Metrash app.
Under Renewal. Your QID renewal process is in progress, and you may need to wait for further updates.
Expired. Your ID has expired, and you must renew it immediately to avoid fines.
Pending Approval. If you haven’t received your QID, it means your residency application is still under review by the authorities. 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 normally the employer’s responsibility to provide their workers with the document.
Depending on your residency status, there will be applicable renewal fees that must be paid 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.
Why It’s Important to Keep Track of Your QID
Letting your Qatar ID expire or become invalid can cause serious issues, such as 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.