Article 69 of the Saudi Civil Status Law

المادة 69 من نظام الأحوال المدنية

The Article requires every citizen to carry his personal card at all times and produce it in transactions that call for proof of his identity and to public authority officers whenever they ask.

Official text (Arabic)

This article has not been amended since the law was issued.

يجب على كل مواطن حمل بطاقته الشخصية بصفة مستمرة، وعليه إبرازها عند إجراء جميع المعاملات التي تستدعي إثبات شخصيته، كما أن عليه إبرازها إلى رجال السلطة العامة كلما طلب منه ذلك.

This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers

Article 69 explained in plain English

This Article places three obligations on every citizen who holds a personal card:

Carrying the card continuously, that is, carrying it should be a constant habit, not only when needed.
Producing it in all transactions that call for proof of his identity, such as transactions that require his identity to be verified.
Producing it to public authority officers whenever it is requested of him.

The personal card is the official document by which the citizen proves his identity, which is why the text ties transactions and dealings with the public authority to it.

This Article is connected to those around it:

Article 68 allows Saudis residing abroad to apply for the card, renew it and report its loss or damage at the Saudi representation where they reside, under rules and procedures set by the Implementing Regulations.
Article 70 prohibits government bodies and public institutions, including universities, institutes and schools, and private companies, associations, institutions and individuals, from accepting, employing or retaining any Saudi who has completed fifteen as an employee, student or in any other capacity unless he holds a personal card.

This Article itself does not set a penalty for not carrying the card; if you face a problem because of this, you may consult a lawyer who specializes in criminal cases.

Practical example

A security patrol stopped Sultan's car at a checkpoint and the officer asked him to show his identity. Sultan must carry his personal card at all times and produce it to public authority officers whenever it is requested of him.

Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.

How we write and review content

A question about Article 69 of Civil Status Law?

Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.