The new KAUST IDs (in landscape format) have been gradually introduced since the fourth quarter of 2011. This replacement program will come to a close on June 30, 2012. Please make sure you have the new format ID by this deadline. The old ID format (portrait style) card will be accepted at all gates until the end of the replacement program.
The new format accommodates additional fields of information and new photo orientation which helps make the cards easily distinguishable, thus enhancing security measures. Please note that the new format ID is required in order to update your vehicle sticker, which also features upgraded technology (multi –layered, tamper proof, bar-coded, and serially numbered).
If you do not have the new format, IDs can be replaced on a one-for-one basis at the ID Services office.
The ID Services office is located in the Security Headquarters Building. The office is open Saturdays through Wednesdays, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For questions, please email IDSticker@kaust.edu.sa.
9 comments
I have just came back from the ID office. Be aware that they have (almost constant) IT problem so the process of issuing the new landscape ID is slow – I was waiting about 30 minutes – and my new card is still not fully in the system so I need to wait for another business day before I can go and apply for the vehicule sticker renewal.
Also, I specifically asked if they could renew my wife’s ID card and they told me that my wife will not need any new ID (she does not own a car). Which seems in contradiction what is said in this Lens article. I wonder who got it right. And if The Lens has it right (which I incline to believe) then why the ID officers are not better informed?
Please know that Security Services is aware of recent system delays and IT is working with them to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
Security Services also confirmed the following:
– If you own a vehicle, you must first renew your ID and then the vehicle sticker (in that order) before May 31.
– If you do not own a vehicle, you must renew your ID before June 30.
– The above applies to all KAUST ID holders.
If this is a new requirement, then it would be nice to have a more convenient way to accomplish. Perhaps setting up a temporary office on campus or Discovery Square for the month of June would be a friendly step?
Good idea Negin!
It does take some time to get the cards updated.
I got my new ID on Monday and was waiting for an hour.
I don’t think you can go after 5 or during weekends so it means you have to go during working hours.
There didn’t seem to be a lot of people waiting – just no one at the ID terminals. Usually just one or two operators at the most.
I’d second that, travelling to the security HQ takes time (around 45 minutes or longer, if you don’t have a car and need to use the bus) and the offices are only open during normal working hours. This is time where all staff, faculty and students are engaged in our daily activities. If a temporary office cannot be set up, perhaps security could organise scheduled buses exclusively for the ID replacement? This way it becomes easy, quick and convenient for all members of the KAUST community – including adults, teenagers and children – to replace their ID.
I think a temporary office in campus is a good idea for staff and students, I think we should make another temporary office in discovery square for families, drivers, housemaids, …etc.
Dear Commenters,
We will make sure Security Services get your feedback. Thank you.
I went home to watch the kids while my wife took a taxi to renew her ID… Ended up taking over 1.5 hours. She said it seemed that only one person was working at a time. Also many who were there before her were still waiting when she left. So be prepared for this to take some time.
Maybe IDs could be printed and delivered to the security office on the spine. They could then be exchanged for old IDs as needed.