An ID card is to be issued for any Omani who is above fifteen (15) years of age. This will be obligatory for males and optional for females as per Article (42) of the Civil Status Law.

The ID card that the General Directorate of Civil Status issues depends on essential standards: technology of electronic transfer of the holder’s fingerprint and storing it on the electronic chip fitted on the card. This electronic chip consists of a micro-computer capable of processing data and storing it.  It contains the holder’s photo and his/her fingerprint. It has been introduced by the General Directorate of Civil Status - ROP, to keep abreast of the widely used Information Technology in the developed countries, for its simple use and numerous advantages. Description and Design of the card.