Replace a Lost or Damaged Resident Card in Oman
Quick answer
For a lost or damaged Oman Resident Card, visit the nearest Directorate General of Passports and Civil Status and report the loss or damage. Bring the original passport, attend in person, and ensure the residence is still valid. For a damaged card, take the old card if available. The ROP service guide publishes a fee of OMR 21 and an indicative time of 10–15 minutes. Replacement does not renew or extend residence.
Lost, damaged, expired or renewal?
| Situation | Correct starting point |
|---|---|
| Card lost | Report loss and request replacement at DGPCS |
| Card damaged | Take damaged card and request replacement |
| Card/residence expired | Use renewal or regularisation route, not replacement alone |
| Residence nearing expiry | Complete Resident Card renewal |
Eligibility and documents
The official service is for a resident whose card was lost or damaged. The ROP guide lists personal attendance, a valid residence and the original passport. The damaged original should be surrendered when available. The public information does not confirm a universal sponsor-approval document, biometric capture, police-report requirement for every loss, or replacement deadline.
If the card was stolen, preserve the facts and ask ROP whether a police report is required for that case. Do not invent a loss story or pay an unofficial agent.
Steps
- Secure personal accounts and record when and where the card was last seen.
- Check whether the residence itself remains valid.
- Take the original passport and the damaged card if available.
- Visit the nearest DGPCS in person and report the loss or damage.
- Complete the replacement request and pay the official amount shown.
- Keep the receipt or collection reference.
- When the card is issued, verify the name, number and existing expiry data.
Fee, time and expiry date
The ROP guide publishes OMR 21 and an indicative 10–15 minutes. Queues or record checks can take longer. Replacement produces another card for the current valid residence; it does not create a new residence period. If the residence is expired, use the relevant Resident Card renewal or official regularisation path.
Can Theqa replace the physical card?
The official replacement page does not say that Theqa is a temporary substitute for every physical-card or immigration requirement. A digital identity may help with supported services, but it should not be presented as permission to ignore replacement. See the separate Theqa guide.
Lost outside Oman
The public replacement instructions are based on attendance in Oman and do not publish a complete overseas process. Contact the nearest Omani mission and ROP before travelling. Do not assume a screenshot or digital identity will be accepted by an airline or border authority.
Common mistakes
- Using the replacement route when residence has expired.
- Leaving the damaged card at home.
- Uploading identity data to an unofficial website.
- Assuming replacement extends the expiry date.
- Claiming a police report, fine or biometric step without case-specific confirmation.
Related residence guides
Families may need the Family Joining Visa and family visa renewal guides. Workers can review the work visa guide, while new residents can use the moving checklist.
Official sources
Last reviewed: September 6, 2026
