Short for ‘Kad Pengenalan Malaysia’, the MyKad service acts as the Malaysian Identification Card, essentially serving as the official identity document for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents. Initially launched in 2001, the MyKad system is a highly sophisticated identity card that comes embedded with a micro-chip that stores the cardholder’s biometric information (facial recognition and fingerprint data) as well as data for photo identification.
One of the primary reasons the MyKad system was introduced was to enable it to act as a validation tool as well as a proof of citizenship. Additionally, it can also serve as a valid driver’s license, an electronic purse, or an ATM card, provided that the cardholder activates the required function(s). Additionally, the MyKad identity card can also be used for voting in Malaysian elections and for traveling domestically within the country.
If you are planning to sign up for the MyKad service in Malaysia and want to know the required steps to complete the process, then you can effortlessly do so by following our comprehensive guide.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
Before you decide to sign up for MyKad, keep in mind that only Malaysian citizens or permanent residents who are aged 12 years or older will be able to apply for the service. However, for permanent residents, a different type of identity card, known as MyPR, will be provided. The application must be made within 30 days of turning 12 years old; failing to do so will attract a processing fee.
Similarly, children who are born in Malaysia are provided with a MyKid identity card after birth, which is then automatically upgraded to a MyKad identity card on their 12th birthday. And as a child reaches 18 years of age, his or her MyKad is updated to accommodate his or her current photograph.
Since the MyKad application is carried out in person at an NRD (National Registration Department) branch, the applicant must be accompanied by a guardian (grandparents, uncle, aunt, brother, or sister who is over 21 years old), or father or mother. Any other legal representative of the applicant than the ones mentioned above must submit a statutory declaration letter as well as a letter confirming the care of the applicant from Malaysia’s Department of Social Welfare (JKM).
Talking about the documents that need to be furnished when applying for MyKad, the applicant must present his or her birth certificate, adoption certificate, or citizenship certificate, along with the passport (for applicants residing abroad). Additionally, the identity card of the father, mother, or guardian should also be presented (a passport for those who are living abroad).
Lastly, if the residential address of the applicant does not match that of the guardian, father, mother, or any other legal representative of the applicant, then an electricity bill, water bill, utility bill, sewerage bill, house rental agreement, receipt, or income tax assessment form should be provided.
How to Apply and Activate
With the rules properly explained, you can start the MyKad application process by following the recommended steps stated below.
- Start by first locating a nearby Malaysian NRD branch around you via the official website.
- Once you have found your preferred branch, head over to the designated address with the supporting documents (as previously mentioned) and then obtain the ‘JPN.KP01 Application Form’ from the branch’s counter.
- After obtaining the form, fill it out properly with the necessary information.
- Once done, submit the filled-out form at the NRD branch’s counter along with the supporting documents in their original format.
- After submitting the form and the supporting documents, you need to pay the requisite amount in cash. Keep in mind that if the MyKad application is done within 30 days of the applicant turning 12 years old, then no fee will be charged. However, after 30 days, up to the applicant turning 16 years old, a processing fee of 10 Malaysian ringgit will be charged.
After successful form submission and payment, the applicant needs to wait for the MyKad identity card to arrive at his or her doorstep via mail.
How to Contact For Help
The most effective way to get in touch with the Malaysia National Registration Department is via phone at 03-8000 800 or via email at pro@jpn.gov.my.
Alternatively, you can also contact them by visiting their head office in person at the following address: Putrajaya National Registration Department Headquarters, No. 20, Persiaran Perdana, Precinct 2, Federal Government Administration Center, 62551 Putrajaya Federal Territory.
Benefits of the MyKad Identity Card
The primary function of the MyKad identity card is to act as a proof of identity and citizenship for Malaysian individuals and is therefore required to obtain various public and private services, such as applying for jobs, casting election votes, opening bank accounts, etc. Besides that, the card also stores biometric information about the holder while also showcasing enhanced security to prevent identity theft and fraud.
With the MyKad identity card, Malaysian individuals can also perform everyday transactions, such as making contactless payments, accessing government services, paying for public transportation, and so on. Additionally, users can also choose to activate extra functions, such as storing basic health information or using it as a travel card.
