The penalty for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia

The penalty for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia is a topic of widespread interest, as the national ID is the most important official document for identity verification, playing a crucial role in banking transactions, travel, employment, education, and government services. Any tampering or forgery of this card threatens public trust and exposes society to significant risks. Therefore, the Kingdom has given this matter special attention through deterrent regulations.

In this article, we will explain in a simple and detailed manner everything related to the crime of national ID forgery, including its definition, common forms, causes of its spread, the difference between forgery and identity theft, reporting procedures, the role of public prosecution, protection methods, and finally, we will present the penalty for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia and the prescribed financial fines.

What is National ID Forgery in Saudi Arabia?

National ID forgery in Saudi Arabia is defined as any act intended to alter the truth in official identity data or documents, whether through modification, distortion, or fabrication, leading to identity theft or obtaining benefits that the person is not entitled to.

The Anti-Forgery Law stipulates in Article (1) that: “Anyone who maliciously alters the truth in a document, whether materially or morally, in a way that causes harm to others, is considered to have committed the crime of forgery.”

Since the national ID is one of the most important official documents proving identity, its forgery falls directly under this article.

Additionally, the Civil Status Law requires every citizen to protect their national ID card and prevent others from using it.

This means that any tampering or forgery of this document is considered a serious violation that affects community security and the reliability of official transactions, requiring the imposition of penalties for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia.

Common Examples of National ID Card Forgery in Saudi Arabia

Forms and methods of national ID card forgery in Saudi Arabia vary, often involving fraudulent techniques aimed at deceiving official authorities or individuals. Notable examples include:

• Altering or obscuring basic information: such as name, date of birth, or ID number.
• Replacing the personal photo: with another person’s photo to use the card for identity theft.
• Electronic forgery: using design software or high-quality printing to produce cards similar to the original.
• Using stolen or lost original cards: with modifications for illegal transactions.
• Creating completely fake cards: containing false information not existing in official records.

It’s worth noting that whether the card is manipulated manually, electronically, or through identity theft, all these acts are considered forgery subjecting the perpetrator to legal accountability and penalties for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia.

Learn also about penalties for residency and labor law violations

Reasons for the Spread of National ID Forgery Crimes in Saudi Arabia

The spread of national ID forgery crimes in Saudi Arabia is attributed to several factors, often linked to illegal financial or behavioral motives, including:

Financial and Fraudulent Motives

Using forged IDs to open bank accounts, obtain loans, or purchase SIM cards for illegal activities

Concealing True Identity

Some violators or illegal residents resort to forgery to evade security monitoring or deportation.

Lack of Awareness Among Some Individuals

Making them easy targets for exploiting their data or lost cards by forgers.

Technological Advancement

Easy access to printing tools and programs that facilitate electronic forgery.

Connection to Other Crimes

Such as commercial fraud, identity theft, or money laundering, where forged IDs serve as a gateway to committing larger crimes.

Therefore, national ID forgery is not just a standalone crime but often a means to commit other crimes, explaining why Saudi regulations emphasize strict penalties for national ID forgery.

The Difference Between ID Forgery and Identity Theft in Saudi Law

Although ID forgery and identity theft are related crimes, Saudi law distinguishes between them in terms of method and purpose as follows:

National ID Forgery	Identity Theft
Involves changing or distorting civil status card data or creating a completely fake card, such as modifying names, numbers, or photos using physical or technical means.	Means using another person’s valid and intact identity to impersonate them or benefit from rights not belonging to the impersonator. Article (4) of the Cybercrime Law considers accessing or impersonating another’s name, identity, or capacity to cause harm or gain benefit as a punishable crime.

Thus, forgery focuses on altering the official document itself, while impersonation focuses on using another’s data or card without altering it, both being crimes subject to severe penalties.

Steps for Reporting ID Forgery or Loss

In case of card loss, theft, or suspected forgery, follow these steps:

• Access Absher platform and submit a loss/theft report.
• Book an electronic appointment with Civil Affairs to obtain a replacement.
• Report any misuse of the card through the Ministry of Interior’s Kollona Amn application.

In criminal cases, the matter is referred to the Public Prosecution.

Role of Public Prosecution in National ID Forgery Cases

The Public Prosecution is responsible for investigating and pursuing criminal cases in forgery crimes. It performs the following:

• Summoning suspects and recording their statements.
• Interrogating witnesses and collecting evidence.
• Referring the case to the competent court after completing the investigation.
• Demanding the application of prescribed penalties for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia.

Thus, the Public Prosecution’s role is fundamental in protecting national identity and maintaining trust in official documents.

How to Protect Yourself from National ID Forgery Crimes in Saudi Arabia?

To protect yourself from national ID forgery crimes in Saudi Arabia, follow these steps:

• Only share national ID images with authorized official entities.
• Avoid sending the card through unsecured communication channels.
• Immediately report through “Absher” platform or Civil Affairs center if the card is lost.
• Regularly update national ID information to avoid conflicts or exploitation.
• Activate electronic verification services provided by the Ministry of Interior and government agencies.
• Monitor any official notifications related to ID usage to ensure it’s not being misused.

Following these steps reduces the chances of your national ID being used in illegal activities. Caution and compliance with official procedures are the first line of defense against forgery crimes.

Learn about Private Right in Forgery Crimes in Saudi Arabia

Penalty for National ID Forgery in Saudi Arabia

According to Article (8) of the Criminal Law for Forgery Crimes, the penalty for national ID forgery is:

• Imprisonment from one to five years
• And a fine of up to 500,000 riyals.

If the perpetrator is a public official responsible for issuing IDs, the penalty is more severe under Article (12), reaching:

• Seven years imprisonment
• And a fine of up to 700,000 riyals.

This shows that the penalty for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia is strict and severe to protect trust in official documents.

Read the comprehensive article answering What is the penalty for forgery in Saudi Arabia?

Financial Penalties in Civil Status Card Forgery Cases

In addition to national ID forgery penalties in Saudi Arabia, Article (19) of the Forgery Law punishes users of forged cards with the same penalty as forgers if they knew about the forgery.

Article (23) of the same law imposes fines of up to 10 million riyals on private establishments if forgery was committed for their benefit and with their knowledge.

Article (76) of the Civil Status Law also imposes fines ranging from 100 to 1,000 riyals for delayed reporting of loss, damage, or changes in information.

In conclusion, the penalty for national ID forgery in Saudi Arabia represents a clear and firm message that this act is among the most serious crimes targeting official documents and threatening trust in transactions. In this article, we covered the definition of national ID forgery, common examples, causes of its spread, and the difference between forgery and identity theft. We also presented reporting procedures for forgery or loss cases, the role of public prosecution in investigation and prosecution, and preventive protection methods to protect individuals from falling victim to these crimes. Finally, we discussed the legal penalties and financial fines imposed by the system to combat this crime and protect national identity as a right for every citizen and a fundamental pillar of security and justice.