"Akhbar al-Yawm"

Get Ready to Vote: Key Documents Needed for Lebanon's Elections

General Security is fully ready, and the Interior Ministry has ordered extended working hours

With just days remaining before the first phase of the municipal and mokhtar elections in Mount Lebanon, every Lebanese citizen aged 21 and above has the right to vote, as per the constitution.

Participation in the voting process requires either a valid Lebanese identity card or a passport:

Required Documents for Obtaining a Lebanese Passport:

To apply for a biometric passport (valid for 1, 3, 5, or 10 years), applicants must provide:

- A completed official passport application form (A4 size).

- For first-time applicants or those seeking a renewal of a biometric passport, identity verification documents (ID and/or individual civil extract) must be submitted. The guidelines and designated application centers can be found on the General Security website: https://www.general-security.gov.lb/ar/posts/408

- Two recent, colored passport-sized photos with a white background.

- The old passport (if available) and a copy of the personal data page.

The fee for an expedited 10-year passport is 14,900,000 LBP, while a regular one costs 10,000,000 LBP.

According to a source from the General Director of General Security, via "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency, no exceptional measures have been taken to allow voting with an expired passport. Additionally, applications must be submitted in the place of official civil registration (not current residence), and notary verification must be completed through the relevant mukhtar.

The source added that a fast-track passport processed through the Public Relations Office is issued within 48 hours (appointment required via the official platform).
A fast-track passport through regional offices takes up to 7 working days and does not require a prior appointment, walk-ins during business hours are accepted.
The source reassured the public that there are no current delays, passport stock is ample, prices remain unchanged, and production continues without interruption.

Citizens are encouraged to rely only on official sources for accurate information and to disregard rumors or unofficial social media posts.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Lebanese Identity Card:

To apply for a new or replacement identity card, the following documents are required:

- Two recent passport-sized photos, endorsed by the mukhtar (if applying through the mukhtar).

- An individual civil extract (issued within the last 6 months) or a certified copy.

- A medical report or lab test confirming the applicant’s blood type.

- A residence attestation issued by the local mukhtar is required if the application is submitted at a biometric enrollment center (station de biométrie). It is important to note that these centers accept applications from individuals who are either above or below the age of fifteen. In cases of identity card renewal, the original ID card must also be presented.

- In case of loss, an official loss report is required, along with a copy of the lost ID if available (especially when applying at biometric stations).

In this context, "Akhbar al-Yawm" has learned that the Ministry of Interior has instructed civil registry offices to extend working hours and open their doors on Friday. The ministry has also arranged for a dedicated vehicle to transport applications from the regions to Beirut to expedite processing.

While the ministry acknowledges the high volume of requests, it confirms that staff are working around the clock to ensure applications are processed before the election dates.

It’s important to note that obtaining a new ID card is free of charge, except for a stamp fee of 5,000 LBP payable to the mukhtar. No official decree has been issued that states otherwise.