Your Essential Identity Documents in Malaysia

🏷️ Everything You Need to Know

Complete guide to getting, renewing, or replacing MyKad, passport, birth certificates, and more. All JPN procedures, fees, and requirements explained in plain English — in one place.

🆔 Your Identity Document Journey

From birth certificate to passport renewal, here's how Malaysian identity documents work throughout your life.

👶

Birth Certificate

Register within 14 days

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🆔

First MyKad

Apply at age 12

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🌐

First Passport

When you need to travel

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🔄

Renewals

MyKad
Passport

🆔 MyKad (Identity Card)

🎂 First-Time Application (Age 12+)

Where to apply: JPN (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) office

Deadline: Within 30 days after 12th birthday

Cost: First time is FREE

Processing time: Same day (if complete documents)

What to bring:

  1. Birth certificate (original + photocopy)
  2. Parents' MyKad (both parents)
  3. School letter (optional, helps with address proof)
  4. Recent passport-sized photo (if required)
⚠️ Important: Both parents should accompany the child. If one parent cannot come, bring a consent letter.
JPN Portal | Find JPN Office

🔄 MyKad Renewal

Frequency: Every 10 years for adults

Online option: MyKad Renewal Portal available

Processing time: 1-5 working days

Renewal Fees

Ages 18-59: RM10

Senior citizens (60+): RM1

OKU (disabled persons): Free

Required documents:

  1. Current MyKad (original)
  2. Birth certificate (photocopy)
  3. Passport-sized photo (recent)
💡 Pro tip: Online renewal is faster! Visit the JPN online portal to check eligibility.

🆘 Lost MyKad Replacement

Police report: Only needed if lost due to theft/crime

Apply at: Any JPN office nationwide

Processing: Same day if documents complete

Replacement Fees

First time lost: RM100

Second time: RM300

Third time and beyond: RM1,000

🆘 Fee waivers available: Natural disaster victims, OKU, and extreme hardship cases can apply for fee reduction.

Required documents:

  1. Birth certificate (original + photocopy)
  2. Passport-sized photos (2 copies)
  3. Police report (if applicable)
  4. Witness with MyKad (if no other documents)

🧾 Birth Certificate

👶 For Newborns

Deadline: Register within 14 days of birth

Where: JPN office or hospital registration counters

Fee: FREE if registered within 60 days

Late registration: RM5-RM50 penalty after 60 days

💡 Hospital advantage: Many hospitals have JPN counters for immediate registration.

📋 Required Documents

Both parents' MyKad (original + photocopy)

Marriage certificate (if parents are married)

Hospital birth record or medical certificate

Witnesses: If hospital birth record unavailable

⚠️ Unmarried parents: Additional affidavit may be required. Both parents must be present.

🔄 Replacement Certificate

Apply at: Any JPN office

Fee: RM5-RM10

Processing: Same day if records found

Bring: MyKad, copy of old certificate (if available)

💡 Multiple copies: You can request multiple certified copies at once for future use.

📝 Corrections & Amendments

Name spelling errors: RM10 fee

Date/place errors: May require affidavit

Parent details: Bring supporting documents

Processing: 1-7 working days

⚠️ Major changes: Significant corrections may require legal documentation or court orders.

🌐 Malaysian Passport

🆕 First-Time Application

Where to apply: Immigration Department (JIM) offices

Validity: 5 years

Processing time: 1-7 working days

Application Fees

Adults (13-59 years): RM200

Children (under 12): RM100

Students (under 21): RM100

Senior citizens (60+): RM100

📋 Required documents:
  • MyKad (original + photocopy)
  • Birth certificate (for minors)
  • Passport photos (2 copies, specific size)
  • Parent consent (for minors)

🔄 Passport Renewal

Online option: MyIMMs eServices portal

Collection: Selected immigration branches

Same-day collection: Available at some locations

💻 Online renewal process:
  • Upload digital photo (meet specifications)
  • Pay online via FPX/credit card
  • Print receipt and collection slip
  • Collect at chosen immigration office
💡 Pro tips for faster service:
  • Early morning appointments avoid long queues
  • Bring exact documents - no photocopying on-site
  • Check photo requirements carefully online
  • Renew 6-12 months before expiry

📸 Passport Photo Requirements

✅ Required:

  • Size: 35mm x 50mm
  • White or light blue background
  • Face takes up 70-80% of photo
  • Neutral expression, eyes open
  • Recent photo (within 6 months)

❌ Not allowed:

  • Sunglasses or tinted glasses
  • Head coverings (except religious)
  • Smiling or unusual expressions
  • Shadows or poor lighting
  • Printed on regular paper

🪪 Name Changes & Corrections

✏️ Name Change Process

Common reasons: Marriage, religious conversion, spelling errors

Apply at: JPN office

Fee: RM10-RM50 depending on type

Processing: 1-14 working days

💡 Types of changes: Minor corrections (spelling) vs major changes (complete name change)

📋 Required Documents

Current MyKad (original + photocopy)

Birth certificate (original + photocopy)

Supporting documents: Marriage cert, religious conversion cert, court order

Affidavit: For major name changes

⚠️ Important: Name changes affect ALL other documents. Plan to update passport, bank accounts, etc.

⚖️ Legal Name Changes

Court order required for: Complete name changes, gender changes

Legal process: Apply to court first, then JPN

Cost: Court fees + JPN processing fees

Time: 3-6 months total process

💡 Legal advice: Consult with a lawyer for complex name change cases.

📑 Other Important Documents

💒 Marriage Certificate

Muslim marriages: Apply through JPN or state religious office

Civil marriages: Registrar of Marriages

Fee: Varies by state (RM10-RM50)

Required for: Name changes, spouse visa applications, legal matters

💡 Tip: Get multiple certified copies - you'll need them for various applications.

⚰️ Death Certificate

Report deadline: Within 24 hours of death

Where to apply: JPN office or hospital

Required for: Funeral arrangements, inheritance, insurance claims

Fee: Usually free for first copy

⚠️ Urgent: Many funeral and legal procedures require immediate death certificate.

👨‍👩‍👧 Adoption Certificate

Legal requirement: Court approval needed first

Apply through: JPN after court order

Process time: 6-12 months total

Creates: New birth certificate for adopted child

💡 Complex process: Requires legal representation and social welfare assessment.

🌍 Document Authentication

For overseas use: Documents may need authentication

Authentication types: Ministry certification, Apostille

Where: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Common for: Study abroad, work visas, international marriages

💡 Plan ahead: Authentication can take 1-2 weeks, plan accordingly for travel.

🎯 Essential Tips for Document Management

📌 Key Tips for All Documents

  • Keep multiple copies: Physical + digital copies of every identity document
  • Store safely: Use waterproof storage, cloud backup for digital copies
  • Update consistently: When you change one document, update all related ones
  • Report loss immediately: Always report lost documents to prevent fraud
  • Check expiry dates: Set reminders 6-12 months before documents expire
  • Bring extras: Always bring more photocopies than required
  • Verify requirements: Call JPN/Immigration office before visiting to confirm requirements
  • Plan for waiting: Government offices can be busy, bring snacks and entertainment

📥 Helpful Resources & Links

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔄 Renewal Questions

Q: Can I renew MyKad online?
A: Yes, online renewal is available for eligible applicants through JPN portal.

Q: How early can I renew my passport?
A: You can renew up to 12 months before expiry date.

Q: What if my MyKad expires while I'm overseas?
A: Contact Malaysian embassy/consulate for emergency travel document.

🆘 Lost Document Questions

Q: Do I need police report for lost MyKad?
A: Only if lost due to theft/crime. Not required for simple misplacement.

Q: Can I travel with lost passport?
A: No. You need emergency travel document from Immigration or embassy.

Q: How long to replace lost birth certificate?
A: Same day if your records are found in JPN system.

📋 Application Questions

Q: Can parents apply for child's MyKad separately?
A: Usually both parents should be present, or provide consent letter.

Q: What if I don't have birth certificate?
A: You can apply for replacement first, or use alternative documents with affidavit.

Q: How long does name change take to reflect?
A: 1-14 working days, but you'll need to update other documents separately.

🎯 Key Takeaways for Identity Documents

  • Start early: Apply for first MyKad within 30 days of 12th birthday
  • Keep originals safe: Store in secure, waterproof location
  • Make multiple copies: Both physical and digital backups
  • Update all documents: When one changes, update related documents
  • Plan for renewals: Set reminders before expiry dates
  • Know the fees: Budget for replacement costs, especially for lost documents
  • Use online services: JPN and Immigration offer online options for faster processing
  • Verify first: Call offices to confirm requirements before visiting

Related Guides

📢 Help Us Improve This Guide

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