Kurdistan Reaches 2 Million KRD Pass Users

Published Date : 8/14/2025 

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has issued over two million digital IDs, marking a significant step towards its goal of becoming a fully digital administration. The KRD Pass mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, has gained over 85,000 users in just five days and promises to expand further with additional functionalities. 

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has surpassed a significant milestone in its drive towards a fully digital administration by issuing over two million digital IDs. Based in northern Iraq, the KRG is the official executive body of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, and this initiative is spearheaded by the KRG’s Department of Information Technology.

At 26 centers across the Kurdistan Region, residents can register for their digital ID in about five minutes. Biometric data, including a personal photo, fingerprints, and eye scans, is captured during the registration process. Participants then receive a 13-digit Unique Personal Number (UPN), which serves as their identifier.

The digital ID already enables citizens to submit Hajj applications and renew passports online. The KRG launched the beta version of its KRD Pass mobile app to simplify access to public services. Available on both the App Store and Google Play, the platform gained over 85,000 users in just five days. Users verify their identity via an existing digital ID and face biometrics as part of the registration process. Once signed up, citizens and government employees can access a range of services, from checking monthly salaries to monitoring company records directly on their phones.

Future updates to the KRD Pass app promise further functionality. Users will be able to submit Hajj requests, track electricity bills, and receive and respond to official notifications in upcoming phases. A digital wallet feature will allow secure storage of important documents validated for all government transactions. Officials also plan to integrate additional services, such as driver’s license renewals and property registrations.

Built over six years by the KRG’s Department of Information Technology, KRD Pass represents the region’s long-term push to reduce bureaucracy and boost transparency. Digital transformation is a top priority for the KRG, which aims to become one of the leading digital governments in the Middle East and Gulf. The KRG’s vision is outlined in a white paper signed by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Masrour Barzani. The KRG welcomed Pamela Hack, Deputy Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, for high-level discussions on advancing the region’s digital transformation in June. Hiwa Afandi, head of the KRG’s Department of Information Technology, confirmed the visit on social media, highlighting talks with U.S. government representatives and tech firms.

Officials predict that KRD Pass may surpass one million users given the rate of adoption. Shahla Abdullah, head of the Quality Control and Digital Service Delivery Team, confirmed that the initial target group—comprising government salary recipients, licensed drivers, and company owners—has been fully covered. She added that the program will gradually expand to ensure every resident eventually relies on their digital ID to avoid congestion at service centers.

With more than two million digital IDs issued, the KRG is well-positioned to expand e-government services. Last year, Kurdistan issued around 438,000 biometric voter cards in the run-up to elections after implementing the new voter registration system in March 2023. This system, which requires electronic biometric cards for voting, was introduced by Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is KRD Pass?

A: KRD Pass is a mobile app developed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to provide citizens with easy access to public services. It allows users to verify their identity using biometrics and access a range of services, from checking monthly salaries to monitoring company records.

Q: How many digital IDs has the KRG issued?

A: The KRG has issued over two million digital IDs, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation efforts.

Q: What services can users access with KRD Pass?

A: Users can access a variety of services with KRD Pass, including submitting Hajj applications, renewing passports, checking monthly salaries, and monitoring company records. Future updates will add more functionalities such as tracking electricity bills and managing property registrations.

Q: What is the KRG’s vision for digital transformation?

A: The KRG aims to become one of the leading digital governments in the Middle East and Gulf. Their vision is outlined in a white paper signed by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Masrour Barzani, and focuses on reducing bureaucracy and boosting transparency.

Q: How many users has KRD Pass gained in five days?

A: KRD Pass gained over 85,000 users in just five days, indicating a high rate of adoption among residents of the Kurdistan Region. 

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