Kazakhstanis to be able to renew passports online without leaving home
Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstanis will be able to renew their passports online this year, First Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Rostislav Konyashkin has said.
Speaking to reporters, Konyashkin noted that an online service for renewing national ID cards became available last year, and similar plans are now in place for passports.
“We plan to expand this service this year and make it available online as well, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs – specifically for passports. At the moment, we are focusing on renewals, because the initial issuance of documents is a rather sensitive matter. Ideally, we need to verify in person that the service is being provided to the correct individual, as it involves taking a photo, collecting a signature and so on,” Konyashkin said at a government briefing.
He did not name an exact launch date but promised that the service would become available at some point in 2026.
“Why are we moving step by step? Because we need to make sure the process is convenient for citizens, secure, and that it actually works effectively,” he explained.
The official recalled that Kazakhstanis have long been able to apply for driver’s licenses online, and this service is expected to move fully online in the future. At the same time, citizens who prefer to visit a Public Service Center (PSC) in person will still be able to do so.
“This does not mean that if a citizen comes to a Public Service Center, they will be turned away or denied the service. Our staff will either help them install the eGov Mobile app or guide them to a self-service area, where they will be consulted on how to obtain the service online,” Konyashkin said.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence expects citizens to gradually transition to fully online formats for accessing public services and processing documents.
“The Public Service Centers we are used to will be transformed. I should say right away that this is not a fast process. We must take into account that different categories of citizens have different needs. Some already find it convenient to receive services online and would never go to a PSC if the service is available via the eGov Mobile app, the eGov portal or possibly through second-tier banks and external platforms. Others prefer to come to a Public Service Center even if the service is available online, because they feel more comfortable and secure with the help of an operator,” he added.
The vice minister assured that “a certain number” of traditional Public Service Centers will remain.