JPN Kota Kinabalu: Jalan UMS HQ, UTC Counter and MyKad Guide
What does JPN do in Sabah?
JPN, the National Registration Department, handles MyKad, birth and death certificates, marriage registration, citizenship and permanent residence in Sabah. Its state HQ is at the Federal Administration Complex on Jalan UMS, Likas, with a convenient counter at UTC Kota Kinabalu.
JPN in Sabah at a glance
The National Registration Department, known by its Malay initials JPN (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara), is the office behind nearly every identity and vital record in Sabah. It issues the MyKad, registers births, deaths and civil marriages, and processes citizenship and permanent residence.
The Sabah headquarters sits at Block B, Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Jalan UMS, Likas, on 088-488 380 (JPN, checked 6 October 2026). For routine services, there is also a JPN counter at UTC Sabah.
The JPN counter is at UTC Sabah, Jalan Belia, Kota Kinabalu, on 088-234 165 (JPN, checked 13 October 2026). Hours vary by counter; see our UTC KK page.
MyKad application and renewal
The MyKad is Malaysia's national identity card, and JPN manages every stage of it. Children apply for their first MyKad at age 12 and replace it at age 18, with no fine if this is done by age 25 (JPN, checked 6 October 2026). JPN also issues replacements for cards that are lost, stolen or damaged.
For a first MyKad or a renewal, bring your birth certificate and, where relevant, your existing card. Replacing a lost MyKad costs RM110 for a first loss, rising to RM310 for a second and RM1,010 for a third. A police report is needed if the card was lost through crime, and for any second or later loss (JPN, checked 6 October 2026).
Birth and death certificates
JPN registers births and deaths and issues the official certificates. In Sabah, normal registration is within 14 days of the birth and is free (JPN, checked 6 October 2026). Bring the hospital birth confirmation, the parents' identity documents and, where applicable, the marriage certificate. The result is the child's birth certificate, needed later for school and a MyKad.
Death registration is handled similarly, producing a death certificate required to settle estates, insurance and EPF claims. In rural districts, registration can also be done through the local District Office, which coordinates with JPN.
Marriage and citizenship
JPN handles civil marriage registration for non-Muslim couples. A man or woman aged 21 or above can apply without anyone else's consent, and the application is displayed for 21 days plus one before the ceremony can take place (JPN, checked 6 October 2026). Anyone aged 18 to 20 also needs written consent from a parent or guardian, given in person before the registrar on Form JPN.KC01B (JPN, checked 7 October 2026). Muslim marriages are registered through the state Islamic religious authorities instead.
The department also processes citizenship applications and permanent resident (PR) status. These are document-heavy and can take time, so applicants should prepare carefully and follow the checklists on the JPN website.
Procedures and fees can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm the latest requirements on jpn.gov.my or with the department directly.
What to bring
For most JPN services, carry your MyKad, plus the original and a photocopy of any supporting record, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or existing card. For services involving a child, bring the child's documents and both parents' identity cards.
Arriving early matters, as queue numbers for popular services such as MyKad can run out before closing at standalone offices. The UTC Sabah counter is another option; hours vary by counter.
Office and contact details
The Sabah JPN headquarters is at Levels 1 to 5, Block B, Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Jalan UMS, Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, reachable on 088-488 380 or 088-488 301 (JPN, checked 6 October 2026). Sabah counters open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM, with a 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM break (11:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday) (JPN, checked 6 October 2026). The official website, jpn.gov.my, lists service checklists, fees and online options that can save a trip to the counter.
JPN also has a counter at UTC Sabah, Jalan Belia, Kota Kinabalu; hours vary by counter (see our UTC KK page). District Offices across Sabah also assist with birth registration and basic records in more remote areas.