Complete guide to the Emirates ID in the UAE

• What is Emirates ID?
• FAQs

All UAE citizens and residents have an identification card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) – the Emirates ID. If you’re wondering how to apply, renew or replace your Emirates ID, MyBayut provides a thorough breakdown of these processes. We have also listed documents required for the Emirates ID application, issuance fees and processing times in this detailed guide to the Emirates ID. 

WHAT IS THE EMIRATES ID?

As stated earlier, The Emirates ID or the UAE ID Card is an identification card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). It acts as a portable personal database and is mandatory for all UAE citizens and residents. Everyone living in the UAE must apply for the card and carry it with them at all times.

Each Emirates ID card has a unique 15-digit identity number assigned to the cardholder. There is an electronic chip with the holder’s personal data (including finger biometrics) beside the holder’s photo on the card.

FAQS

Continue reading to know absolutely everything about Emirates ID.

WHY DO YOU NEED AN EMIRATES ID?

ICP’s Emirates ID is more than a legal identity card for citizens and residents. You need to submit your card details for various governmental and non-governmental services, such as applying for a new phone and internet connection, opening bank accounts, paying your DEWA bills, registering your vehicle, paying traffic fines and more.

Plus, all cardholders can make the most of Emirates ID benefits. For instance, cardholders can use the Smart Gates installed across the Dubai International Airport terminals to complete passport control procedures in seconds instead of standing in a long queue. Similarly, Emirates ID holders can use their cards to request a credit report at the Al Etihad Credit Bureau customer service centres. Hence it could be said that the Emirates ID has multiple uses for anyone residing in the UAE.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE UPDATED EMIRATES ID?

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has started revamping Emirati passports and identification cards. As part of this project, a new and improved Emirates ID is being introduced.

The new card will have enhanced protection of non-visible data. This means that ICP’s E-link system can read confidential information. Polycarbonate is being used to make this new card, which means that the card’s service life will be more than a decade. Moreover, the laser printing feature will now be authenticated with the cardholder’s date of birth.

The card’s chip also has a higher capacity as well as non-touch data reading features. Last, the new card will hold additional information, including population group, issuing authority and professional data.

Old Emirates ID can be used until the expiry date. Those who have applied for renewal already can use the digital version until they receive the physical card. If you are wondering how to get an e-Emirates ID, you can download it from App Store and Google Play.

Another good news is that even with the updates, no extra fee will be charged when you update your Emirates ID next time. The addition of high-tech security is another step towards foolproof protection from identity theft.

WHAT IS THE EMIRATES ID VALIDITY?

The validity of Emirates ID differs for expats, UAE citizens and GCC nationals.

• Expat Residents: Depends on the validity of the UAE residence visa
• UAE Citizens: 5 or 10 years
• GCC Nationals: 5 years

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW EMIRATES ID CARD?

Here is a comprehensive guide to applying for Emirates ID for expats, UAE Nationals and GCC Nationals: 

WHERE CAN EXPATS APPLY FOR A NEW EMIRATES ID?

The company sponsoring new expats (other than GCC Nationals) may apply for the Emirates ID on their behalf. Expats can put in their applications through approved typing centres across the UAE. Similarly, you can apply for Emirates ID online via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website. Once the form has been submitted, you will receive an SMS providing the time and location of the EIDA office you need to visit.

Expat residents can also apply for an Emirates ID online for their dependents (spouse or children) through the ICP website or Smart App. But this can only be done after their own Emirates ID has been issued (which must be done through a typing centre).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR EMIRATES ID APPLICATION FOR EXPATS

Below are the documents needed to apply for Emirates ID for expats:

• Original passport
• Original valid residency or entry permit

For Emirates ID applications for newborns or those under the age of 15, the following documents are also required:

• Personal photo with white background
• Original birth certificate or father’s passport or Emirates ID
• Passport and visa of the sponsor of the applicant (only for newborns)

Once you have submitted the application, a receipt would be handed to you.

EMIRATES ID APPLICATION FEES FOR EXPATS

The Emirates ID application fee for expats depends on the number of years the card remains valid. Generally, you will be charged AED 100 for each year. There will be additional service fee charges for typing offices and smart apps. Here’s an overview of the cost of applying for a new Emirates ID card.

TYPING CENTRE

• Extra Charges: AED 30

ICP WEBSITE

• Service Charges: AED 40

EMIRATES ID APPLICATION PROCESS FOR EXPATS

Below is the procedure to apply for a new Emirates ID for expats through a typing centre:

• Visit an approved typing centre to have your new Emirates ID application form filled out. Make sure to have the necessary documents listed with you, and once the application is completed, pay the appropriate fees.
• You will receive an SMS confirming that your application has been received. The message will also inform you of the EIDA office you need to visit to complete the process, including taking biometrics and the official photograph.
• Once these procedures are completed, your application will be processed. You will receive an account number through SMS for tracking your Emirates ID application status through the ICP website.
• You will receive an SMS from Emirates Post notifying you when your card is ready for collection, which is typically five working days after your residency visa has been stamped. You will be required to visit the post office mentioned in your application to collect your new UAE identity card. If you fail to collect your card within 90 days, it will be returned and made redundant.

If you are applying for an Emirates ID for your dependents through online channels such as the ICP website or Smart App, you must fill out the application form and pay the fees online instead of visiting the typing centre. After this, you can follow the same process as mentioned above.

WHERE CAN UAE NATIONALS APPLY FOR A NEW EMIRATES ID?

UAE nationals can apply for their ID card through the main Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website or an approved typing centre.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR EMIRATES ID

For UAE Nationals, the Emirates ID application documents are as follows:

• Original Family Book (in case of newborn application, make sure the child is added to the family book) (Only required when applying through a typing centre)
• Original passport

For Emirates ID applications for newborns or those under the age of 15, the following documents are also required:

• Personal photo with white background
• Original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID
• Population Register ID Number (only for newborn applications)

EMIRATES ID APPLICATION FEES FOR UAE NATIONALS

Are you looking for fees for the Emirates ID application for UAE Nationals? Emirates ID cost will depend on the length of validity, which applicants can choose between five or ten years and the application mode. The Emirates ID fee for five years card is AED 170.

PROCESS TO APPLY FOR EMIRATES ID FOR UAE NATIONALS

The application process for Emirates ID for UAE Nationals is quite simple. Here’s an outline for applying through the ICP website or typing centre:

• Submit the application via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or an approved typing centre with the necessary documents. Pay the appropriate fees for the length of validity chosen.
• You will receive an SMS informing you that your application has been received. It will also notify you of the EIDA office you need to visit to complete the process, including taking biometrics and the official photograph.
• Once these procedures are completed, you will receive an account number through SMS, which you can use to track your Emirates ID status through the ICP website.
• You will receive an SMS from Emirates Post notifying you when your card is ready for collection, which is typically five working days after your residency visa has been stamped. You will be required to visit the post office mentioned in your application to collect your new UAE identity card. If you fail to collect your card within 90 days, it will be returned and made redundant.

When applying for an Emirates ID for newborn UAE Nationals, the child’s name must be added to the family book and registered with the Population Register. At that point, the newborn applicant will receive their Emirates ID number. The newborn applicant’s parents can then apply for a renewal process for the ID card.

WHERE CAN GCC NATIONALS APPLY FOR A NEW EMIRATES ID?

GCC Nationals can apply for a new Emirates ID via the ICP website or approved typing centres.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR EMIRATES ID APPLICATION FOR GCC NATIONALS

When applying for a new Emirates ID card for GCC Nationals, applicants will need the following documents:

• Original passport
• Original Valid GCC ID Card
• Proof of residency in the UAE (such as a valid trade license, certificate to prove the applicant is studying in the UAE, employment certificate or attested employment agreement) (For children, the relevant parents’ documents can be used)

Documents needed for Emirates ID applications for newborns or those under the age of 15 are:

• Personal photo with white background
• Original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID

APPLICATION COST FOR EMIRATES ID FOR GCC NATIONALS

GCC Nationals are issued a 5-year Emirates ID, which has the same application fee as UAE Nationals.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR AN EMIRATES ID FOR GCC NATIONALS

The Emirates ID application procedure for GCC Nationals is the same as for UAE Nationals.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE TYPING CENTRES AND FAIC CENTRES?

The list of approved Emirates ID typing centres and ICP service centres, which is the Emirates ID Authority, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates, can be found on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security website. 

HOW TO RENEW YOUR EMIRATES ID?

Once the Emirates ID card expires, which will depend on the card’s validity, UAE citizens and residents have 30 days from the date of expiry to renew the Emirates ID card. After this period, there will be a late penalty of AED 20 per day. This late fine can go up to a maximum of AED 1,000.

UAE nationals can apply for renewal anytime between six to one month before the card expiry. Whereas expats with residence visas can only apply for renewal when the card has expired.

WHERE CAN YOU RENEW YOUR EMIRATES ID?

The Emirates ID renewal process is the same as applying for a new ID card, including the service channels through which applicants can renew.

If an expatriate’s residence visa is already stamped and active, they can renew the Emirates ID via the ICP website or typing centre.

• 1 Year Validity: AED 290
• 2 Years Validity: AED 390
• 3 Years Validity: AED 490

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR EMIRATES ID RENEWAL?

Mandatory documents required for Emirates ID renewal for expats, UAE Nationals and GCC Nationals are almost the same as for first-time applicants. Applicants will also need to carry along their old ID cards when going for the renewal process.

WHAT IS THE EMIRATES ID RENEWAL COST?

The Emirates ID renewal fees are the same as that for first-time applicants, which vary depending on the validity of the card, method of application and whether the cardholder is an expat or UAE/GCC National. Please take a look at the application costs above to find out the Emirates ID renewal charges.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR EMIRATES ID RENEWAL?

The renewal process for the UAE ID card requires the same steps as that for first-time applications and has the same processing time.

CAN EMIRATIS LIVING ABROAD RENEW THEIR EMIRATES ID ONLINE?

Yes, they can via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) smart app. Applications can be submitted six months before card expiry and the fee is AED 270.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU LOSE YOUR EMIRATES ID?

If your Emirates ID card has been lost, stolen or damaged, there are specific steps that need to be taken to replace your ID card. Find out what to do if you need to replace your Emirates ID card:

• Firstly, the cardholder should report the stolen or lost Emirates ID incident to Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) Customer Happiness Centre to deactivate the old card. In case you have lost your card outside of the UAE, you should inform the UAE Embassy.
• The cardholder can apply for an Emirates ID replacement through the ICP website, the officially approved typing centres or ICP Happiness Centres. However, if someone is applying for a replacement ID card for their dependents, they can do so via the ICP website or app. The applicants will also be required to have their biometrics taken. 
• Pay the appropriate fee.
• The card issuance period (generally) is 48 hours.

The following documents will be required when applying for a replacement ID card:

• Expat residents: original passport
• UAE nationals: original passport and family book (when applying through typing centre or online. No documents are required when visiting ICA Centre)
• GCC nationals: original passport, Unified Identification Number, original GCC ID card and proof of residency

Applicants below the age of 15 must submit a photograph with white background, original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID. GCC national applicants below 15 years will need their father’s GCC ID Card.

EMIRATES ID REPLACEMENT FEES

The Emirates ID replacement cost will differ based on where the application was submitted. The charges are the same for expat residents, UAE and GCC nationals:

• ICP website or smart app: AED 340
• Typing centre: AED 370
• ICP Happiness Centre: AED 450

IS THERE A WAY TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF ISSUANCE OR RENEWAL OF EMIRATES ID?

With Fawri service, UAE and GCC nationals can get their Emirates ID within 24 hours. This includes first-time registration, renewal of expired card or replacement of the lost card.

Expatriates can only apply for Fawri service in case they need to replace a lost or damaged card. First-time applicants and renewals cannot use this service as time is required to attain proof of residency and go through other related processes.

AED 300 are charged for such applications. However, applicants above the age of 70 don’t have to pay the extra charges.

To avail of Fawri services, you can visit the following ICP Customer Happiness Centres:

• Al Barsha, Dubai
• Al Rashidiya, Dubai
• Karama, Dubai  
• Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
• Al Ain Centre, Al Ain
• Sharjah Centre, Sharjah
• Ajman Centre, Ajman
• Fujairah Centre, Fujairah
• Ras Al Khaimah Centre, RAK
• Umm Al Quwain Centre, Umm Al Quwain
• Al Jazeera and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi

HOW TO CHECK YOUR ID CARD STATUS?

Want to check the status of Emirates ID renewal, replacement or application? Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website
• On the homepage, select the option for ID Card Status
• To check application status, enter the application (PRAN) number or your Emirates ID number to check renewal or replacement status. 

HOW CAN I UPDATE MY EMIRATES CARD DETAILS?

If there is a change in your data, you have to inform the ICP within 30 days. You have to visit ICP’s Customer Happiness Centre with your passport and current Emirates ID. Requests to update Emirates ID are not entertained online. This applies to all cardholders, i.e. residents and nationals.

HOW CAN I UPDATE MY MOBILE NUMBER ON THE EMIRATES ID CARD?

Read our detailed blog on how to change your mobile number on the Emirates ID card to get complete clarity.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST FEATURES OF THE EMIRATES ID CARD?

The Emirates ID card has different components to protect the integrity of the whole system.

• Smart card
• Fingerprint biometric
• Public key infrastructure (Digital signature and authentication certificates)

Furthermore, the identification number and the electronic chip perform key functions.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The unique identification number (also known as the identity number) is associated with the individual until the cancellation of the card. This number is used by all government, non-governmental and private entities to prove your identity. This 15-digit number provides evidence of your status in the country.

ELECTRONIC CHIP

The electronic chip saves the personal data of the cardholder. When scanned on machines, it provides authentication of the user. The chip stores up to 32,000 letters that are part of encrypted data. Hence, only authorised entities can read, write or update this information.

OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

Data protection has been a priority for the UAE government. Emirates ID uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure zero theft. It uses smart cards, ultra-violent ink, line drawing and accurate letters. Furthermore, it has a total of nine security features, which makes falsification or forgery difficult. Emirates ID security provisions are similar to the ones banks use for credit cards.

CAN I GET MY EMIRATES ID CARD CANCELLED?

Residents who plan to go back to their home countries or change jobs have to cancel their ID cards. You have to hand over the card to the respective General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT MY EMIRATES ID APPLICATION, WHO DO I CONTACT?

If you have any questions regarding Emirates ID cards, you can contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) at 600-522-222.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF UAE TRAVEL BAN CHECK?

If you’ve been involved in a rental dispute or have outstanding financial debt, it’s a good idea to check if a travel ban has been raised against you. Here’s how to check your travel ban status.

That brings an end to MyBayut’s guide to the UAE Emirates ID! We hope this article helps you apply, renew and replace your ID card smoothly and efficiently.

Read our helpful guide on checking your UAE visa status to determine what stage your residency visa application has reached. If you’ve recently moved to the UAE, take a look at the basic rules for expats in the country for an easy transition.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for more information about life in the UAE.