How to renew Emirates ID in Dubai – A step-by-step guide
All UAE residents know how crucial it is to have a valid Emirates ID card on hand. If your ID is close to expiring or has already expired, it is important to initiate the Emirates ID renewal. To help you with the process, here is a step-by-step guide on how to renew your Emirates ID in the UAE.
HOW DO I RENEW MY EMIRATES ID?
Please remember that the Emirates ID renewal process in Dubai is different for UAE citizens and expatriates. Expats can only renew their Emirates ID if they have a valid UAE residence visa. The Dubai Emirates ID renewal process for UAE citizens is fairly straightforward.
Here are the steps that need to be followed to renew the Emirates ID for citizens and expats.
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO RENEWING EMIRATES ID IN DUBAI
STEP 1: REGISTER AND SUBMIT THE EMIRATES ID RENEWAL FORM
To start the Emirates ID renewal process, the first step is to gather all the required documents (listed below) and head to any of the following:
- Dubai Customer Happiness Centers
- Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICP) service centres
- Typing Centers in Dubai
You can request Emirates ID renewal via ICP smart services or the website. However, you may still have to visit any of the service centres to provide biometrics.
All channels listed above facilitate the entire Emirates ID renewal process for applicants.
Once you are at the centres, get the queue ticket and wait for your turn. You will have to fill out and submit the Emirates ID renewal form with your personal details. Those who fill out and submit the form online will receive an email or SMS confirmation.
STEP 2: PAY THE FEES
Once the forms have been filled out and the documents are submitted, the next step is to pay the Emirates ID renewal fees. The Emirates ID renewal cost depends on the Emirates ID’s validity period and your nationality.
UAE Nationals
- Card Issuance Fee:
- AED 100 (5-year validity)
- AED 200 (10-year validity)
- Service Fee: AED 40
- Printing Office Fee: AED 30
GCC Nationals
- Card Issuance Fee: AED 100 (5-year validity)
- Service Fee: AED 40
- Printing Office Fee: AED 30
Expats
- Card Issuance Fee: AED 100 (Depending on the period of years)
- Service Fee: AED 40
- Printing Office Fee: AED 30
*AED 150 is paid as an urgent fee for the service carried out at the Customer Happiness Centre
STEP 3: CONFIRM YOUR BIOMETRICS
After paying the renewal fees for the UAE Emirates ID, you’re halfway there.
Following the payment, applicants will receive an SMS informing them of the application status. In some cases, applicants above the age of 15 years may need to have their biometrics taken*.
Candidates can visit these approved ICP’s service centres (Customer Happiness Centres) to have their photographs and fingerprints taken.
- Al Yalayes Customer Happiness Center
- Al Baraha Customer Happiness Center (Deira)
- Al Barsha Customer Happiness Center (Al Barsha 3)
- Al Ghazal Customer Happiness Center
- Al Nahda Customer Happiness Center
- Hatta Customer Happiness Center
STEP 4: COLLECT THE RENEWED EMIRATES ID
The final step to successfully renewing your Emirates ID is to collect it. Applicants will receive an SMS informing them the ID card is ready for collection from the Customer Happiness Centre. The card can also be delivered to your home via courier.
And that’s all you need to do to renew the Emirates ID. While it seems fairly straightforward, it’s important to have all the documents ready at hand when going to renew the UAE ID card. We’ve made a list of required documents to help you get your things in order.
The Emirates ID renewal processing time is usually 5 days but it can vary depending on the different situations. Emirates ID status check online process is straightforward.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR EMIRATES ID RENEWAL
UAE citizens, GCC Nationals and expatriates each require a different set of documents required for the Emirates ID renewal process.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED EMIRATES ID RENEWAL FOR EXPATS
- Original passport
- Valid residency visa or entry permit
- A residency visa under renewal is applicable
- Old Emirates ID card
- Personal photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with white background
- For newborns or those under the age of 15: Personal photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) 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)
- Original agency certificate from the acting person on behalf of the customer (only applicable if the concerned person is not present and a third party is applying)
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR UAE CITIZENS
- Original Family Book (In case of newborn application, make sure the child is added to the family book. This is only required when applying through a typing centre.)
- Original passport
- For newborns or those under the age of 15: Personal photo with white background (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm), original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID.
- ID Number issued when registering in the Population Register (only for newborn applications).
- Original agency certificate from the acting person on behalf of the customer (only applicable if the concerned person is not present and a third party is applying)
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR GCC NATIONALS
- Original passport
- Original Valid GCC ID Card
- Proof of residency in the UAE (This includes a valid trade license, certificate to prove the applicant is studying in the UAE, employment certificate or attested employment agreement. For children, the relevant documents for the parent of the applicant can be used.)
- For newborns or those under the age of 15: Personal photo with white background, original birth certificate or father’s passport or Emirates ID
- Original agency certificate from the acting person on behalf of the customer (only applicable if the concerned person is not present and a third party is applying)
RENEWING EMIRATES ID FOR EMIRATIS LIVING ABROAD
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has launched a new service that allows Emiratis living abroad to renew their Emirates ID online. Previously, applicants had to travel back to the UAE for a renewal but that is no longer required.
One can simply submit an application via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security smart app. Applications can be submitted six months before the expiry of the card and the fee is AED 270.
If the application is filed after the expiry of the Emirates ID, a late fine of AED 20 per day will be imposed.
FAQS ABOUT RENEWING EMIRATES ID IN DUBAI
WHEN DO EXPATS NEED TO RENEW MY EMIRATES ID?
Emirates ID renewal time is anywhere between 6 months to 30 days before expiry. If your ID has less than 30 valid days, there will be a fine.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE EMIRATES ID RENEWAL?
It can take anywhere from 24 hours to five days, depending on which method you choose. To get a card within 24 hours, expats can pay the urgent service fee, an additional charge.
WHAT TO DO IF I LOSE MY EMIRATES ID?
Report the loss to the relevant authority if you lose your Emirates ID card and apply for a replacement.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE E-VERSION EMIRATES ID?
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how you can get an electronic Emirates ID.
That concludes this step-by-step guide on how to renew Emirates ID in Dubai. For any clarification regarding the information here, please reach out to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship at 600-522-222.
Remember to check your visa validity to avoid problems. Here’s a quick guide to Dubai visa check online by passport number.
