What to do if you have lost your Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is an identification card issued by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICA). If you live in the United Arab Emirates, you must be aware of the importance of this card. All UAE nationals and residents are required to carry it with them at all times. In case you have lost your Emirates ID in the UAE, here’s what you should do.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR EMIRATES ID CARD IS LOST
If your Emirates ID is stolen, lost or damaged, you need to take the following steps.
STEP 1: REPORT TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY
The first step you need to take after you have lost your Emirates ID UAE is to report the incident at the nearest ICA Customer Happiness Centre.
If you are wondering about how to report lost emirates ID; the process is simple and easy. All you need to do is carry a valid document for identity confirmation so that the centre can deactivate the card immediately.
You can also ask for the issuance of a copy of your lost Emirates ID card. If you need to report a damaged card, you need to bring it with you.
Here is what you need to bring as proof of identity to report the Emirates ID lost:
- UAE nationals: A family book with your valid original passport
- GCC nationals: Valid employment certificate or card, school registration certificate, valid marriage contract, commercial licence, ownership contract, real estate lease or certificate of dependency
- Expatriates: A valid passport with a valid residency permit
- Child (under 15): Parents have to provide the original birth certificate and a coloured passport size photo (white background).
The process to report and request a new Emirates ID can be completed with the UAEICP official app available on App Store and Play Store.
STEP 2: APPLY FOR AN EMIRATES ID CARD REPLACEMENT
Once you have reported the incident, you should apply for the replacement of your lost Emirates ID immediately. You will need to submit a form to complete the card replacement process.
Application forms for the replacement ID card request are available at ICA Customer Happiness Centres. You can visit the official ICA website for online forms. Similarly, the ICA UAE app also allows you to submit the application form and proceed with the request.
STEP 3: PAY THE CHARGES
Here are the details of the replacement charges for a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID:
- Replacement fee: AED 300
- Application fee via typing centre: AED 70 | Via eForm: AED 40
You must submit the fees along with the application form for lost Emirates ID replacement. All UAE nationals, GCC nationalities and expatriate residents are subject to these charges.
STEP 4: COLLECT YOUR NEW CARD
After you apply for a replacement Emirates ID card, the ICA will send you an SMS with the application submission and the expected delivery date.
It takes two working days for the new Emirates ID to be issued. You can contact the courier service after receiving an SMS notification from ICA to inquire about your new Emirates ID card. Their customer centre number is 6005-30003.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR EXPRESS ID REPLACEMENT SERVICES?
For an additional AED 150, you can use the express ID replacement service at ICA’s main Customer Happiness Centre.
WHAT IF SOMEONE SUBMITS MY STOLEN ID CARD AT ONE OF THE REGISTRATION CENTRES?
An Emirates ID customer service representative will contact you to tell you that your card has been recovered.
HOW TO TRACK LOST EMIRATES ID?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to track a lost Emirates ID but you can track the status of the submitted application for a new card via the official website.
WHY IS EMIRATES ID SO IMPORTANT?
Emirates ID is proof of identity for all UAE residents. Also, there are many other uses of the Emirates ID, from making airport immigration easy for UAE citizens and residents to processing medical insurance. Remember that if you lose your card, it has to be deactivated immediately.
HOW TO UPDATE MY DATA ON MY EMIRATES ID CARD?
Emirates ID holders can visit the nearest Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship branch to change their personal information. Emirates ID modifications must be reported at least one month before the effective date of the change.
If you’re wondering how to update your mobile number in Emirates ID, the process is simple and can be completed via the ICA website or the UAEICP application.
HOW TO RENEW MY EMIRATES ID?
You can renew your Emirates ID online or visit the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship (FAIC) service centres. The Customer Happiness Centres and the authorised typing centres in Dubai also offer these services.
That concludes our guide on how to replace a lost Emirates ID. You can also get an e-Emirates ID. While waiting for your physical card to arrive, you can use your electronic Emirates card.
