If you have been to the United Arab Emirates, it is likely that you might have seen or heard of the ‘Emirates ID’. The Emirates ID is a vital document in the United Arab Emirates that serves as both an identification card and a means of accessing various government services. All residents of the UAE, both nationals and foreigners, are required to obtain and carry their Emirates ID at all times.
What is an Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is a government-issued identity card that contains biometric information such as fingerprints, a photograph, and personal details, including name, date of birth, nationality, and residency status. The card features an electrical chip that stores this data making it incredibly secure, credible, and challenging to counterfeit.
It serves as a primary identification document in the country. Therefore, it is compulsory for all UAE residents, including expatriates, to obtain an Emirates ID. This mandatory identity card is used for various official purposes like accessing government services, opening bank accounts, processing visa applications, and voting in FNC elections. It also acts as a travel document for UAE citizens to travel within GCC. You can also use an Emirates ID card to pass immigration through the e-Gates and smart gates at the airports inside UAE.
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security-ICP in UAE is the authorized entity that issues Emirates ID cards to the residents of the country.
How to apply for an Emirates ID?
There are two options to apply for an Emirates ID in the UAE. You can either visit the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) to initiate the application process or visit an accredited typing center in the UAE that can help you with the application. The ICP website or the accredited typing center will provide you with detailed instructions on the application process, the required documents, and the applicable fees.
Once you have submitted your application, you may need to visit one of ICP's service centers to provide your biometric details including fingerprints and a photograph, for identity verification. The service center staff will guide you through the process. You can then track the status of your application on the ICP website.
Learn more about the new Emirates ID registration form.
How to check the Emirates ID status?
The Emirates ID is a primary identification document in the country. Therefore, you need to make sure that it is valid at all times to avoid the consequences. You can check the status of your Emirates ID card easily.
To check the status of your Emirates ID card online, follow these steps:
- Visit the ICA's (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) official website.
- Go to the ID Card Status page on the ICA website.
- Enter either your PRAN (application number) or IDN number (actual Emirates ID card number) in the provided slot and click on ‘check’.
The website will display information on the status of your application after you enter the necessary information and click the ‘check’ button. You can find the PRAN number on your Emirates ID application form. The IDN number is the actual Emirates ID card number.
How to renew your Emirates ID?
All the residents of the United Arab Emirates are required to carry a valid Emirates ID with them at all times. If your Emirates ID card is expired, you need to renew it as soon as possible to avoid the consequences. You might also have to pay the late fine before renewal if you are late to the renewal process.
You can initiate your Emirates ID renewal process through the ICP website or the application. The ICP application is available on App Store, Play Store, and Huawei. You can also visit any accredited typing center or Dubai Customer Happiness Center to help you with the process.
Applicants above 15 years of age will need to update their biometric data after the renewal application process.
Cost of Emirates ID renewal application
If you are initiating the Emirates ID renewal process through the ICP website or application, here is what you might have to pay for the process.
- For UAE citizens: AED 170 (5-year validity), AED 270 (10 years validity)
- For expats: AED 170 (1-year validity), AED 270 (2-year validity), AED 370 (3-year validity)
- For GCC nationals: AED 170 (1-year validity)
What is the grace period for Emirates ID renewal?
As per the official announcement from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), individuals who fail to submit their Emirates ID card renewal application within 30 days of the card's expiry date will be subject to a fine. The penalty for late renewal will be AED 20 per day, and there will be a maximum cap of AED 1,000. However, you can initiate your renewal process six months prior to the expiry date if your residence visa is renewed or reissued.
How to renew your Emirates ID from outside UAE?
Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has launched a service that allows people living abroad to use their mobile devices to access the authority's smart application. Using this service, you can initiate your renewal process from outside the country. You must apply directly for the transaction and ensure that you are the rightful owner of the documents. Learn more about this service.
What to do if your Emirates ID is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Since the Emirates ID card is a vital document for residents in UAE, it is necessary to apply for a replacement card if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Visit the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre and report the loss, theft, or damage of your Emirates ID card. They will deactivate the lost or stolen card immediately. You need to bring other identification documents like a passport, residence visa permit, and family book (for UAE citizens). In case of damaged cards, you will need to present your old card.
Follow the steps to place a replacement request for Emirates ID from Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Apply for ID card replacement
You can apply for an Emirates ID card replacement at the Customer Happiness Centre, the ICP website, or ICP smart application.
Pay the fees
For the replacement of a lost or damaged ID, the applicant must pay AED 300 in addition to an application cost of AED 70 for typing centers or AED 40 for the eForm on the ICA website. These fees are applicable to all UAE nationals, GCC nationals, and expatriate residents.
Collect your new ID card
The status of your application and the expected date of delivery will be informed to you via text message from ICP. After filing the replacement application, the new ID card will be issued within 48 hours. If you opted for the express service, you will receive the ID card within 24 hours from the submission time.
How to get your Emirates ID within 24 hours?
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security offers an urgent service called 'Fawri' that allows individuals to obtain their Emirates ID card within 24 hours. This service is available for all age groups of UAE nationals and GCC nationals who officially reside in the UAE. You can make use of this service to register for the first time, renew cards that have expired, or replace cards that have been damaged or lost. For expatriate residents other than GCC nationals, the urgent service is only applicable when replacing their identity cards, as the issuance or renewal of identity cards is linked to proof of residency and related procedures.
You can visit the FAIC Customer Happiness Centres to use the ‘Fawri service. You will have to pay an extra charge in addition to the regular application fee for the express service. This service ensures that applicants receive their Emirates ID card promptly enjoying a quick and efficient process.
Also Read:
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
