What is Emirates ID? Emirates ID is the main identity card or Resident card of all UAE citizens and residents. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) is the issuing authority of the Emirates ID card. It is a legal requirement that every citizen and resident in UAE must apply emirates id keep it with him every time. It has an electronic chip built inside which stores important personal data base of a person including personal information, photo, fingerprints biometric information etc. It is used as personal identification for using government services like voting, paying fines and bills, travelling within GCC countries (for UAE citizens), passing airport eGates or smart gates in UAE, paying utility bills or registering vehicles etc.
No one is allowed to occupy the emirate id card of others. Companies and empolyers are also not allowed to occupy the Emirates Id card of their employees rather they are allowed only to take get the personal data available on the card.
Emirates ID and health data — 2021 announcement (historical)
In 2021, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced plans to link health data and organ-donation pledges (via the “Hayat” app) with the Emirates ID chip. As of 2026, the official UAE government description of the Emirates ID chip refers to personal data only, and the medical-data rollout is not confirmed in current ICP guidance.
How to Get an Emirates ID?
There are two ways to start the Emirates ID application process. First: you can visit an accredited typing centre to fill in your application. Second: you can apply online through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). You might need to visit one of ICP’s service centres to provide your biometric details (photograph and fingerprints). Keep the receipt they give you safe, because it will be required when collecting your ID card.
Required Documents for Emirates ID:
According to your status category in UAE, you may need the following documents:
Documents for UAE Nationals:
- Your Family book
- Your Valid passport
- An Emirates ID application
Documents for UAE Residents:
- Valid Passport
- Valid Visa (visa work permit) [Click to Check Status of UAE Visa]
- Emirates ID application
Application Fee:
The fee of emirates id is 100 AED for one year validity.
The UAE government portal u.ae explains the Emirates ID application process, fees and required documents for each of the following categories:
- ID card for UAE nationals
- ID card for GCC nationals residing in the UAE
- ID card for Foreign Expatriate residents.
FAIC is offering many helpful services for foreigners and newborn babies in the UAE.
Emirates ID Tracking:
ICP allows you to track the status of your submitted ID card application online — see how to track your Emirates ID application on the UAE government portal.
Applications for new id card as well as renewal and replacement of id cards can also be tracked here. You have to submit your application number if you have applied for new id card or id card number if you applied for renewal or replacements.
Collection of Id card:
You ID card will be sent to a local post office once your work process has been completed. You will be informed by SMS directly to your phone number, though you are still able to check the status online. Please Note that you must collect your Emirates ID within 90 days otherwise it will be back to EIDA and discarded.
Emirates ID Renewal:
The Emirates ID can be renewed after its expiry or as early as six months before its expiry. Renew through ICP’s customer happiness centres or the smart services system (the ICP website and the UAEICP app). If you are 15 or older, you may need to complete fingerprint and signature procedures at an ICP service centre.
Late fines:
Please note if you are late in submitting id card application, you have to pay fine of AED 20 per day of delay and maximum fine is 1000 AED. Same fine criterial is applied for renewal of id cards starting from 30 days after expiry. Late fines apply also in case of any delay in reporting any data change after 30 days of the occurrence of the change.
Babies of UAE national born abroad.
The following documents are required when applying for an Emirates ID card for babies of UAE nationals born outside the UAE:
- Birth certificate ( must be obtained where child is born)
- Registration –(Baby’s birth should be registered in abroad consulate or embassy of UAE.
- Passport of the Baby.
Note that the Emirates ID card can be issued only after the passport of the baby is issued.
Updating details on Emirates ID:
Is there any change occurs in the details of id card holder, her must report relevant department in ICA within one month from date of change in data.
In order to modify any details related to an existing and valid ID card, you are required to visit one of the ICP’s customer happiness centres with your original passport and the Emirates ID card.
Note that you must report any change within one month. You can update your phone number and address with ICP online; for other changes to an existing ID card, visit an ICP customer happiness centre.
Read about your duties as an Emirates ID holder.
Cancelling Emirates ID:
Residents who intend to cancel their UAE residence visa for the purpose of leaving the country for good or for the purpose of changing jobs have their Emirates ID cancelled automatically as part of the visa cancellation process. The sponsor (employer or family sponsor) submits the cancellation request, and once approved, the Emirates ID card is deactivated in the system.
What You Must Know About Your Emirates ID.
Carry your card.
You are required to keep your emirates id card with you. If you are checked without id card, police may create trouble for you.
Lost card
If your card is lost, you must report the loss to ICP within 7 days from the date of loss and apply for a replacement card as soon as possible by following the process explained above.
Changing your name
If any change occurs in your personal details — for example, if you get married and change your name — you must report it to ICP within one month.
Children
Every persoan in united arab emirates must have an Emirates ID card including children and newborn babies.
Wrong details
Once the correct details are there, mistakes can be made. If you find any of incorrect details about you, you must visit EIDA office and get proof of the correct details.
Check Emirates ID Status:
If you want to check your Emirates ID status, you can check it online through ICP’s smart services or by visiting the nearest ICP service centre. See how to track your Emirates ID application on the UAE government portal.
If you visit an ICP service centre, carry your card with you and present it at the office; they will check your ID status and let you know the details.
