What is Emirates ID? Emirates ID is the main identity card or Resident card of all UAE citizens and residents. Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) is the issuance authority of emirates identity 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 or travelling within GCC countries and for 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 Will Store Medical Data and organ donation pledge
According to the Recent announcement, Emirates Id will store the medical history and medical data of card holder. It will carry the health data of UAE residents and also it will carry the registration data of those who wish to donate organs. This initiative has been launched by MOHAP The Ministry of Health and Prevention in coordination with Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) during the exhibition and congress on Wednesday.
Emirates id card presented as Smart Health Card will include health and medical data of all UAE resident which will be available to doctors of Gulf Cooperation council countries. In the beginning, it will be first started in the hospital of ministry and primary healthcare centers. The card will have a smart chip which will store five aspects data like Organ donation, Chronic disease, blood type, allergies and diagnosis.
Doctors will be able to read the data of card holders for medical purpose in emergency cases but they won’t be allowed to add more data. It was said by Mabarakah Mubarak Ibrahim, director of the ministry’s information technology department.
UAE residents who wish to donate their body organ they can register through the “Hayat” app which has been already been launched by the Ministry of health and Prevention (MOHAP). The app is linked with Emirates id card or smart health card.
How to Get an Emirates ID?
There are two ways to start Emirates ID application process. First: you can visit authorised typing centres which are known as emirates id center. List of Centers, address and office timings can be found by clicking here. By visiting one of these centers you can fill your eForm application for emirates id and they may charge a fee 30AED. Second: you can fill your Emirates id application form online available on website of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC); Click for online form. After that system will send an SMS to you which will inform you that when and where you should go for further registration process. After receiving SMS, you can visit EIDA Branch mentioned in SMS. You will have to give personal data at EIDA branch; this data includes your personal information, photo, fingerprints etc. finally, they will give you receipt and you must keep it safe because it will be required at the time 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.
UAE government has launched a very helpful service at FAIC website where you can know all about the emirates id application process, fee and required documents for any 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:
FAIC allows you to track and check the status of your submitted id card application by visiting this official website https://www.ica.gov.ae/en/services/e-services/id-card-status.aspx.
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:
When your emirates id card is about to expire, you will be informed emirates id authority that you card is going to be expire, please renew it. For emirates id renewal, you have to repeat the process explained above. You have to fill form again and may be required to give biometric date again.
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 ICA’s customer happiness centres with your original passport and the Emirates ID card.
Note that the details related to an existing ID card cannot be updated online. This applies to Emirates ID cards issued to nationals and expatriate residents.
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, are required to hand over their ID cards to the respective General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
The respective General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs will hand over the returned ID card to Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC), which had issued the card.
You Must Know it about you 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 to police about it and apply for card replacement as soon as possible by following the process explained above.
Changing your name
If any change occurs in your personal details, you need to inform EIDA. For example: if you get marry and you change your name you have to information EIDA.
If you get married and change your name, you need to notify EIDA.
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 or by visiting the nearest office of EIDA. To check online you have to visit this website of ICA https://www.ica.gov.ae/en/services/services-for-individuals.aspx . on landing page, you have to choose your status whether your UAE national, GCC national or Expat in UAE or others then it will take you the relevant page where you can check status of emirates id online.
If you want to visit franchise FAIC, you have to carry your card with you and present it at office. Then they will check your id status an let you know the details.
