Ultimate guide to Emirates ID
Emirates ID is an identity card issued by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). It is a legal requirement and must be carried by all UAE citizens and residents at all times. The ID confirms your identity, your personal data and your employment details across all 7 emirates in the country.
Emirates ID is divided according to the type of residence:
- UAE National – Citizen ID card
- GCC National – GCC ID card
- UAE Expat – Expat ID card
The application process is same for all three types. However they differ in their validity offered. UAE Citizen Card depends on the citizen’s choice of 5 or 10 years, GCC ID card is issued only for 5 years and Expat ID’s can be issued for a period of 1, 2 or 3 years.
How to apply for an Emirates ID
The process for application of an Emirates ID is same for all UAE and GCC nationals and expats. But before the application for expats, they need to undergo a medical examination at any authorized UAE medical facility and receive a “fit” certificate.
Follow the simple steps below to apply for an Emirates ID
Step 1: Emirates ID Application
You can apply for an Emirates ID card at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security– ICP by filling an online form , or through an accredited typing centre. Submit the application and pay the fees.
Step 2: SMS
After the form has been submitted, you will receive an SMS at the registered mobile number filled in the above form. The SMS will mention the date and time, and the registration center you need to visit to complete the procedure, including taking biometrics and the official photograph.
Step 3: Registration center – EIDA office
Visit the Registration center on the date mentioned with the necessary documents. They will take your fingerprint biometrics and also your official photograph will be captured. Once all procedures are completed, you will receive an account number to track the status o fyour application.
The PRAN number is available on your Emirates ID application form, whereas the IDN number is your actual Emirates ID card number. You can track your application status through ICA website with your PRAN or IDN number.
Step 4: Collect the ID card from the post office
You will receive an SMS notification from Emirates post when the card is ready for collection. It usually takes 5 working days for processing. You have to visit the local post office mentioned in the official ICA SMS to collect the Emirates ID. Please note that the card has to be collected within 90days or it will be returned to EIDA and discarded. Also you must present your application receipt or SMS while collecting your ID card.
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Documents required for Emirates ID Application
For expatriate residents:
Below are the documents required to apply for Emirates ID for expats:
- Emirates ID Application
- A valid passport
- Original valid residency / entry permit
For Emirates ID applications for newborns or those under the age of 15, the following documents are also required:
- Personal photo with white background
- Original birth certificate
- Passport of one of the parents or Emirates ID
For UAE nationals:
Below are the documents required to apply for Emirates ID for UAE nationals:
- Emirates ID Application
- Original Family Book (in case of newborn application, make sure the child is added to the family book) (Only required when applying through a typing centre)
- Original passport
For Emirates ID applications for newborns or those under the age of 15, the following documents are also required:
- Personal photo with white background
- Original birth certificate
- Passport of one of the parents or Emirates ID
- Population Register ID Number (only for newborn applications)
Emirates ID within 24 hours
The UAE nationals and GCC nationals have an option of getting the Emirates ID within 24hours on an urgent basis. The service is known as ‘Fawri’ and is available against the regular stated fees plus an urgent service fee. AED 150 is charged for the urgent service along with normal fees.
The service is available for first time registration, renewal of expired cards and lost or damaged cards.
Fawri service is available at the following ICP Customers Happiness Centres:
- Al Jazeera and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi
- Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya and Karama in Dubai
- Madinat Zayed in the Western Region
- Al Ain Centre
- Sharjah Centre
- Ajman Centre
- Fujairah Centre
- Ras Al Khaimah Centre
- Umm Al Quwain Centre.
How much is the cost of Emirates ID?
The cost of applying for an Emirates ID is as follows:
AED 100: card issuance fee for five years for UAE and GCC nationals
AED 100: card issuance fee for UAE expats, it depends on year of issuance
AED 40: service fee
AED 30: printing office fee
How to renew your Emirates ID?
Once the Emirates ID expires, UAE citizens and residents have 30days from the date of expiry to renew their Emirates ID. If you have not renewed within 30 days, there will be late penalty of AED 20 per day with a maximum of AED 1000. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) sends a notification via SMS requesting you to renew your ID card.
UAE nationals can apply for renewal of Emirates ID anytime between six to one month before their card expiry. However, UAE expats with residence visas can only apply for renewal when the card has expired.
The process for renewal of an Emirates ID card is same as when you apply for a new card. It requires the same steps as that for the first time application.
