Simple Steps to Get an Electronic Version of Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is a formally mandated identification card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in the UAE. An Emirate ID consists of a unique 15-digit number on an electronic chip that shows your personal details along with your photo. Besides these basic details, the card also maintains the cardholder’s fingerprints for enhanced security purposes.

As per the government guidelines, it is mandatory for all UAE citizens to carry their Emirates ID cards at all times. However, you may face a dilemma regarding the course of actions to be undertaken while the card is in the process of getting delivered to you. In such cases, an electronic version of your Emirates ID proves immensely helpful.

Continue reading below to know more about the electronic version of Emirates ID, how to procure one, and other factors related to it.

Key Features of Emirates ID

An Emirate ID has different validity based on the types of cardholders. 

• UAE Citizens – 5 to 10 years
• GCC Nationals – 5 years
• Expat Residents – Based on the validity of their UAE residency visa

Here is a list of the major features of Emirates ID.

• Identification Number: The identification number on Emirates ID entitles the cardholder to all sorts of benefits that government and non-governmental organizations offer. The identification number is a 15-digit code that is unique to every cardholder. The card overall is comprehensive and handy, with the UAE government recently unrolling a new generation card with various new features. 
• Increased Protection: Another major feature of Emirates ID is that you can access your data through its E-link system. The system is directly administered by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. With this feature, the details of the cardholder are shown based on 3D laser technology, meaning that your crucial data is stored safely.
• Other Fields and Codes: Some of the data on Emirates ID includes professional information of the cardholder along with the details of the authority responsible for issuance and administration. Additionally, the Emirates ID card shows the population group to which the cardholder belongs.

What is the Electronic Version of Emirates ID?

As we already know, Emirates ID is a physical identification card that is required to be carried everywhere by the cardholders. However, while the application and delivery process of an Emirates ID card is quick, some delays can occur due to unavoidable circumstances. To alleviate this issue, the UAE government recently introduced an electronic or digital version of this identification card. Applicants can easily use this while waiting for their physical card to be delivered to their registered address.

Keep reading to know how to get an electronic version of your Emirates ID. Before that, let’s check out how you can apply for an Emirates ID in the first place. 

How to Apply for an Emirates ID Card in the UAE?

The following simple steps can be followed to apply for an Emirates ID as a UAE National, Expat, or GCC National. 

Emirates ID Application Process for Expats

Here are the steps that an ex-pat is required to follow when applying for an Emirates ID online or offline in the UAE. 

1. Go to the Website: Visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website and begin with the application process for an Emirates ID.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Next, you will be asked to fill up the application form by providing basic details like name, address, contact number, and more, depending on your preferences.
3. Submit Your Documents: Upload the required documents while submitting your application form to complete the application process.
4. Pay the Fees: After providing all the required documents, you will need to pay a fee of AED 100 for each year, depending upon the number of years your card will be considered valid. Make sure you go through the list of additional charges and pay them correctly. The charges usually include a typing centre fee of AED 70 and ICA website service charges of AED 40 for online applications.
5. Get an Appointment: After submitting your application, you will receive an SMS on the registered mobile number stating the time and location of the EIDA office you need to visit. 

In case you want to apply for the Emirates ID offline, you can visit the authority’s office and fill out the form to initiate the application process. Make sure you carry and submit all the essential documents for a smooth process. The Emirates ID Authority also sends an SMS to the registered mobile number notifying the Emirates ID application status for offline users. You can then go to the post office mentioned in the SMS to collect your Emirates ID card.

Emirates ID Application Process for UAE Nationals

If you are a UAE resident, these are the steps you can follow when applying for an Emirates ID online or offline. 

1. Visit the Website: You need to visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website and start with the application process for an Emirates ID.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Fill out the application form using details like your name, address, contact number, and more, as specified.
3. Submit the Required Documents: You will need to upload the required documents while submitting your application form to complete the application process.
4. Pay the Fees: Once you are done providing all the required documents, pay a fee of AED 100 for each year depending upon the number of years your card will be valid. 
5. Get an Appointment: After submitting your application, you will receive an SMS on the registered mobile number that will inform you about the location of the EIDA office you need to visit at which time. 

To apply for the Emirates ID offline, applicants can also obtain the form from the office and submit the same with all the essential documents in the presence of an authorised representative. The latter part is essential, as it helps you submit the application without any mistakes. The applicants will receive an SMS from Emirates ID Authority notifying their Emirates ID application status. They need to visit the post office mentioned in the SMS for the final step, i.e., the collection of the new Emirates ID card.

Emirates ID Application Process for GCC Nationals

If you are a GCC National, given below are the steps to apply for an Emirates ID online or offline. 

1. Go to the Website: Again, you will be required to visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website to begin the application process for your Emirates ID.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Next, you can complete the application form with basic details like your name, contact number, address, and more.
3. Submit Your Documents: Upload the required documents while submitting your application form.
4. Pay the Fees: After you fill out the form and provide all the required documents, you need to pay a fee of AED 100 for each year depending upon the number of years your card will be valid. 
5. Get an Appointment: After submitting your application, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number. This will state the location of the EIDA office you need to visit and the time at which you are supposed to do so.  

It should be noted that a GCC National can also apply for an Emirates ID card offline. If you are one, simply visit the Emirates ID office and fill out the Emirates ID application form. As you will be requested to provide the necessary documents then, make sure that you carry all the specified documents. Once these required documents and the filled-out form are submitted, you will get an SMS with the confirmation for the application submission. 

Another SMS will be sent to you by the authority notifying your Emirates ID application status. You will have to visit the post office mentioned in the SMS at the specified time to collect your Emirates ID card.

How to Get Emirates ID Electronic Version?

Availing of an Emirates ID electronic version is quite simple. By completing the following few steps in just a few clicks, you can easily obtain the Electronic Version of Emirates ID.

1. Get the Mobile App: Applicants can launch the process by downloading the ICA UAE Smart app from their preferred app store like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 
2. Create an Account: All the new users are required to register on the mobile app and set up an account using their details like name, email ID, emirates ID number, passport number, etc. Once done, they will be asked to verify the account through an email sent to their registered email address. The applicants can also use their ‘UAE Pass’ login details in the registration process to set up an account in the mobile app.
3. Go to Emirates ID Section: After downloading the mobile app, the applicant can visit the Emirates ID section to find the QR code of the electronic version of Emirates ID. With this code, they can download the Emirates ID card in the “documents wallet section” of the app.

The applicants can use the electronic version of Emirates ID card for all the government services until they receive the printed copy for the same. The Emirates ID e-version is also valid for telecom services such as du and Etisalat.

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