How to Renew Emirates ID in the UAE?

Almost every country has a unified national identity system to keep a track of the correct identities of its citizens and residents. These IDs are used for various applications and verifications of government and non-government services, job applications, for establishing trade and to avail of various financial services. In the UAE, citizens and residents need to produce their Emirates ID, issued by the Federal Authority of Identification and Citizenship for proof of their nationality or residency. However, Emirates IDs have an expiry date and hence, they need to be renewed with updated details before expiration. Apart from issuing the identity card, the authority also takes care of corrections and Emirates ID renewal processes. Read on to get a glimpse of the step-by-step guide to Emirates ID renewal. 

How to Renew Emirates ID? 

Emirates ID renewal process in the UAE is simple and streamlined. However, the process varies depending on the nationality of the applicant. An ex-pat can update their residency by renewing the resident visa from the UAE Embassy and proceeding with renewing Emirates ID. On the other hand, Emiratis need to update their details as per their current status and continue filling out the Emirates ID renewal form. Since the process includes biometric verification, you need to be physically present at the designated offices to complete the renewal process. With a network of designated offices across the country, the Federal Government of the UAE ensures the process remains pretty straightforward for all. 

You can get your Emirates ID renewed at the following designated offices in the UAE. 

• UAE Customer Happiness Centers 
• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship service centres and smart services
• Various Typing Centers across the UAE

Detailed Guide to Renewing Emirates ID in the UAE

Getting acquainted with the process will make the Emirates ID renewal application easier to follow through. Below are the steps you need to follow while renewing your Emirates ID card in the UAE. 

Register and Submit the Emirates ID Renewal Form

To begin the Emirates ID renewal process, you need to collect all the relevant documents and visit the nearest designated office at your convenience. You may initiate the process online but you need to visit the offices for biometrics and verification to complete the Emirates ID renewal. When in the affiliated office, you need to fill out the renewal application form and submit it to a representative. The renewal form consists of details like name, contact number, address and other personal information. The representatives assist you through the entire renewal process to make things easier.

Pay Your Emirates ID Renewal Fee

After filling out your application form and attaching all the necessary documents, you need to proceed with paying the Emirates ID renewal fee. Depending on the validity of your Emirates ID, you need to pay the renewal cost ranging between AED 170 to 370 for offline applications. Following are the Emirates ID renewal fee at various designated offices across the UAE. 

Emirates ID Renewal Charges at Typing Centres

Emirates ID Renewal Charge at FAIC Website/Smart App

Emirates ID Renewal Charges at Customer Happiness Center

Confirm your Biometrics 

Once you have paid the Emirates ID renewal fee, you need to proceed with the biometric verification and record. Prior to this step, you will receive an SMS stating your renewal application status. Individuals above the age of 15 years need to take their biometrics and photographs by visiting a nearby preventive medical centre. 

Collect the Renewed Emirates ID 

Once your biometrics and photographs are submitted successfully, you will receive an SMS detailing the status of your application and post office details from where you can collect your Emirates ID after renewal. After your Emirates ID is delivered to the post office of your choice, you can go and collect it. You may also request to get it delivered to your registered address. 

Although the process is simple, you need to produce all the relevant documents during the Emirates ID renewal process to have a hassle-free experience. Following the steps mentioned above, you can easily renew your Emirates ID in the UAE. 

Abu Dhabi Police Fine Check On Emirates ID

Documents Required for Renewing Emirates ID

As mentioned before, you a set of documents while renewing your Emirates ID. However, the required documents may differ for UAE nationals, UAE residents, GCC Nationals and expatriates. Based on your status, you require the following documents:

Documents Required for Expats to Renew Emirates ID

Following are the set of documents needed to renew Emirates ID for the Ex-pats:

• A valid passport
• A valid entry permit or residency visa
• A resident visa under the renewal process is also applicable for Emirates ID renewal
• Previously Issued Emirates ID card
• For applicants under the 15 years - Passport Size Photos in white background, a valid original birth certificate or Emirates ID of parents, passport and visa details of sponsors (only for newborns)

Documents Required for Emirates ID Renewal for UAE Nationals 

Following are the set of documents required for UAE nationals and residents:

• A valid family book in original if applying for Emirates ID for a newborn, also ensure that the kid is enrolled in the family book. You need this document only when applying through a typing centre
• A valid passport ID in original
• Applicants under the 15 years require - Personal Passport Size Photos in white background, a valid birth certificate in original or Emirates ID of parents, passport and visa details of sponsors (only for newborns).

Document Required for Emirates ID Renewal for GCC Nationals 

Here is the list of documents required for GCC nationals to renew their Emirates ID in the UAE. 

• A valid passport ID in original, 
• A valid GCC National ID card 
• Residency proof in the UAE such as a trade license, employment certificate, or employment agreement. 
• A university or college identification certificate, if an applicant is a student in the UAE.  
• Applicants under 15 years of age require - Personal Passport Size Photos in white background, a valid birth certificate in original or Emirates ID of parents, passport and visa details of sponsors (only for newborns).

What If You Lose Your Emirates ID Card?

UAE Government has established clear guidelines to follow if you lose your Emirates ID card. In case your card is damaged, stolen or lost, you need to contact the authorities and follow the steps mentioned below: 

• As soon as you lose your Emirates ID card, you need to contact the Federal Authority for Identification and Citizenship (ICA) and lodge a police report. The authority will disable your card soon after your reporting.
• In case you have lost your Emirates ID card in a foreign country, you need to visit the UAE embassy or consultant to report your lost or stolen card. 
• Subsequently, you need to apply for an Emirates ID replacement. The process is similar to that of the renewal process. You may need to submit additional documents if asked by the authorities. 
• Finally, you need to pay the card replacement fee and collect your replaced Emirates ID card. 

The replacement process takes up to 48 hours from applying for the Emirates ID card. The process timing may vary depending on various factors such as location, your residency and how quickly you report the incident. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I renew my Emirates ID card online?

Ans: Since Emirates ID renewal requires biometric authentication and recording; you need to be physically present at the designated Emirates ID renewal offices. However, you can initiate the renewal process online by visiting the ICA official portal. 

Q2: How much time does it take to issue a renewed Emirates ID card?

Ans: Depending on various factors, the authorities can take anywhere between 24 hours to 5 days from the date of application. 

Q3: What if my Emirates ID card has expired?

Ans: In case your Emirates ID card has already expired; you get a grace period of up to 30 days to renew it. Beyond this period, the authorities levy a charge of AED 20 per day with a maximum charge of up to AED 1,000 until the renewal. 

Q4: Can I get an Emirates ID issued urgently?

Ans: Yes, ICA provides an urgent or express Emirates ID renewal process where you can receive your ID card within 24 hours after application. However, you need to pay an additional fee for using the urgent issuance service. 

Q5: What is the maximum validity period of Emirates ID for ex-pat ID holders?

Ans: For ex-pats, the maximum validity of the Emirates ID card is three years. Beyond this period, you need to get your Emirates ID renewed. However, the longer the validity period the higher fee you need to pay for renewal. 

Q6: How to contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship?

Ans: There are several online and offline ways to contact the ICA (Federal Authority for Identification and Citizenship). You can contact the support team by calling 600 522222.

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