Lost Your Emirates ID? Here's What You Should Do Next

If you're a UAE resident, your Emirates ID is among the important documents. 

Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Emirates ID contains essential information like your photo and biometric data. It is vital for various activities, including withdrawing cash and paying for fuel. 

Losing this card can be quite stressful as it is integral to daily life in the UAE. However, if your Emirates ID is lost, don't worry! In case you have a missing Emirates ID, all you need to do is take a few steps to handle the situation effectively. 

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Emirates ID Card?

In case of stolen, damaged, or lost Emirates ID, stolen, or damaged, it's essential to request a replacement promptly. 

Here are the steps to follow as per the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) — 

Step 1: Report the Incident

Visit the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre to report a stolen or lost Emirates ID card. This way, you can deactivate the card to prevent misuse. 

If the card is damaged, bring the damaged card with you. 

The required documents include — 

• UAE Nationals: Original valid passport and family book
• GCC Nationals: Document proving residency in the UAE.
• Expatriate Residents: Original passport stamped with a valid residency permit
• Children under 15: Original birth certificate and a coloured passport photo against a white background

Step 2: Apply for ID Card Replacement

After reporting the loss of Emirates ID, complete the application form available at ICP Customer Happiness Centres or online via the UAE ICP app. This form requires personal information and details about the loss, theft, or damage.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

The replacement fee for a lost or damaged ID is AED 300. 

Additional fees include AED 70 if you apply through typing centres or AED 40 if applying via the ICP eForm online. 

For faster processing, you can use the express service that is available for an extra AED 150.

Step 4: Collect Your New ID Card

Once the application for replacing your lost Emirates ID is processed, you’ll receive a text message from ICP with the status and expected delivery date. Regular processing takes up to 48 hours, while express service guarantees the card within 24 hours. 

You can collect the new ID from the specified Emirates Post location after notification.

How Can You Get an Emirates ID Within 24 Hours?

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) offers an urgent service known as 'Fawri' that helps you to obtain an Emirates ID within 24 hours. This service is especially useful in case of missing Emirates ID where you need immediate replacement or issuance of the same.

The Fawri service is available for — 

1. UAE nationals and GCC nationals officially residing in the UAE — for first-time registration, renewal of expired cards, or replacement of lost or damaged cards
2. Expatriate residents other than GCC nationals can use this service only for replacing their identity cards

How to Use the Fawri Service?

1. Visit an ICP Customer Happiness Centre: Go to any of the designated ICP Customer Happiness Centres. Note that you can do this without prior notice.
2. Present the Required Documents: Bring the necessary documents such as your passport and a valid residency permit. If applicable, also bring the damaged ID card or a police report for a stolen ID.
3. Pay the Fees: The regular fee for a replacement ID card is AED 300, with an additional AED 150 for the express service.

Where is the Fawri Service Available?

Go to any of the following ICP Customer Happiness Centres to use the Fawri service to replace your missing Emirates ID —

1. Abu Dhabi: Al Jazeera and Khalifa City
2. Dubai: Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya, and Karama
3. Western Region: Madinat Zayed
4. Al Ain
5. Sharjah
6. Ajman
7. Fujairah
8. Ras Al Khaimah
9. Umm Al Quwain

Wrapping Up

While the loss of Emirates ID can be quite stressful, you can follow a few steps properly for a smooth replacement process. Reporting the incident immediately and applying for a replacement through the ICP website or app is essential. 

Remember to bring the necessary documents and be prepared to pay the lost Emirates ID fee. In addition, using the Fawri service can speed up the process and help you obtain your new ID within 24 hours.