Emirates ID serves as an official identification document for residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirates ID is necessary because it is required for various activities such as owning a car, buying a property, or even getting a SIM card to use any service provided by the government.
It is essential to know that your Emirates ID is up-to-date, and if it expires, then you can renew your Emirates ID by following the steps in this article and completing the procedure without any hassle.
When and How Do I Renew My Emirates ID?
It is important to know that the renewal process should start when the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) sends you a notification for your card renewal, but you should start your process before 30 days of your ID’s expiration date otherwise, you may face charges which starts from AED 20 to AED 1000 per day.
The process of renewal is straightforward for citizens of the UAE. However, expats can only renew their Emirates ID if they have a proper and valid UAE residence visa. You can follow these steps to renew your Emirates ID in Dubai:
Step 1: Gathering Required Documents
The first step in the process is to gather all the essential documents so the process can be smooth. The documents required by UAE citizens, GCC nationals, and expatriates are different when renewing their Emirates ID.
These documents usually include:
Documents Required by Expats include:
- Old Emirates ID card
- Original passport.
- Residency visa or entry permit and its copy.
- Your photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background (required only if updating your photo)
For newborns or under the age of 15, including the above, the other documents are:
- Old Emirates ID OR father’s passport OR birth certificate
If the person is not present and a third party is applying for the renewal, then an original agency certificate is required on behalf of the customer.
Documents Required by UAE Citizens include:
- Original Family Book
- Original passport
For newborns or under the age of 15, including the above, the other documents are:
- Their photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background (required only if updating your photo)
- Old Emirates ID OR father’s passport OR birth certificate
- ID number (from Population Register)
If the person is not present and a third party is applying for the renewal, then an original agency certificate is required on behalf of the customer.
Documents Required by GCC Nationals
- Original passport
- Original GCC ID Card
- Document proof of residency in the UAE
For newborns or under the age of 15, including the above, the other documents are:
- Their photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) with a white background (required only if updating your photo)
- Old Emirates ID OR father’s passport OR birth certificate
If the person is not present and a third party is applying for the renewal, then an original agency certificate is required on behalf of the customer.
Always ensure that all the above documents are appropriately scanned (for uploading the documents to the online application) and are valid for your identification.
Step 2: Visiting the Service Center or Website to Submit the Form
After you have collected all the required documents, you can either head to the service center or go to their ICP smart service website to request the renewal of your Emirates ID. The online renewal process can be straightforward, but you usually have to do biometrics, so you may still have to visit their center.
You can visit any of the following centers:
- ICP Service Center
- Dubai Customer Happiness Center
- Typing Centers
You can also visit their official website or download the mobile app which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
The main key feature of the online application is that Emiratis living abroad can also renew their Emirates ID without returning to the UAE for renewal. You can easily submit your application via the smart app six months before the expiry of the date.
Step 3: Filling out the Renewal Form
After visiting their centre or on their website, you will have to fill out and submit the renewal form with the required documents. Be careful entering your documents, as any mistake can delay or revoke your application. On the application, you usually need to enter the following:
- Personal information such as full name, nationality, date of birth and other personal details
- Emirates ID Number
- Passport Information
- Residency Information
Step 4: Payment for Renewal application
Once your form and documents are submitted, you will need to complete the payment for the application, which typically costs between 100 AED and 200 AED and is different depending on the validity period and your nationality.
- For UAE Nationals, it can cost 100 AED for 5-year validity and 200 AED for 10-year validity.
- GCC Nationals must pay 100 AED for 5-year validity.
- For Expats, it depends on the period of years, but it is usually 100 AED.
The service fee of 40 AED and the printing office fee of 30 AED is the same for each person. If you want an urgent service, you can pay an extra 150 AED.
For online service, the payment can be made using a credit or debit card, and you will receive an online receipt.
Step 5: Biometric Verification (If Required)
After you have completed the payment by receiving an SMS on your mobile or online receipt, you sometimes need to do biometric verification. This step is usually required for applicants above the age of 15 if the person’s data has changed or it is their first time renewing the Emirates ID.
You can book your appointment through the online ICA website or app and go to the approved ICP service centres. Make sure to bring the required documents, such as your existing Emirates ID and original passport.
Step 6: Tracking your Application Status
The process can take 5 to 7 working days, and you can track your application status through the ICA website or app. On the application tracking page, you can enter your application number to see the status.
Step 7: Receiving your New Emirates ID
Once your new Emirates ID is ready, you will receive an SMS or email notification on your electronic device informing you that you can collect your new ID card from the customer centre or that it is out for delivery. Once your new Emirates ID is collected, you can discard or return your old Emirates ID, as it will be deactivated.
The Emirates ID is an essential document that all of the residents of the UAE have, so making sure it is updated can help you maintain your residency status. Renewing your Emirates, ID can be a complicated process and can require many documents, so by following the steps above, you can make the process straightforward.
FAQ’s
What if I don’t renew my Emirates ID on time?
You will be fined daily, and it increases the longer you wait. It starts from 25 AED to 1000 AED for each day.
When can I renew my Emirates ID?
You can renew your Emirates ID anywhere between 6 months to 30 days before the expiry date, or an extra fine will be issued.
How long does it take to renew my Emirates ID Card?
It can take up to 5 days, but you can pay an urgent service fee to receive your Emirates ID within 24 hours.