How to Apply for Emirates ID Online in Just 5 Minutes

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security issues the Emirates ID, which is the UAE identification document. Residents of the United Arab Emirates must possess this document or face hefty fines. Moreover, it should be with you while you are traveling for any purpose. To issue this document, there are certain procedures that the UAE residents should know.

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How to Apply for Emirates ID in UAE? All You Need to Know [Simple Steps]

In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the Emirates ID application process, and renewing or replacing it. Furthermore, we will furnish you with precise information regarding its fees, processing time, and the necessary documents to apply for this document.

Emirates ID Card: What is it?

As we have stated earlier, the Emirates ID is an identity document provided by the ICP and is unique from one another. The Emiratis must own this ID card, and failing to do so might lead to serious problems. It is a portable database of personal information that should be carried everywhere you go.

This identification card has a unique 15-digit code that is unique to every other individual living in the country. The card also contains a chip that possesses all the personal information of that individual, including fingerprint for Emirates ID. Moreover, the identity document includes a personal photograph as well.

Benefits of Having an Emirates ID

Apart from having personal identification for an individual, this ID card offers various advantages, facilities, and services to its holders:

• Safe identification: The chip installed in the ID document ensures that no one can misuse it, thanks to its security and safety features for its holders.
• Access to healthcare: Having this identification document, is crucial for emergencies. So, in case of any mishap, hospitals can get to know the medical information of that individual through this ID card and be able to treat them accordingly.
•  E-government services: The use of a UAE ID card allows you to access various e-government services, which include all online government services. By availing of these services, you won’t have to visit the official institutions and can process all your issues at the convenience of your own home.
• Vehicle and driving services: The Roads and Transport Authority requires an Emirates ID card for all your processes pertaining to driving in the UAE, such as vehicle registration, applying for a driver’s license, paying traffic fines, and more.
• Access to public places: For instance, there are some public spaces in the country that can only be accessed if you own an identification card. So, by having one, you can get access to the spaces and discover what the UAE has to offer.
• Streamlined services: Identity card holders can access various facilities by the government of the UAE, which includes healthcare, education, security, residency, utilities, financial services, and so much more. Holders of this document are eligible for all these services.

The Updated UAE ID Has What Features?

As per the (ICP) Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, the government is revamping and introducing new Emirates ID cards to its holders with added features.

According to the authorities, the special features will contain enhanced non-visible data protection. By having this feature, the ICP’s E-link system can access all the confidential information. In addition to this, the authorities will now make the cards using Polycarbonate, which will extend the card’s serviceable life to more than ten years. Moreover, they will also authenticate the cardholder’s date of birth using laser printers.

Apart from this, the card’s chip will have the capability of reading data without touching it along with more accurate information such as professional details, issuance authority, population group, etc.

Those who are still holding their old identity card, can use it until it is expired and then apply for a renewal. However, those, who have already applied for a new identification document, will receive the E-version (Digital) of Emirates ID and can avail of the additional features of it.

The renewal of the ID card can be done by using the official ICP UAE Smart Mobile App which is available on both iOS and Android Play stores.

Emirates ID Validity – How Long Is It?

The validity of the ID card differs for Emiratis, GCC citizens, and expats.

• GCC citizens: 5 years
• UAE citizens: 5 or 10 years
• Expatriates: Depends upon the UAE Residency visa

How To Apply For A New Emirates ID Card?

In the following article, we will explain in detail how to apply for Emirates ID for ex-pats, UAE citizens, and Gulf nationals separately. Details will include how to apply, the documents needed, the application process, and the fee. The Emiratis can apply on the official ICP portal or from their nearest typing centers.

Documents Required to Apply for an Emirates ID for UAE Citizens

Here are the documents required for UAE citizens to submit an Emirates ID application:

• Original Passport
• Include the name of the infant/s in the Original Family Book.

In the case of a newborn or a teenager (under 15 years of age):

• Original birth certificate of the applicant or father’s passport or Emirate’s ID.
• Candidate’s photo with white background
• Number from the population register (only for newborn applicants)

Fees for Emirates ID Application for UAE Citizens

The fee for the application of an Emirates ID depends upon the mode of application and validity of it which ranges from 5 to 10 years. The usual cost of an identity card for 5 years is 170 AED.

Emirates ID Application Process for UAE Citizens

The application process for an Emirates ID for UAE nationals is quite straightforward and can be applied from the official ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) portal or a typing center.

• Start your application process by visiting the official ICP portal or a typing center, submit your required documents, and pay the fees for it as per your ID card validity.
• After submission of the application, you will be notified via a message from the authority informing you that your application has been submitted and you should visit this particular EIDA office for other formalities (biometrics for Emirates ID and photograph).
• Once you have gone through all the requirements for the application submission, you will receive an SMS from the ICP in which you will find your application number. You can use this application (PRAN) number to track your Application Status of Emirates ID through the official ICP website.
• You will receive an SMS notification via the Emirates Post once your Emirates ID is ready to be collected. This usually takes about five working days after the process for application submission and the stamping of your residency visa. After receiving this message, you must visit the post office as mentioned in the text to collect your identification document. However, if you fail to visit the specific postal office within 90 days of receiving this message, they will discard and void your Emirates ID.

For a newborn UAE citizen, you must include the child’s name in the UAE family book and register it on the Population Register. The authorities will then assign an Emirates ID number to the newborn, and the parents can subsequently apply for an Emirates ID card on their behalf.

Where Do Expats Apply for a New Emirates ID?

Expats in the United Arab Emirates can apply for a New Emirates ID through either of the following ways:

• You can apply online through the official ICP website. Once the application is submitted, you will be required to visit the EIDA office as mentioned in the message from the authority.
• The companies that have sponsored that individual (expat) may apply on their behalf for the Emirates ID.
• You can also apply for the identification document via the typing centers in the UAE.

Once you obtain your Emirates ID, you can also apply for it for your spouse and/or kids online through the official ICP portal or mobile app. It is important to remember that you only can do this after you get your ID.

Emirates ID Application Documents Required for Expats

Here are the documents required for expatriates to submit an Emirates ID application:

• Original passport
• Original valid residency or an entry permit

In the case of a newborn or a teenager (under 15 years of age):

• Original birth certificate of the applicant or father’s passport or Emirate’s ID.
• Candidate’s photo with white background
• Sponsor’s passport and visa (only for newborn applicants)

After you submit the application, they will hand over a receipt to you.

Fees for Emirates ID Application for Expats

The application fees for the identity document for ex-pats depend on the years of validity of the document. Usually, a fee of 100 AED per year is charged for it. However, additional service charges may apply for the mobile apps or the typing center for the application. The cost of service charges is as under:

For ICP Portal

• They charge a service fee of 40 AED.

For Typing Center

• They charge an extra fee of 40 AED.

Emirates ID Application Process for Expats in UAE

Following the procedure to apply for an Emirates ID card for ex-pats:

• Start your application process by visiting the official typing center in the UAE. Submit your required documents, and pay the fees for them as per your ID card validity.
• After submission of the application, you will be notified via a message from the official ICP. It will confirm your application and direct you to the EIDA office. Authorities will mention the location and name of the office for other formalities, such as fingerprinting for Emirates ID and taking a photograph.
• Once you have gone through all the requirements for the application submission, you will receive an SMS from the ICP in which you will find your application number. You can use this application (PRAN) number to track the Application Status of your identity document through the official ICP website.
• Emirates Post will send you an SMS notification once your identity card is ready for collection. This usually takes about five working days after the process for application submission and the stamping of your residency visa. After receiving this message, you must visit the specified post office mentioned in the text to collect your identification document. However, if you do not visit the specified postal office within 90 days of receiving this message, they will mark your ID card as redundant.

Once you obtain your identity card, you are now eligible to apply for your dependent’s identification documents as well. There will be no need to visit the typing center in order to apply and pay the required fee and you can do so online by visiting the official ICP website. After logging in, you can follow the same procedure as mentioned above for your dependents.

Emirates ID Application Process for GCC Nationals

The citizens of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) can apply for an Emirates ID by visiting the typing centers or online using the ICP website. The following are the requirements for doing so:

Emirates ID Application Documents Required for GCC Nationals 

Gulf nationals must submit the following documents to apply for an Emirates ID:

• Original passport
• Original valid GCC identification card
• Proof of UAE residency (such as a valid trade license, employment certificate or attested employment agreement, or proof of studying)

In the case of a newborn or a teenager (under 15 years of age):

• Original birth certificate of the applicant or father’s passport or Emirate’s ID.
• Candidate’s photo with white background

Fees for Emirates ID Application for GCC Nationals

The cost to apply for the UAE ID card for Gulf citizens is the same as for UAE citizens mentioned above.

Emirates ID Application Process for GCC Nationals

The application process for Gulf citizens is the same as for UAE citizens as mentioned above.

Emirates ID Renewal: How Do You Do It?

After the date of expiration of the identification card, the holders of this document have 30 days to renew the Emirates ID card. Otherwise, they will have to pay a hefty fine that may go up to 1000 AED. They typically apply this penalty on a per-day basis, and it usually amounts to 20 AED per day. The UAE citizens can renew it even 6 months prior to its expiry date. However, expats can apply for a renewal once they renew their residence visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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Conclusion:

We have come to the end of our article about Emirates ID cards. We hope you have found your information regarding renewing, replacing, or applying for your identity document.

Read our guide for more information to check your UAE visa status.

In case if you haven’t renewed your Emirates ID in time, you’ll be imposed a fine. Here you can get to know how to do an Emirates ID fine check.

If you’re facing a financial dispute before coming to the UAE, we suggest you check your travel ban status.