Emirates IDs are the most important identification documents for UAE residents, and you must carry them with you at all times. In addition to allowing access to various government services, the ID is also linked to essential documents, such as your health insurance and UAE Pass. Following are the steps you need to take if you suspect that your ID has been stolen, lost, or damaged.
Step 1: Report the incident
The moment you suspect that your Emirates ID has been stolen or lost, you need to report the incident at a Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) customer happiness center. By doing this, the card will be deactivated, ensuring that it cannot be misused by others. Visit this link to find the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre: icp.gov.ae/en/customer-happiness-centers
According to the UAE government portal – u.ae, you must ask ICP for confirmation of your ID number or for a copy of your lost ID, if you don’t have one. You should bring the old card if your card is damaged.
For the purpose of filing a report for a stolen or lost ID, you must present the following documents:
- Expatriate residents must present their original passports stamped with a valid residency permit.
- If the lost ID belongs to a child under 15, the parent must provide an original birth certificate and a colored passport photo against a white background.
- UAE nationals must present a valid passport and a family book.
- A document proving residency in the UAE is required for GCC nationals.
Step 2: Apply for a replacement card
The request to get a replacement card can be made at the ICP Customer Happiness center. Additionally, you can apply for a replacement card using the ICP website – www.icp.ae, the ICP smartphone application – ‘ICP UAE’, or at an accredited typing center.
Documents required
The required documents vary depending on the applicant’s status.
For expatriate residents
- A copy of the ID card or data from the ID card
- The original valid passport;
- The original residence permit
- Persons under 15 years of age and the elderly, as well as people with disabilities, should submit a personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background.
Documents for children under the age of 15
- Original birth certificate
- An Emirates ID card or the passport of a parent
For diplomats
- The original diplomatic/consular card/membership card of international organizations for the category of heads and members of diplomatic and consular missions, and international organizations residing in the country to be exempt from fees for the identity card.
- A valid medical report issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or health authorities in the UAE exempting people with disabilities or the elderly from the fee for issuing an ID card.
- The original agency certificate if the customer is not present, and the application was submitted by a third party (the original passport of the lost identity cardholder must be presented).
UAE National
- A copy of the ID card or data from the ID card
- A personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background (for people under 15 years of age, seniors, and people with disabilities who cannot access service centers and have medical records)
- Original birth certificate for those under 15 years old
- A passport or Emirates ID card of one of the parents (for those younger than 15 years old);
- A social security certificate (for social security beneficiaries) certified by the Ministry of Community Development for exemption from the ID card issuance fee
- The original agency certificate if the customer is not present and the application was submitted by a third party (the original passport of the lost identity cardholder should be presented).
GCC National
- ID card data or a copy of the ID card
- A personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background (for those under 15 years of age, senior citizens, and people with disabilities who cannot reach service centers).
- Original birth certificate for those younger than 15 years of age.
- A passport or Emirates ID card of one of the parents (less than 15 years old).
- A social security certificate was issued by the Ministry of Community Development (for social security beneficiaries) for exemption from ID card fees.
- A valid medical report issued by the MOHAP or health authorities in the Emirates is required to exempt people with disabilities or senior citizens from the issuance and delay fees for the ID card.
- A valid medical report issued by the MOHAP or health authorities in the Emirates is required to exempt senior citizens or people with disabilities from the ID card issuance and delay fees.
- The original agency certificate if the customer is not present, and the application was submitted by a third party (the original passport of the lost identity cardholder must be presented).
Applying at an ICP center or typing center
In order to apply for a replacement card through an ICP Customer Happiness Centre or an accredited typing center, you will only need to submit the documents, as stated above, and pay the service fee. After the application is submitted, a replacement card will be issued within five working days.
Applying online
Follow these steps to apply for a replacement card online:
- Visit the ICP website at www.icp.ae and select the service for replacing a lost or damaged ID card. In addition, you can go directly to the service by following this link: https://icp.gov.ae/en/service/issue-a-replacement-for-lost-damaged-i-d-card/
- Click the ‘Start Service’ button.
- Create an account with ICP or log in with your UAE Pass account.
- Select whether you are a UAE national, a GCC national, or a UAE resident.
- Provide your personal information in the application form, including your address, mobile number, date of birth, etc.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Use a debit or credit card to pay the service fee.
- Following the completion of the application and payment of the service fee, you will receive a text message or email tracking the progress of your new Emirates ID.
- You can pick up your Emirates ID at an Emirates Post Office branch or you can have it delivered through a registered courier service.
Application processing takes five working days.
Fees for replacing Emirates ID
- Replacement of a lost or damaged ID – Dh300
- Application fee (if applying through a typing center) – Dh70
- Fees on the ICA website (if applying online) – Dh40
To apply for express service at ICA’s Customer Happiness Centre, you will need to pay an additional Dh150.