How to get the Emirates ID renewal

Do you need to renew your Emirates ID? The renewal process is now very easy for applicants as the full online application is permitted by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Find below the steps you need to follow no matter if you are applying for your Emirates ID card or for your dependents.

Emirates ID Renewal

Emirates ID Renewal Online

  1. Obtain a UAE pass

First and foremost, it is very recommended that you obtain a UAE pass account. As part of the UAE government’s Smart Government initiative, you can easily log in to government portals with your UAE passport without having to have multiple accounts.

Whether you want to log in to the Roads and Transport Authority or Ministry of Interior portal to renew your vehicle registration or book an appointment with a doctor for COVID-19 vaccination, all these processes can be done through a single online identity.

With the latest update, you can create a UAE pass and use it to log in to different portals via facial recognition, taking advantage of the fact that most online users have smartphones. If you haven’t created your UAE passport yet, you can read our detailed instructions on how to do so here.

Alternatively, you can create an ICA account with your Emirates ID and your registered mobile number here: https://ica.gov.ae/en/

  1. Have your documents ready

Once you’ve started the process, you’ll need to keep copies of the following documents so you can upload them if necessary:

  • Color photo
  • First and last page of your passport
  • A copy of your residence visa
  • Old Emirates ID card – front and back

If you are applying for an Emirates ID for your relative, you must also have a copy of your own Emirates ID (front and back) ready to upload.

  1. Start the procedure online

Now is time for the renewal procedure properly said:

  1. You can start the Emirates ID renewal service either via the ICA website or via the “ICA UAE” smartphone app, which is available for Apple and Android phones.
  2. You will be prompted to log in. If you select the UAE Pass login option, you will be redirected to the UAE Pass app on your phone, which will either use facial recognition or ask you to enter your PIN to confirm your identity.
  3. Once your identity has been verified, you will be redirected back to the ICA app or website where you can access your dashboard.
  4. Choose a service to renew your Emirates ID. Under the Emirates ID category, you have the option to renew the Emirates IDs associated with your account. This applies to both your own Emirates ID and the IDs of your sponsored family members or domestic helpers. Select “Update Emirates ID”.
  5. Now, you will then be asked to upload the required documents, including a photo of the applicant, your old Emirates ID card and a copy of your passport.
  6. You will also need to specify how you would like to receive your Emirates ID: at home or at the office, or you can pick it up at the nearest Emirates Post Office. Shipping costs will apply.
  7. Next, you will need to make the necessary payment, which will depend on how long your visa is valid. As the Emirates ID is linked to the visa, the validity period of both visas is the same.
  8. Once you have completed the process, you will receive an email stating that the application has been submitted.
  9. Once your application has been approved, which usually only takes a few hours, you can access a digital copy of your Emirates ID via the ICA app.
  10. Once you have a digital copy of your Emirates ID, you can use it for other processes, such as applying for health insurance. ICA has asked all service providers to accept a digital copy of the new Emirates ID card, which can be accessed via the ICA app to verify your identity.
  11. Once the Emirates ID application has been accepted, it will be sent to ICA for printing.
  12. Once printed, you will receive a notification via email and text message.
  13. You can then pick up your ID card at the nearest Emirates Post branch or, if you have paid for the shipping option, it will be sent directly to your address.

Costs and fees for renewing your Emirates ID 2022.

Let’s see what it costs to renew your Emirates ID.

For foreigners, it costs AED 100 for each year of validity – that is, either two or three years – to renew your ID card. There is an additional fee of AED 70 if you fill out the application in person rather than online.

There is also a visa fee (AED 200 for two years, AED 300 for three years) and a service fee of AED 40.

As for the processing time for Emirates ID renewal: an additional fee of AED 150 is charged for a 24-hour fast-track service – perfect for those who need to renew their Emirates ID quickly. (It should be noted that this fast-track service is only available to UAE nationals and expatriates from the Gulf States for renewal purposes. For UAE residents living outside the GCC, the fast service is only available if your card is lost or stolen.)

For a two-year visa, you will have to pay Dh200 for the card and Dh40 for the service fee.

For the Gold visa, which is valid for 10 years, the cost is DH1,000 for the card and DH40 for the service fee.

Emirates ID renewal for expats

Now we move on to the more important information about Emirates ID.

Firstly, make sure you renew your card within 30 days of its expiry date. If you are late, you will be charged AED 20 per day – a maximum of AED 1,000. The Federal Bureau of Identification and Citizenship (ICA) will send you a text message when it’s time to renew your card.

To make your life easier, you can renew your card at Creative Zone. This is especially handy for urgent ID renewals in the Emirates, as it gives you peace of mind knowing that everything will be taken care of and done quickly. All you need to do is give us your details and we’ll take care of the rest, ensuring your application is flawless and goes through without a hitch.

In some cases, you may need to update your biometric data, which requires a visit to a health centre.

Checklist

In short, this is the checklist for renewing your UAE ID card:

  • Apply for renewal
  • Pay the fee
  • Update your biometric data (if needed)
  • Go through the residence permit process
  • Pick up your Emirates ID replacement at the post office or have it sent to your business address.

Requirements for renewing your Emirates ID

When it comes time to renew your UAE ID, you should have the following with you

  • A valid identity card
  • Passport
  • UAE visa
  • Credit card

You will also need to scan and upload the following documents

  • Valid identity card (scan of front and back)
  • Passport (scan of the detailed information page)
  • UAE visa (scan)
  • A passport photo (must be taken within the last three months if you want to change your ID photo).

That’s all you need to renew your Emirates ID card. If you miss the SMS reminder, it’s worth making a recurring note in your calendar to start the renewal process on time and avoid further penalties.

Your ID card plays a central role in almost everything you do in the UAE. If you lose your ID card or it is stolen, follow the steps above to get a new one as soon as possible.

Having the necessary documents (and copies of them) to hand at all times can make the whole process go as quickly as possible.

FAQ

Can we renew Emirates ID online?

As we have seen in this article, the renewal process is now very easy for applicants as the full online application is permitted by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. Find here a step-by-step guide.

What if my Emirates ID expired?

According to the UAE’s official website – et al – cardholders have 30 days to renew their Emirates ID if it has expired, without incurring a fine. Thereafter, late fees of AED 20 per day will be charged, up to a maximum of AED 1,000.

How long does Emirates ID renewal take?

It can take between 24 hours and five days, depending on which route you choose. To get it within 24 hours, foreigners have to pay an additional fee for the rush service, which is an extra charge.

How long is Emirates ID valid for?

For UAE nationals, Emirates ID is valid for 5 or 10 years. For Gulf nationals residing in the UAE, the validity period is 5 years. For other expatriates, the validity period depends on the validity period of their residence visa.

How do I know when my Emirates ID expires?

You can always check the status of your Emirates ID here