Anyone who takes up residence in the UAE needs another document besides the residence visa: the UAE identity card, or "Emirates ID". Banks, phone operators, insurers, tenancy contracts and many government services ask for it. This article is based on the "New Identity Card Issuance" and "Identity Card Renewal" service pages of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the "Emirates ID" page of the official UAE Government portal (`u.ae`), checked on 24 October 2026.
What is the Emirates ID?
The UAE Government portal describes the Emirates ID as "the UAE Government-issued identity card for the UAE's citizens and residents". It is issued by ICP. According to the same portal:
- the card is mandatory for all UAE citizens and residents;
- holders must carry the card at all times;
- its cancellation is tied to the residence visa: when the residence is cancelled, the Emirates ID is cancelled automatically in the same process.
So the Emirates ID does not replace the residence. The residence is the permission to live in the UAE, and the identity card is the identity document of that residence. Residents usually get the card together with their residence application or its renewal.
Fees
ICP lists these fees on its two service pages:
| Group | New card | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign residents | AED 100 for each year of residence, plus AED 100 smart service fee | The same: AED 100 for each year of residence, plus AED 100 smart service fee |
| Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries | AED 100 for a 5-year card, plus AED 100 smart service fee | AED 100 for a 5-year card, plus AED 100 smart service fee |
| UAE citizens under 21 | AED 100 for a 5-year card | AED 100 |
| UAE citizens aged 21 and over | AED 200 for a 10-year card | AED 200 |
| Urgent service | AED 150, only at ICP service centres | AED 150, only at ICP service centres |
The UAE Government portal says the 24-hour urgent service is for UAE citizens and GCC citizens residing in the UAE, and other expatriate residents may use it only for a replacement card. ICP gives 5 days for the regular service.
A new card
The application is submitted by the head of the family, a legal representative, a guardian, or the applicant if of legal age. For family members registered in one unified application, the sponsor submits it. The documents ICP names:
- a personal photo meeting the ICAO standard;
- a passport valid for at least 3 months;
- depending on the applicant's status, proof of study, employment, trade licence, property or kinship.
Applicants aged 15 and over must give their fingerprints and signature at a service centre; ICP says the application is cancelled if this is not done within the set period. An application returned for correction and not corrected in time is also cancelled.
Newborns
For the newborn of a foreign resident born in the UAE, ICP sets a fine counted from the end of four months after the date of birth: AED 20 for each day of delay, at most AED 1,000. So apply for a newborn's card within the first four months.
Renewal
ICP allows renewal of a card that has expired or has less than six months of validity left (less than one year for UAE citizens). The UAE Government portal also says the card can be renewed "as early as six months before its expiry" or after it expires. For residents outside Dubai, the card renewal is submitted with the residence application through the unified form and needs the approvals and a "fit" medical result. If both the card and the passport are due, ICP has a separate service to renew them together.
The late fine
| Case | Fine | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal after the permitted period | AED 20 for each day | AED 1,000 |
| Late reporting of a change in personal or civil data (30-day deadline) | AED 20 for each day | AED 1,000 |
| Late registration of a newborn's card (after four months from birth) | AED 20 for each day | AED 1,000 |
ICP's FAQ says a grace period of 30 days from the card's expiry is given to renew, and the fine starts after it; the UAE Government portal also puts the start of the fine at "more than one month after expiry".
A lost or damaged card
The UAE Government portal says a replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged card is requested from ICP, and a lost card must be reported to ICP within 7 days of the date of loss. According to ICP's FAQ, the replacement is issued with the same validity as the lost or damaged card and can be requested through the app, the website, approved typing offices or the service centres.
Where to apply
| Channel | Note |
|---|---|
| ICP website and app | Around the clock; sign-in with UAE Pass |
| Approved typing centres | Submitting the application |
| ICP service centres (Customer Happiness Centres) | Fingerprints and signature, urgent service |
Two examples
These examples are hypothetical and only put the official fees above side by side.
**Example 1: an employee with a two-year residence.** A person gets a two-year work residence and, at the same time, the identity card:
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Card for 2 years of residence (2 × 100) | AED 200 |
| Smart service fee | AED 100 |
| Total | AED 300 |
**Example 2: a late renewal.** Suppose someone renews the card 70 days after expiry; with the 30-day grace period ICP announces, 40 days of delay at AED 20 make a fine of AED 800. With 100 days of delay, the fine would reach the AED 1,000 cap. Ask ICP how the days are counted when renewing.
Practical points
- Check your passport's validity before applying; ICP asks for at least 3 months.
- The renewal photo must not be the same as the photo on the current card.
- Track the expiry of the card and the residence together so both are renewed on time.
- Report a change in personal data, such as a new passport or marital status, within 30 days.
- All ICP online services need a UAE Pass account; set it up in advance.
Royal Golden does not give legal or immigration advice. This article is general information, and the decision on any application rests with ICP.
Sources
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), New Identity Card Issuance — https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e5a (checked on 24 October 2026)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Identity Card Renewal — https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e5d (checked on 24 October 2026)
- UAE Government portal, Emirates ID — https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/emirates-id (checked on 24 October 2026)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), FAQ — https://icp.gov.ae/en/faq/ (checked on 24 October 2026)