Lost Emirates ID? Replacement Fees, Urgent Service & Steps (2026)

You have two paths: standard replacement (5-7 working days, AED 370-400) or express Fawri service (24 hours, AED 520-550). Both start with the same action: report the loss to ICP immediately via their app or website, then submit your documents.

The replacement card keeps the same expiry date as your lost card. If your original was valid until 2028, your replacement is also valid until 2028 (the card itself does not expire; your residency does).

Standard replacement is your default unless you have an immediate travel or legal need. Fawri is worth it if you are travelling tomorrow or if a lost card is blocking an urgent service (visa sponsorship, work permit, bank account).

1. Download the ICP app or visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae. The ICP app (UAEICP) is available on iOS and Google Play. Alternatively, use the smartservices.icp.gov.ae website.
2. Log in with your credentials. Use your Residence Permit number + passport number, or your Emirates ID number (if you still remember it) + passport number. You can also log in with your UAE mobile number and password if you have registered before.
3. Navigate to "Emirates ID" or "National Identity Card." Find the section under Services → Individual → Emirates ID, or search for "lost card" or "damaged card" in the app menu.
4. Select "Report Loss" or "Request Replacement." The app prompts you to choose whether it is lost, damaged, or stolen. Select "Lost" (loss and theft have the same process).
5. Upload required documents:
   • Recent passport-size photo (white background, 4×6 cm, as per ICP specs)
   • Passport bio page (colour scan or photo)
   • Copy of Residence Permit (front and back, colour)
   • If police report is available, scan of the GCC report
6. Select replacement type: Choose between standard (5-7 days) or Fawri express (24 hours). Select your preferred collection method: in-person at Customer Happiness Centre or postal delivery.
7. Review and submit. Verify all details are correct. Submit the application. You will receive a reference number on screen and via SMS/email. Save this reference number; you need it for collection and follow-up.
8. Make payment. You will be prompted to pay via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. The amount depends on your selected service type (AED 370-520). Payment must be completed before the application is processed.
9. Confirmation and tracking. Once payment clears, ICP sends you a confirmation SMS with your case reference. You can track progress in the app under "My Services" or "Applications" by entering your reference number.
10. Collection or delivery. For standard processing, your card is ready in 5-7 working days. For Fawri, it is ready in 24 hours. Collection is at the ICP Customer Happiness Centre you selected, or postal delivery to your National Address on file (add 5-7 days).

If you prefer to apply in person and avoid online friction, visit any ICP Customer Happiness Centre. In-person applications can result in same-day or next-day processing if you apply in the morning and choose express (Fawri).

What to bring: Original passport + colour copy, Residence Permit + colour copy, recent passport-size photo (white background, 4×6 cm, ICP specs), police report if available (helpful but not strictly required).

Worked example: Aisha lost her card in Deira and needs it back in 24 hours. Aisha visits the ICP Customer Happiness Centre in Al Ain Centre (Deira) on Tuesday morning with her passport, Residence Permit copy, photo, and a police report filed on Monday. She reports the loss, selects Fawri express (AED 520). She pays at the counter (cash or card accepted). The officer tells her to return Wednesday morning (24 hours later). She collects her replacement card Wednesday at 9 AM. Total: AED 520, 24 hours.

ICP Customer Happiness Centre locations. Major centres are in: Dubai (Al Ain Centre, Deira), Abu Dhabi (Corniche), Sharjah (Corniche), Ajman (City Centre), Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain. Opening hours are typically 8 AM - 3 PM Saturday-Thursday (closed Friday). Some centres are open extended hours during peak seasons.

Police report is optional for a lost card. You can replace a lost Emirates ID without filing a police report. However, a report is helpful in two scenarios: (1) if your card was lost in circumstances suggesting theft (e.g., pickpocketing, car break-in), or (2) if you want an official record that could matter for insurance claims or if someone later tries to misuse your card.

How to file a police report in the UAE. You can file a report online via the local Police General Headquarters website (e.g., Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, Sharjah Police) or visit the nearest police station. The online report is faster (15 minutes) and you receive a reference number or GCC report immediately. In-person reporting takes 1-2 hours. Most expats file online.

Worked example: Hassan lost his card at the mall. Hassan is unsure if his card was lost or stolen. He files a police report online via the Sharjah Police website (live.sharjahpolice.ae). He completes the form, describing where he last saw the card and what time. Within 10 minutes, he receives a GCC police report (PDF with reference number). He then submits the ICP replacement application online, attaching the PDF. The police report does not speed up the process, but it creates an official record that his card was lost, not something he misplaced and is now trying to replace fraudulently.

When police report is likely required. If someone claims to have found your card and is trying to use it, or if you are filing for fraud-related damage to your accounts, a police report becomes evidence. Most routine replacements do not need it.

Scenario 1: Lost card, no immediate travel, standard replacement (most common).

Yuki, a Japanese expat in Dubai, realizes her card is missing on Monday morning. She has no urgent travel. She reports the loss via the ICP app that afternoon (Monday 2 PM). She uploads her passport, residence permit, and a fresh photo. She selects standard replacement (5 days) and postal delivery. Cost: AED 370. She pays online. By Friday, her replacement card arrives at her National Address. Total: AED 370, 5-7 days, no office visit needed.

Scenario 2: Lost card, urgent visa sponsorship needed, express service.

Ahmed lost his card at the airport on Monday but has a pending job offer that requires his card to be present for visa sponsorship. His new employer needs sponsorship to start Wednesday. He visits the ICP Customer Happiness Centre in person Tuesday morning. He brings his passport, residence permit, photo, and mentions the urgent sponsorship situation. The officer notes it in the file. He selects Fawri express (AED 520, 24 hours). He returns Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning and collects his card. His card is ready in time for visa sponsorship. Total: AED 520, 24 hours.

Scenario 3: Lost card, suspected theft/fraud, police report.

Sofia suspects her card was stolen from her handbag at a restaurant on Friday. She files an online police report Saturday with Abu Dhabi Police. She receives the GCC police report PDF (reference: GCC-2026-05-12-xxxxx). She applies for replacement via ICP app, attaching the police report. She selects standard replacement (AED 370) but notes in the application comments that theft is suspected. She receives her card in 5-7 days. The police report is on file if anyone tries to misuse her card later. Total: AED 370, 5-7 days, plus 10-minute police report filing.

During the 5-7 day replacement window (or 24 hours for Fawri), you do not have your physical card. Here is what you can use as ID or proof of residency:

Practical advice. For the replacement period, carry your passport at all times. For bank and government transactions, bring your passport + Residence Permit copy + the ICP replacement receipt. If a police officer pulls you over for a traffic check and you do not have your driving licence with you, explain that your card is being replaced and show the ICP SMS confirmation. Most officers will allow this, though technically you are required to carry your card.

If a child or dependent's card is lost, the process is the same, but the parent/sponsor must submit the replacement application. Minors cannot apply themselves.

Requirements for a child's replacement: Child's passport, child's Residence Permit, recent child passport-size photo, parent's Residence Permit or passport (to verify sponsorship relationship).

The cost is the same: AED 370-520. Timeline is the same: 5-7 days standard or 24 hours Fawri. The sponsor parent/guardian selects collection method and payment method. This is often done in batches (parent + children all lost cards replaced together).

If your card is not lost but damaged (cracked, faded, worn), the replacement process is the same and costs the same (AED 370-520). However, you may not need to file a police report.

What counts as damaged? Cracked or broken card (fell and snapped), faded printing (cannot read text), water damage (soaked in liquid), delaminated (layers peeling off), or the chip not working (you can test by trying to use it in an ID scanner).

Process for damaged card. You can either surrender the old card with your application (if still legible) or apply for a replacement citing damage. If the old card is still readable, ICP may ask you to bring it when you collect the replacement. Either way, the replacement timeline and cost are identical to a lost card.

Your card expired while lost, and now you have a late fine (AED 20/day)

If your original card's expiry date has passed while it was lost, you may have accumulated a late fine. Once you receive your replacement, the fine is applied to your account. You can pay it immediately via ICP online or negotiate a payment plan. The replacement itself is processed normally regardless of the fine; the fine is a separate matter.

You are abroad when you realize your card is lost

You can still apply online via the ICP app or website from abroad. Upload your documents, select postal delivery to your UAE address, and pay online. Your replacement will be waiting when you return to the UAE (5-7 days, or 24 hours if you somehow arrange in-person collection via a sponsor). You cannot use the Fawri express service from abroad unless you arrange someone to collect for you.

You lost your card and your Residence Permit is also about to expire

You can apply for replacement of the card and renewal of the Residence Permit simultaneously. Submit both applications together or submit the card replacement first (faster) and handle the residence permit renewal separately. The card replacement is independent of residency renewal.

You lost your card and you are in the middle of a visa sponsorship transfer

Your lost card does not affect the sponsorship transfer process. Apply for replacement as normal. The new sponsor (if transferring jobs) may require a clear identity status, so having the replacement in progress is good to show. Keep the application reference number handy when dealing with the new sponsor.

Your card was lost more than 30 days ago and you are just now reporting it

You can still apply for replacement as long as your Residence Permit is valid (the card itself being lost does not invalidate your legal residency). However, if a late fine has been accumulating (AED 20/day for an expired card), it will be applied. If your residence permit has also expired, that is a separate urgent issue requiring residency renewal or exit visa before replacement.

ICP says "invalid photo" when I upload my picture

The photo must meet strict specs: white background, face clear and front-facing, 4×6 cm, taken within 6 months. Phone photos in natural light often work, but studio photos guarantee acceptance. If rejected, take a new photo using an online photo booth service (available at most pharmacies and shopping malls in the UAE) or ask a friend to take a proper passport photo with a white wall background. Re-upload.

The app says "documents cannot be read" when I upload my passport copy

Your scan or photo may be too dark, blurry, or small. Use a scanner (not a phone photo) for the best quality, or take a well-lit phone photo of both the front and back of every page. Ensure the entire page is visible and the text is clear. Re-upload.

Payment failed even though I was charged

Check your bank statement to see if the charge went through. If you were charged but the ICP system did not register it, contact ICP customer service (phone: 600 54 1111) with your bank transaction reference. They can manually confirm payment and unlock your application. Do not re-submit; contact customer service first.

Your case reference number is not working in the tracking portal

Wait 15-30 minutes after submitting (the system may need time to sync). If still not working, log out and log back into the ICP app. If still stuck, contact ICP customer service with the reference number shown on your SMS confirmation.

Q: How much does a lost Emirates ID cost to replace?
A: Standard: AED 370 (online) or AED 400 (in-person with printing office fee). Express Fawri: AED 520 (24-hour service). The difference is the Fawri surcharge (AED 150) and whether the printing office is involved.

Q: Can I get a replacement on the same day I report it lost?
A: Yes, with the Fawri express service (AED 520). You report and apply in the morning, and the card is ready by the next morning (24 hours). Standard takes 5-7 working days.

Q: Do I need a police report to replace my card?
A: No. A police report is optional. You can replace a lost card without one. A report is helpful if you suspect theft or want an official record, but it is not required by ICP.

Q: Can my employer or sponsor replace my card for me?
A: No. You must apply yourself. Your sponsor can facilitate by providing a letter confirming employment, but the application must be submitted in your name using your credentials.

Q: What if my card was lost outside the UAE (on travel)?
A: You can still apply online from abroad. Select postal delivery to your UAE address. Your replacement will arrive in 5-7 days. You cannot use Fawri express unless you arrange in-person collection via someone in the UAE on your behalf.

Q: Does a replacement card have a different number than the lost card?
A: No. The replacement card has the same ID number as the original. Your legal identity does not change. The card is just a physical token; the ID number is in the government database.

Q: How long is the replacement valid for?
A: The replacement card is valid until the same expiry date as your original card. If your original card was valid until 2028, your replacement is also valid until 2028. You do not reset the expiry date; it carries over.

Q: Can I get a new card with a later expiry date while replacing a lost card?
A: No. The replacement keeps the original expiry. If you want a card with a later expiry, you must wait until your regular renewal date (usually tied to your Residence Permit renewal). The replacement process does not reset the validity period.

Q: What if my card expired before I reported it lost?
A: You can still replace it. However, you will have a late fine (AED 20/day, capped at AED 1,000) applied to your account. Sort out the fine payment separately from the replacement. The replacement itself will be processed normally.

Once your card is replaced, you should ensure your Emirates ID is registered correctly and your Residence Permit is up to date. If your card expiry is approaching, read our Emirates ID renewal guide to plan ahead and avoid another replacement situation.

For broader identity and residency services in UAE, visit ICP portal or AMER for Dubai visa services.

A lost card can block services temporarily, but the replacement is straightforward if you know which path to take. Our team has guided expats through urgent card replacements, police report filing, and ID verification issues. Contact us if you are stuck on any step of the online application, or if you need guidance on whether your situation qualifies for express Fawri service.