Emirates ID in United Arab Emirates
Renew your Emirates ID on the ICP app in minutes - just don't let it sit expired, the daily fine adds up fast.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The Emirates ID is the unified identity card for every UAE citizen and resident, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). It carries a 15-digit unified number that links your residence visa, health, banking, and government services.
Renewal is tied to your residence visa cycle: when your visa is renewed, the Emirates ID is renewed alongside it. You can also renew the card on its own up to 6 months before expiry. The card now arrives by Emirates Post courier - typing centres rarely need to be involved unless your data needs updating.
Documents required
- Original passport with valid residence visa
- Existing Emirates ID (even if expired)
- Recent passport photo (children under 15 only)
- Health insurance proof for the new period
Eligibility
- Hold or be in the process of obtaining a UAE residence visa
- All immigration and traffic fines cleared
- Biometrics on file or willing to attend a centre if older than the ICP threshold
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID base fee | 100 AED | Per year of validity (so AED 200 for 2 years, AED 300 for 3 years). |
| Application service fee | 70 AED | Via ICP app or website; AED 40 extra if applying through a typing centre. |
| Urgent/Fawri service | 150 AED | Same-day issuance at selected ICP centres (subject to availability). Confirm current amount on ICP. |
| Late renewal fine | 20 AED | Per day after the 30-day grace period, capped at AED 1,000. |
Step by step
- 1
Start the application
Open the ICP UAE Smart Services app or icp.gov.ae and select 'Renew Emirates ID'. Log in with UAE PASS for the fastest path.
10 minutes · online
- 2
Verify details and pay
Confirm name, photo, and address. Choose 1, 2, or 3 year validity (must match visa). Pay AED 100/year + AED 70 service fee.
online
- 3
Biometrics (if requested)
The app tells you if a biometric refresh is needed. If yes, book the nearest ICP customer happiness centre. If no, skip straight to delivery.
Same day · center
- 4
Delivery by Emirates Post
New card is couriered to the address on file. SMS confirms tracking number.
3-7 working days · online
Processing time: 3-7 working days standard; same day with Fawri service.
Where to do it online
- ICP
Apply, renew, replace, and check Emirates ID status
Tasheel and Amer centres process Emirates ID applications for an extra AED 40-100. Useful if you need data corrections (name spelling, address) that the self-service app won't handle.
Renewal
Emirates ID validity matches the residence visa (2 or 3 years private; up to 10 for Golden Visa holders). You can renew from 6 months before expiry and have 30 days after expiry before fines start.
Fines & penalties
- AED 20 per day late renewal fine after 30-day grace period
- Cap of AED 1,000
- Blocks visa renewal, bank account opening, and most government services
- Lost card replacement: AED 300 + AED 70 service fee
Common pitfalls
- Renewing before the visa is renewed - the system links them, do the visa first
- Forgetting to update the delivery address - the card goes to the old one
- Letting it lapse past 30 days - AED 20/day adds up to AED 600 in a month
- Booking biometrics you don't need - check the app first
FAQs
AED 100 per year of validity, plus an AED 70 service fee through the ICP app. So a 2-year renewal is AED 270, and 3 years is AED 370. Typing centres add another AED 30-40.
3-7 working days by Emirates Post for standard service. Fawri (urgent) service costs an extra AED 150 and gets you a same-day card at the ICP centre - confirm current amount on ICP.
You have a 30-day grace period after expiry. After that, AED 20 per day accumulates, capped at AED 1,000. You can still renew online - the fine is added to the bill.
No. ICP only asks for fresh biometrics when your photo or fingerprints are too old, typically every 10 years or after a name change. The app will tell you at the start of the application.
Use the ICP app's 'Card Status' service or the 'ID Card Status' page on icp.gov.ae with your application number or Emirates ID number. Once printed, Emirates Post sends a tracking SMS.