What is an Emirate ID?
An Emirate ID is also called an Emirates ID. This is an essential document required for citizens and residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirate ID is a biometric card that stores your
- Personal information
- Fingerprints
- Facial recognition details
What is the purpose of an Emirate ID?
Emirate ID is important in the UAE because it is a legal document that works as an identity card, through an Emirate ID governmental organizations can easily
- Verify your identity
- Provide access to government services and facilities
- Keep your information secure and safe
How to apply for an Emirate ID?
To apply for an Emirates ID, you need to submit some documents, including:
- Your passport
- Your residence visa
- Your birth certificate (if available)
- Your health insurance card (if available)
More info about Emirate ID.
With the above definitions and discussion about Emirate ID, now you understand the importance of Emirate ID as a mandatory Identity Card for Citizens and Residents who live in UAE. This ID card is issued by the “Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). The Emirates ID is now a compulsory identity card for all United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens and residents. It is a mandatory and legal requirement for all Citizens and Residents belonging to the UAE to apply for and carry this card at all times.
Multiple purposes of Emirate ID:
The below listed are multiple purposes of Emirate ID in which Emirate ID is necessary for all requirements including,
- Access government services
- Vote in the elections of the Federal National Council
- As a travel document for UAE citizens to travel within the GCC
- Utilizing healthcare services
- Enrolling children in schools
- Applying for jobs and employment benefits
- Renting or buying property
- Obtaining a driver’s license
- Accessing social services and benefits
NOTE: According to the ICP smart services website, companies are not allowed to withhold the Emirates ID cards of their employees or their customers and visitors. Companies are only allowed to keep personal data on their ID cards. In case of any queries or violations, the Emirate ID holders should refer the case to the judicial authorities.
How to apply for a New Emirates ID Card
(A Step-by-Step Guide)
Obtaining a new Emirates ID card is a straightforward process that can be initiated online or through an accredited typing center. Here’s how:
Option 1: Online Application
An online opportunity to apply for an Emirate ID card at home. For this visit the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) website to submit your application. Clicking the following link will help you to apply online for an Emirate ID card at home.
https://icp.gov.ae/en/service/apply-for-a-new-id-card-2/
Option 2: Accredited Typing Centre
Alternatively, you can visit an accredited typing center to apply for your Emirates ID card.
How to renew Emirates ID?
For renewal of your Emirate ID card, you should not wait till your ID expires. But before Expiry of your Emirate ID card, you have 30 days from the date of expiry to renew your Emirates ID card. If you fail to do so you must have to pay a fine.
How to Renew:
- Get an SMS reminder from ICP
- Renew online:
– ICP website
– ICP App (Google Play, App Store, Huawei)
– Typing center
- Visit the ICP service center if needed (for biometric details)
Remember to renew your Emirates ID card on time to avoid problems!”
Emirate ID urgent service (24 hours)
(Only for GCC countries)
“Get Your Emirates ID Card in 24 Hours with ‘Fawri’ Service on urgent basis.
If you need your Emirates ID card urgently? The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) offers an expedited service called ‘Fawri’ that issues the card within 24 hours.
Eligibility:
Must have the nationality of UAE or UAE holders.
Residents in UAE with other GCC countries nationality.
Expatriate residents (only for replacement of lost or damaged cards)
Services offered:
First-time registration
Renewal of expired cards
Replacement of lost or damaged cards
Fees:
Regular fees + urgent service fee
How to apply:
Visit ICP’s customer happiness centers without prior notice
Bring required documents
Note: Expatriate residents (non-GCC nationals) can only use this service for replacement of lost or damaged cards, as issuance and renewal are linked to residency proof and procedures.”
Addresses of the Fawri service ICP customer’s happiness centers:
Al Jazeera and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi
Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya and Karama in Dubai
Madinat Zayed in the Western Region
Al Ain Centre
Sharjah Centre
Ajman Centre
Fujairah Centre
Ras Al Khaimah Centre
Umm Al Quwain Centre.
How to cancel your Emirates ID?
For the cancellation process, Residents who intend to cancel their UAE residence visa to leave the country, are required to return their Emirates ID to the respective General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
The respective General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs will hand over the returned Emirates ID card to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security-ICP, which issued the card
