Emirates ID Guide 2025: Application, Renewal, Features & UAE Use Cases

In the UAE, the Emirates ID is important for everyday life. It helps you use government services, visit hospitals, do banking, and pass through airport e-gates easily. Whether you’re new to the country or have lived here for years, knowing how the Identity card works is the first step to settling in smoothly.

What is Emirates ID?

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) provides the Emirates ID as the primary form of identification for individuals residing in the UAE.It is mandatory for all UAE citizens, residents, and GCC nationals living in the UAE. The card contains key personal information including your name, photo, nationality, date of birth, and a unique 15-digit identity number. It also includes biometric data such as fingerprints and a digital signature stored on an embedded smart chip, ensuring both identity verification and access to various government and private services.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Identity Card – Front Side format

Header

• English: United Arab Emirates
  
• Arabic: دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة
  
• Label: Identity Card (بطاقة هوية)
  
• UAE Emblem: Displayed at the top center
  

Smart Chip:

• A gold electronic chip on the left side – used for digital verification and security.
  

ID Number / رقم الهوية:

• Number: 123-4567-8901234-1
  
• Structured in typical format (3-4-7-1 digits)
  

Name / الاسم:

• Arabic: محمد احمد
  
• English: Muhammad Ahmad
  

Nationality / الجنسية:

• Arabic: الإمارات العربية المتحدة
  
• English: United Arab Emirates
  

Photograph:

• Color passport-style photo of the cardholder on the lower right
  
• Black-and-white thumbnail photo in the top-right corner for added security

Note: This is Sample ID card for Understanding

Designed for Inclusivity and Innovation

The Emirates ID is built to serve everyone in the UAE while supporting the country’s digital future. Key highlights include:

• Issued to all residents, including citizens, expats, GCC nationals, and persons of determination
  
• Equipped with smart features – biometric data, digital signature, and secure chip
  
• Supports digital services – easy access to healthcare, banking, and government portals
  
• Promotes digital governance – aligned with the UAE’s paperless and smart city goals
  

This smart ID card ensures everyone can participate in the UAE’s modern, tech-driven society.

Emirates Card Features

🔹 Smart Chip Technology

It safely keeps your personal and fingerprint details to help confirm your identity and give you access to services quickly.

🔹 Biometric Security

Includes fingerprint and facial data to ensure the card is uniquely tied to the individual.

🔹 Digital Signature

It allows you to use online services and make secure, legally accepted digital transactions.

🔹 Tamper-Proof Design

Equipped with security features like holograms and encryption to prevent fraud and duplication.

Getting Emirates ID

Following are the process to follow:

Hold a valid UAE visa or entry permit
Ensure your residency or entry status is approved before applying.

Submit your application
Apply through the ICP website, mobile app, or an authorized typing center.

Provide biometric data
First-time applicants aged 15 and above must visit an ICP center for fingerprinting and a photograph.

Pay the applicable fees
Fees vary depending on your residency category and the validity period of the ID.

Receive your ID
The ID card will be delivered to your registered address or the nearest Emirates Post branch within a few working days.

Emirates ID Within 24 Hours

If you require your ID quickly, the ICP offers the Fawri service, which delivers the ID in as little as 24 hours.

🔹 What is Fawri?

Fawri is a fast-track service that speeds up the Emirates ID issuance or replacement process, ideal for urgent needs like travel, work, or legal matters.

🔹 Who Can Use This Service?

• UAE citizens
  
• GCC nationals living in the UAE
  
• Expat residents can use this service only to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged ID.

Expatriates cannot use Fawri for new or renewal applications, as these require completed visa and residency procedures.

🔹 How to Apply for Fawri?

• Visit any ICP Customer Happiness Center that offers Fawri — no appointment needed.
  
• Bring the relevant documents, including your ID number, a valid passport, and evidence of residency if required.
• Submit your application and provide biometric data (if requested).
  
• Pay the urgent processing fee, which includes regular charges plus an express service cost.
  

🔹 ICP Centers Offering Fawri Service:

The Fawri service can be accessed at the following ICP Customer Happiness Centers across the UAE:

• Abu Dhabi: Al Jazeera, Khalifa City
  
• Dubai: Al Barsha, Al Rashidiya, Al Karama
  
• Al Ain: Al Ain Center
  
• Western Region: Madinat Zayed
  
• In Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain, the main ICP centers offer the service.

🔹 Processing Time

If all conditions are met, your Emirates ID will be ready for collection within 24 hours.

This service is especially helpful for people who need their ID card urgently due to official commitments or emergencies.

Renewing Emirates ID

It’s important to renew your ID on time to avoid fines and keep using all services smoothly.

🔹 When Should You Renew?

• UAE citizens can renew their ID anytime from 6 months up to 1 month before it expires.
• Before applying to renew their identity card, expatriate residents must renew or obtain a new residency visa.
• A 30-day grace period applies once the ID expires. If you renew late, you will be fined AED 20 per day up to a maximum of AED 1000.
  

🔹 Where and How to Renew?

You can renew your Emirates ID using several easy methods:

• The ICP official website
  
• Use the ICP UAE Smart App, which you can download from Google Play, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
• Any authorized typing center across the UAE

Sometimes, you might need to visit an ICP service center to update your fingerprints or facial scan.

🔹 After Applying

Once you complete the renewal process and payment, the ICP will process your application and issue your new ID. You will be notified when the card is ready for pickup from your chosen Emirates Post branch.

✅ Pro Tip: Keep your contact details updated in the system to receive renewal alerts and pickup notifications.

What to Do If Your UAE ID is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement promptly through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) to safeguard your identity.

🔹 Step 1: Report the Incident

Go to the closest ICP Customer Happiness Center to report your lost or stolen card. ICP will then deactivate your card right away to stop any misuse.

• If you don’t remember your ID number, request confirmation or a copy from the center.
  
• When reporting a damaged ID, the original card must be provided.
• Bring valid documents to verify your identity:
  
  • UAE nationals: Valid passport + family book
    
  • GCC nationals: Proof of UAE residency
    
  • Expatriates: Passport with a valid UAE residence visa
    
  • Children under 15: Original birth certificate + passport-size photo with white background
    

🔹 Step 2: Submit a Replacement Request

Once the issue is reported, apply for a replacement through any of the following:

• ICP’s Customer Happiness Centers
  
• The ICP Smart App, available for download on both Android and iOS devices.
• Authorized typing centers
  Submit the completed replacement form with the required documents.
  

🔹 Step 3: Pay the Applicable Fees

• Replacement fee: AED 300
  
• Service fee:
  
  • AED 70 if applying via typing center
    
  • AED 40 if applying through the ICP e-Form
    
• Optional Express Service: Add AED 150 to receive your ID within 24 hours
  

These charges are applicable to all UAE residents, including citizens, GCC nationals, and expatriates.

🔹 Step 4: Emirates ID Collection

Once the application is processed, ICP keeps you informed via SMS about the status and estimated arrival of your replacement ID.

• Standard service: Card issued within 48 hours
  
• Express service: Card ready within 24 hours
• When you get the confirmation message, collect your ID from the specified Emirates Post location. For help, call ICP at 6005 30003.
  Cancelling Emirates ID

If you’re planning to leave the UAE permanently or undergoing a change in residency status, it is mandatory to cancel your ID along with your residence visa.

When is Cancellation Required?

Cancel your Emirates ID in these situations

• Permanent relocation from the UAE
  
• Change of visa sponsorship or emirate
  
• Termination of your UAE residency permit
  

🔹 How to Cancel Your Emirates ID

1. Start with Visa Cancellation
   
   • Your residence visa must be canceled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
     
   • Cancellation of the Emirates ID is an integral part of this process.
     
2. Return the ID Card
   
   • Hand over your physical ID to GDRFA during visa cancellation.
     
   • The GDRFA will then forward your ID card to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), which originally issued the card.
     
3. Clear Any Dues
   
   • Ensure that all financial obligations, fines, or service charges are paid before your departure.
     

🛂 Important: Don’t keep your Emirates ID if your visa has been cancelledKeeping an active ID without a valid visa can lead to legal issues.

🔹 Need Help?

For assistance or queries:

• Access the ‘Ask Hamad’ live chat on the ICP website for instant support.
  
• Or call the ICP directly at 600 522 222

Why Does the Emirates ID Number Begin with 784?

Every UAE ID number begins with “784”, and this prefix holds a specific meaning—it is the international code assigned to the United Arab Emirates under the ISO 3166-1 numeric standard.

• The “784” code uniquely identifies the UAE on international systems and databases.
  
• It acts as a country identifier, similar to how “+971” is used as the international dialing code for UAE.
  

This prefix helps in standardizing UAE identity documents globally, ensuring seamless verification and cross-border recognition of personal identification data.

General ID Number Format

The ID number is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies you as a UAE resident or citizen.Each segment of this number has a specific purpose.

🔢 Format: 784-YYYY-NNNNNNN-C

Here’s what each part means:

• 784 – Country code for UAE
  
• YYYY – Year of birth of the cardholder
  
• NNNNNNN – A randomly generated 7-digit personal number
  
• C – A single check digit used for verification and system validation
  

🧠 This structured format ensures each ID is unique, traceable, and easily integrated into both local and international identification systems.

Functions and Uses of the Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is more than just a national ID card—it’s a multi-purpose smart document that plays a vital role in everyday life across the UAE.

🔹 Identification for Government Services

Your ID is essential for accessing almost all federal and local government services, including:

• Applying for visas and residency permits
  
• Registering vehicles and renewing driving licenses
  
• Signing legal contracts and utility services
  

🔹 Banking and Mobile SIM Registration

Banks and telecom providers use the Emirates ID to:

• Open personal or business bank accounts
  
• Issue or renew credit/debit cards
  
• Register new mobile SIM cards or update account details
  

This makes it a key requirement for financial and communication services.

🔹 Health Care Access and Insurance

Your Emirates ID is often linked to your health insurance and used as a primary document to:

• Access public and private healthcare
  
• Claim insurance benefits
  
• Maintain electronic medical records
  

It replaces the need to carry a separate insurance card in many cases.

🔹 Travel via E-Gates

The Emirates ID allows UAE nationals and residents to:

• Use e-gates at airports for fast-track immigration clearance
  
• Avoid long passport control queues, especially at major airports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
  

🛂 It serves as a smart travel document for convenient airport movement within the UAE.

What is an ISO Code?

ISO codes, set by the International Organization for Standardization, help standardize data worldwide in records, digital systems, and communication.

🔹 Types of ISO Country Codes:

• ISO Alpha-2: 2-letter code like AE for UAE.
  
• ISO Alpha-3: 3-letter code like ARE for UAE.
  
• ISO Numeric: 3-digit number like 784 for UAE.

These codes are essential for passport systems, ID cards, shipping, government databases, and global financial transactions.

What is the UAE’s ISO Code?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is assigned the following ISO 3166 codes:

• Alpha-2: AE – Commonly used in internet domains (like .ae) and country abbreviations.
  
• Alpha-3: ARE – Used in official data reporting, international trade, and United Nations documents.
  
• Numeric Code: 784 – Used in systems requiring numeric identification, including Emirates ID numbers, passports, and global databases.
  

📌 Fun Fact: The 784 code is why every Emirates ID number starts with “784”—it’s the UAE’s official numeric designation.

Who Issues the Emirates ID?

The Emirates ID cards in the UAE are issued and managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), the official government body responsible for identity and citizenship services.

🔹 Role of ICP:

• Manages the population registry and national identity system
  
• Issues, renews, and cancels Emirates ID cards
  
• Ensures data security and integration with other government services
  
• Oversees immigration, naturalization, and residency procedures

Emirates ID vs. UAE Residency Visa

✅ Both documents are essential: You need a valid residency visa to obtain your Emirates ID, and your Emirates ID is your everyday identity document within the UAE.

Emirates ID for Expats and Foreign Workers

All expatriates, foreign workers, and their dependents residing in the UAE are required to obtain an Emirates ID as part of the residency process.

👨‍👩‍👧 Dependents:

Spouses, children, and domestic workers under your sponsorship must also obtain their individual Emirates IDs after their residency is granted.

🛂 The Emirates ID is not just mandatory—it is essential for daily tasks like renting property, opening bank accounts, and accessing healthcare.

Digital Emirates ID on the UAE ICP App

The digital Emirates ID, accessible via the ICP app, brings your physical identity card into a secure and convenient mobile format.It serves as a valid form of identification for both government and private services.

📲 How to Access Your Digital ID:

1. Get the ICP app from your app store (Google Play, Apple Store, or Huawei Gallery).
   
2. Sign in using your UAE Pass or Emirates ID.
   
3. Find your digital Emirates ID under “My Documents.”

🔐 Key Benefits:

• Accepted for all official and legal purposes across the UAE
  
• Useful if your physical card is lost, damaged, or being processed
  
• Offers QR code verification and real-time updates
  
• Ensures your identity is always accessible and secure on the go
  

✅The digital Emirates ID is just as valid as the physical one—making it a smart must-have for modern residents.”

Emirates ID and Smart Services Integration

The Emirates ID is not just a physical card — it’s your digital key to a wide range of government and private sector services across the UAE.

🔗 Where Emirates ID Is Used:

• Government Portals: Access to services like visa status, Emirates Vehicle Gate, and Ministry of Health.
  
• E-Gate/Smart Gate: Faster immigration clearance at airports using biometric scanning.
  
• Banking Services: Required to open accounts, verify identity, or apply for loans.
  
• Mobile SIM Registration: Mandatory for getting or renewing a UAE SIM card.
  
• Utilities and Tenancy: Register for electricity, water, and tenancy contracts.
  
• Healthcare Access: Used to book appointments, link to insurance, and store medical records.
  

✅ The ID card’s smart chip and biometric data ensure security, speed, and seamless integration with UAE’s digital governance model.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Even with a highly efficient system, some users face occasional issues related to Emirates ID processing. 

🔹 Delay in ID Issuance

Cause: Delays in residency visa approval, biometric appointments, or documentation errors.
Solution:

• Track your application via the ICP website or app.
  
• Contact ICP at 6005 30003 or visit a Customer Happiness Centre for urgent inquiries.
  
• Use Fawri service if eligible and urgent.
  

🔹 Fingerprint or Biometric Failure

Cause: Poor-quality fingerprints or technical issues at the biometric center.
Solution:

• Revisit the ICP biometric center for a retake.
  
• Ensure your hands are clean and dry during fingerprinting.
  
• For persistent issues, raise a ticket via the ICP app.
  

🔹 Wrong Details Printed

Cause: Typing errors during the application process.
Solution:

• Found a mistake on your Emirates ID? Use the ICP app or visit a Customer Happiness Centre to report it.
• Next, request a correction and a new card.
• Carry supporting documents (passport, visa) when requesting correction.
  

🛠️ Resolving these issues early ensures your ID remains valid and usable across all services in the UAE.

Emirates ID for Children and Newborns

In the UAE, all children and newborns must have an Emirates ID, just like adults. Whether you’re a citizen or a resident, having this is required by law in the UAE.

🍼 Key Details:

• Age Requirement: The ID is required from birth — there is no age exemption.
  
• When to Apply: Apply for your child’s Emirates ID as soon as their residency visa is issued.
  
• Validity: The ID’s validity typically matches the parent’s or sponsor’s residency period.
  

📄 Documents Needed:

• Original passport of the child
  
• Valid UAE residency visa (for expat children)
  
• Birth certificate of the child
  
• Passport-sized photo with white background
  
• Emirates ID and passport copies of the sponsoring parent
  

👨‍👩‍👧 The ID is essential for enrolling in schools, accessing healthcare, and travel purposes — even for babies.

Emirates ID and Travel Use

The Emirates ID is widely accepted for regional travel, including use at UAE airports and across GCC countries.

🌍 GCC Travel

• UAE citizens can use the Emirates ID to travel to GCC countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar) without carrying a passport.
  
• Note: Rules can vary by country and situation, so always check entry requirements before traveling.
  

✈️ e-Gate and Smart Gate Access at UAE Airports

• UAE nationals, residents, and GCC citizens can use their ID at e-Gates and Smart Gates at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major UAE airports.
  
• Speeds up immigration checks by scanning the Emirates ID instead of using a passport.
  
• No prior registration is needed — the ID automatically works if your biometric data is on file.
  

🚀 Emirates ID makes airport travel quicker, contactless, and more convenient, aligning with UAE’s smart city goals.

Conclusion

The Emirates ID is far more than just an identity card—it is a key to daily life in the UAE. Whether you’re a citizen, resident, or dependent, this smart card connects you to essential services, simplifies travel, and supports the UAE’s vision of digital governance. Understanding how to apply, renew, replace, or use the ID ensures smooth access to government and private sector systems.

Stay informed, keep your details updated, and make the most of the digital tools linked to your Emirates ID.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and may be subject to change. For the latest updates, always refer to the official UAE ICP website or contact the ICP Call Center at 6005 30003.

FAQs

How can I get my Emirates ID card?

You can apply for an Emirates ID through the ICP website, mobile app, or authorized typing centers. Submit your application, provide biometric data (if required), pay the fee, and receive the card via Emirates Post.

Is Emirates ID the same as visa?

No, the Emirates ID is not the same as a visa. The visa grants you legal entry and residency, while the Emirates ID is your official identification card linked to your residency status in the UAE.

How long is Emirates ID valid?

The validity depends on your residency type:

• UAE nationals: Up to 10 years
• Expats and residents: Usually 1, 2, or 3 years, based on visa duration

How to check ID card details?

Visit the ICP website and use the “ID Card Status” service. Enter your application number (PRAN) or Emirates ID number to view status and details.