How to Renew Your Emirates ID In UAE

There is one document that is essential to everyday life in the UAE, and that’s your Emirates ID card. This small but vital document is issued to everyone living in the UAE, and without it, you'll find even the most simple of daily tasks difficult. The Emirates ID provides access to healthcare and is directly linked to medical insurance, as well as banking and financial services. This includes taking out a loan for a property purchase, using an ATM, buying groceries, or travelling through eGates at UAE airports. So your Emirates ID must be up to date.

Who Needs to Renew Their Emirates ID?

To be eligible to live and work in the UAE, you must have a valid Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is the official identity card issued by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). Whether you’re a citizen or a resident here on a visa, your Emirates ID plays a vital part in your everyday life. Everyone living and working in the UAE needs to have a current Emirates ID, from professionals to children.

Eligibility and renewal requirements for residents, citizens, and different visa types

If you’re a UAE national, you can apply for either a five or ten-year ID, while expat residents are issued Emirates IDs that are valid for the same amount of time as your visa (from one to three years, depending on the visa type).

If you're here on a Golden Visa, you still have to apply for an Emirates ID, even if your visa allows you to stay in the UAE for an extended period. If your visa entitles you to sponsor family members to live with you in the UAE, you will also need to ensure that they have Emirates IDs, including those of children and newborns.

GCC nationals residing in the UAE are typically issued IDs that are valid for five years. They must apply for an Emirates ID if they intend to stay in the UAE for more than 180 days.

Regardless of the type of ID you have, once it expires, you must renew it to continue living and working in the UAE and accessing everyday services.

When Should You Renew Your Emirates ID?

If you're a UAE citizen, you should consider renewing your ID at least six months before the expiry date. To ensure you're not left without a valid ID, the latest you should go for renewal is one month before expiration. GCC nationals residing in the UAE can renew their Emirates ID up to six months before the expiry of their current ID, although most renewals occur within 30 days of expiry.

If you’re living and working or studying in the UAE on a visa, you should renew your Emirates ID when your residency visa expires and is renewed or reissued.

There are penalties for not renewing your Emirates ID on time in the UAE. You have a 30-day grace period, but after that, you can accrue late renewal fines of AED 20/day, up to a maximum fine of AED 1,000. Bear in mind that you won't receive a warning, either, so it's essential to stay on top of your renewal to avoid late renewal fines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your Emirates ID in Dubai

1. Check Your Expiry Date

Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid fines.

2. Gather Required Documents

You’ll need the following documents to renew your Emirates ID:

Expats: Passport, valid residence visa, current Emirates ID, passport-sized photo, entry permit (if you’re a recent arrival), and a tenancy contract or utility bill may also be requested
UAE Citizens: Passport, your current Emirates ID, Family book (Khulasat Al Qaid), photo
GCC Nationals: Passport, GCC ID, proof of UAE residency, passport-size photo
Newborns and children under 15 – Passport-size photo, birth certificate, sponsor’s Emirates ID, visa and passport, and for newborns, the ID number issued during Population Registration.

3. Apply Online or In-Person

Use the ICP Smart Services portal or the UAEICP mobile app to apply for your renewal, or visit a typing centre or a Customer Happiness Centre in Dubai.

4. Pay the Renewal Fees

Fees will vary depending on the visa type and duration, and additional service fees may also be required before the renewed ID is issued. For a 1-year renewal, the cost is AED 170. For a three-year expat resident renewal, the cost is AED 370, while five-year renewals will range from AED 180 for a citizen to AED 570 for an expat.

5. Biometric Appointment (If Required)

Biometrics help secure your Emirates ID card, preventing fraud if your card is stolen. You’ll receive an SMS if fingerprinting or a photo update is needed (which may also be applicable if the ID is for a young child). Biometric updates will require a visit to an ICP centre, such as Al Barsha or Al Nahda.

6. Track Your Application

Use the ICP website or app to monitor status updates, which will range from 'Pending' to 'Approved', 'Printed', and 'Ready for Collection'.

7. Collect Your Renewed ID

Once you receive a message informing you that your Emirates ID renewal is ready, you can arrange to pick it up from Emirates Post or opt for home delivery.

You can find out more about Emirates ID renewals by visiting the EmiratesID.com website.