How to Apply for Emirates ID Yourself in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide for Residents
By Chris
Applying for an Emirates ID in the UAE does not always require a third-party agent or typing centre. In many cases, residents can complete the application themselves through the official [ICP Smart Services](https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/) platform or the UAEICP mobile app.
The Emirates ID is the official identity card issued by the [Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security](https://icp.gov.ae/). It is mandatory for UAE citizens and residents and is used for government services, banking, healthcare, mobile connections, travel verification and many everyday transactions.
This DIY guide explains how UAE residents can apply for an Emirates ID themselves, what documents are needed, what the process looks like, and when a visit to an ICP centre may still be required.
## Can you apply for Emirates ID yourself?
Yes, you can apply for an Emirates ID yourself through ICP’s official digital channels.
The main self-service options are:
- [ICP Smart Services website](https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/) - UAEICP mobile app - ICP Customer Happiness Centres, if biometric registration or urgent service is required
You can also apply through an accredited typing centre, but that is not always necessary if you are comfortable using the online system yourself.
For expatriate residents, the Emirates ID process is usually connected to the UAE residence visa process. This means your residence permit, medical fitness test and Emirates ID application may be part of the same overall residency journey.
## Who needs an Emirates ID?
All UAE citizens and residents need an Emirates ID.
For expatriates, the Emirates ID is linked to the validity of the residence visa. If your residence visa is valid for one, two or three years, your Emirates ID validity usually follows the same period.
Children, adults, employees, investors, dependants and domestic workers all need Emirates ID cards if they are UAE residents.
## Step 1: Make sure your UAE residence process is ready
Before applying for a new Emirates ID as a resident, make sure your residence visa process is in place.
For most expatriates, this includes:
- Entry permit or valid UAE residency process - Medical fitness test, where applicable - Valid passport - Sponsor or employer details - Updated personal information
If your employer or sponsor is handling your residence visa, check with them before starting the Emirates ID application yourself. In some cases, the Emirates ID application is submitted as part of a unified residence and ID process.
## Step 2: Go to ICP Smart Services
To apply yourself, visit the official [ICP Smart Services](https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/) website.
You can log in using your account details or through [UAE PASS](https://selfcare.uaepass.ae/), which is the UAE’s national digital identity system.
Once logged in, search for the Emirates ID service and choose the correct option, such as new ID card issuance or renewal, depending on your case.
Avoid using random unofficial websites that copy the ICP name. Always check that you are using the official ICP domain or the official UAEICP app.
## Step 3: Fill in the Emirates ID application form
After selecting the correct service, fill in your personal details carefully.
You may need to provide:
- Full name as per passport - Passport number - Nationality - Date of birth - Mobile number - Email address - UAE address - Sponsor or employer details - Residence-related information
Make sure your mobile number and email address are correct, because updates and application notifications may be sent there.
Small mistakes in name spelling, passport details or contact information can delay the process.
## Step 4: Upload the required documents
The documents required may vary depending on whether you are a UAE citizen, GCC citizen or expatriate resident.
For most resident applications, commonly required documents include:
- Passport copy - Recent personal photograph - Residence permit or residency application details, where applicable - Sponsor-related documents, where required
ICP says documents may need to be attached if they are not already available through government system linkages.
The personal photograph should meet official photo standards. It is better to use a clear passport-style photo with a plain background and avoid casual selfies.
## Step 5: Pay the Emirates ID fees online
After completing the form and uploading the documents, pay the service fees online.
For residents, ICP lists the fee for issuing a new Emirates ID as **AED 100 per year of residence**. A **Smart Service fee of AED 100** also applies.
This means the total cost depends on the length of the residence visa and any additional service charges that may appear during the application.
For example:
- 1-year residence validity: AED 100 card fee + service charges - 2-year residence validity: AED 200 card fee + service charges - 3-year residence validity: AED 300 card fee + service charges
Fees can change, so always check the final amount on the official ICP payment page before confirming.
## Step 6: Complete biometrics if required
Some applicants need to complete fingerprint and signature procedures.
According to ICP, individuals who have completed 15 years of age are required to complete fingerprint and signature procedures through the authority’s service centres.
If biometrics are required, you may receive an appointment or instruction to visit an ICP Customer Happiness Centre.
This is one part of the process that cannot be fully completed online if you are required to give fingerprints or signature in person.
## Step 7: Track your Emirates ID application
After submission, you can track your application through the official [ICP ID Card Status](https://icp.gov.ae/en/id-card-status/) page.
You will need your application number, PRAN, request number or Emirates ID number for renewal or replacement cases.
This helps you check whether your application is under review, approved, printed or ready for delivery.
## Step 8: Receive your Emirates ID
Once the application is approved and the card is printed, the Emirates ID is delivered through authorised courier for the standard service.
For urgent service, collection may be from the authority’s service centres, depending on the selected option and eligibility.
Keep an eye on SMS updates and courier notifications so you do not miss delivery.
## How much does Emirates ID cost?
For new Emirates ID issuance, ICP lists the following key fees:
- Residents: AED 100 per year of residence - Smart Service fee: AED 100 - Urgent service fee: AED 150, available only at authority service centres - UAE citizens under 21: AED 100 for a 5-year card - UAE citizens over 21: AED 200 for a 10-year card
Additional delivery or processing charges may appear depending on the channel and service selected.
## Common mistakes to avoid
When applying yourself, avoid these mistakes:
- Using unofficial websites - Entering passport details incorrectly - Uploading unclear documents - Using a photo that does not meet official standards - Missing biometric appointment - Ignoring application modification requests - Using an inactive mobile number - Waiting too long to correct returned applications
ICP notes that applications can be cancelled if required procedures or modifications are not completed within the specified period.
## When should you use a typing centre instead?
Applying yourself is useful if your case is straightforward and you are comfortable using online government services.
However, a typing centre may still help if:
- You are not confident filling the form yourself - Your documents need checking - Your case involves dependants - Your application was returned for correction - You have a special residency category - You need help with Arabic or technical fields
A typing centre is not always required, but it can reduce mistakes for more complicated cases.
## Can you renew Emirates ID yourself?
Yes, Emirates ID renewal can also be done through ICP digital channels.
ICP has a separate service for Identity Card Renewal. This applies when the ID has expired or when less than six months remain before expiry.
The renewal process is similar: log in, choose renewal, review details, upload documents if required, pay fees and complete any required steps.
## Why this matters
Many UAE residents pay third-party service providers simply because they do not know that Emirates ID applications can be handled through official online channels.
For straightforward cases, applying yourself can save time, reduce service charges and help you understand your own UAE residency documents better.
The key is to use only official ICP platforms, check every detail carefully and complete biometric or correction requests on time.
## Source Credits
Information source/resource owners: ICP, UAE Government Portal, UAE PASS, Digital Dubai.
## Image Credits
Image credit/resource owners: ICP, Digital Dubai.