Lost Your Emirates ID in the UAE? Here Is How to Get a Replacement
By Thasmiya
Lost Your Emirates ID in the UAE? Here Is How to Get a Replacement
Losing an Emirates ID can be stressful, but UAE residents and citizens can request a replacement through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
The lost card should be reported promptly, after which the replacement application can be submitted online through ICP’s digital channels or in person at an authorised service centre. The new card normally keeps the same expiry date as the original.
## **What should you do first?**
As soon as you realise that your Emirates ID is missing, report the loss and begin the replacement process.
ICP states that cardholders should report a lost Emirates ID to an Emirates ID service point within seven days of the loss. A replacement application should then be submitted with the applicable fees.
Acting quickly helps reduce the risk of the card being misused and ensures you can obtain a valid physical replacement without unnecessary delays.
## **Where can you apply for a replacement?**
You can apply through:
- The UAEICP mobile application - ICP’s smart-services website - An ICP Customer Happiness Centre - An authorised typing centre
Applying through the official digital channels may be the most convenient option for applicants who already have access to their UAE Pass and registered mobile number.
## **How to replace a lost Emirates ID online**
The general online process is:
1. Open the UAEICP app or ICP smart-services portal. 2. Sign in using UAE Pass or your account details. 3. Select the service for replacing a lost or damaged Emirates ID. 4. Enter or confirm your personal details. 5. Upload any documents requested by the system. 6. Confirm the delivery address. 7. Pay the replacement and service fees. 8. Submit the application and save the request number. 9. Track the application until the new card is issued.
The ICP service is specifically designed to issue a replacement card with the same remaining validity period as the original.
## **What documents may be required?**
The documents requested can depend on whether the applicant is a UAE citizen, GCC national or expatriate resident.
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- A valid passport - A copy of the residence permit or residency details - A recent personal photograph where required - The original damaged card, when replacing a damaged rather than lost ID - Supporting identification for children or sponsored dependants - A declaration confirming the card is lost and is not being held by another authority
The exact requirements shown in the ICP application should be treated as the final checklist.
## **How much does a replacement Emirates ID cost?**
ICP lists the standard fee for replacing a lost or damaged Emirates ID as **AED 300**.
Additional charges currently listed by ICP include:
- **AED 100 smart-service fee** - **AED 150 urgent-service fee**, when the urgent option is available at an ICP service centre - Delivery or typing-centre charges where applicable
The final total therefore depends on the application channel and whether urgent processing is selected.
## **Is urgent replacement available?**
Yes. ICP lists an urgent replacement option at selected service centres for an additional **AED 150**.
Availability may depend on the customer category, service centre and application circumstances. Applicants requiring the card urgently should confirm availability with the selected ICP centre before travelling.
## **How long is the replacement card valid?**
The replacement card is issued with the **same validity period as the lost card**.
For example, when the missing card had one year remaining before expiry, the replacement would generally carry that same expiry date rather than starting a new residency or ID period.
## **What happens if the lost card was close to expiry?**
When the original Emirates ID is already expired or due for renewal, the applicant may need to complete a renewal instead of relying only on the replacement process.
Renewal fees and requirements could be added to the replacement charges. Applicants should follow the option displayed by ICP after entering their Emirates ID and residency details.
## **Do you need to visit a police station?**
The official guidance focuses on reporting the loss and applying through ICP.
However, a police report may be useful or requested in certain circumstances, particularly where theft, fraud or misuse is suspected. Applicants should follow any case-specific instructions given by ICP or the police.
## **How can you track the application?**
After submission, applicants can track the request using:
- The application number or PRAN - The Emirates ID number - The request number shown on the receipt - The UAEICP application
ICP also provides an online ID Card Status service for renewal and replacement applications.
## **Can you use a digital Emirates ID while waiting?**
Residents with an active digital identity may be able to access a digital version of their Emirates ID through UAE Pass or the UAEICP app.
Whether a digital ID is accepted depends on the organisation and transaction. For services requiring the physical card, applicants may need to wait until the replacement is delivered.
## **What should you do if the card was stolen?**
When theft is suspected:
- Report the incident promptly - Contact the police if necessary - Apply for a replacement through ICP - Monitor bank, telecom and government accounts for unusual activity - Avoid sharing copies of the lost card or personal identification details - Change account passwords where there is a security concern
A stolen Emirates ID should not be treated as an ordinary misplaced item because it contains important identity information.
## **What if you find the old card later?**
Once a replacement has been issued, the old Emirates ID should not be used.
Contact ICP for instructions on surrendering or safely disposing of the recovered card. Using an old or cancelled card may cause problems during identity verification.
## **Common mistakes to avoid**
Applicants should avoid:
- Waiting several weeks before reporting the loss - Using unofficial websites or agents - Entering an incorrect mobile number or delivery address - Discarding the application receipt - Assuming the replacement starts a new validity period - Continuing to use the old card after a replacement is issued - Paying anyone who promises to bypass ICP requirements
Use only official ICP platforms or authorised service providers.
## **Why this matters**
The Emirates ID is used for banking, healthcare, employment, telecommunications, government services, travel-related processes and many everyday transactions in the UAE.
Replacing it quickly helps protect your identity and prevents disruption to important services.
The process is relatively straightforward: report the loss, submit the replacement request through ICP, pay the applicable fees and track the application until the new card is delivered.
## **FAQs**
### **How much does it cost to replace a lost Emirates ID?**
The standard replacement fee is AED 300. Smart-service, urgent-processing, delivery or typing-centre fees may also apply.
### **How soon should the loss be reported?**
ICP says a lost Emirates ID should be reported to an Emirates ID service point within seven days.
### **Can I apply online?**
Yes. The replacement request can be submitted through ICP’s website or UAEICP mobile application.
### **Will the new card have a fresh expiry date?**
No. It is generally issued with the same remaining validity period as the original card.
### **Can I request urgent processing?**
ICP lists an urgent option at service centres for an additional AED 150, subject to availability.
### **How do I track the replacement?**
Use the ICP ID Card Status service and enter the application number, request number or Emirates ID number.
### **What if my lost card has expired?**
You may need to complete the renewal process and pay the relevant renewal charges in addition to any applicable replacement or service fees.
## **Source Credits**
Information source and resource owners: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and the Official Portal of the UAE Government.
## **Image Credits**
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or