What to do if you have lost your Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is an identification card issued by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICA). If you live in the United Arab Emirates, you must be aware of the importance of this card. All UAE nationals and residents are required to carry it with them at all times. In case you have lost your Emirates ID in the UAE, here’s what you should do.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
If your Emirates ID is stolen, lost or damaged, you need to take the following steps.
REPORT TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY
The first step you need to take is to report the incident at the nearest ICA Customer Happiness Centre. Carry a valid document for identity confirmation so that the centre can deactivate the card immediately. You can also ask for the issuance of a copy of your lost Emirates ID card. If you need to report a damaged card, you will also need to bring your old card.
Here is what you need to bring as proof of identity to report the incident:
- UAE nationals: A family book with your valid original passport
- GCC nationals: Valid employment certificate or card, school registration certificate, valid marriage contract, commercial licence, ownership contract, real estate lease or certificate of dependency
- Expatriates: A valid passport with a stamped valid residency permit
- Child (under 15): Parents have to provide the original birth certificate and a coloured passport size photo (white background).
APPLY FOR AN EMIRATES ID CARD REPLACEMENT
Once you have reported the incident, you should apply for the replacement of your lost Emirates ID immediately. You will need to submit a form to complete the lost Emirates ID card replacement process.
Application forms for the replacement ID card request are available at ICA Customer Happiness Centres. You can visit the official ICA website for online forms. Similarly, the ICA UAE app also allows you to submit the application form and proceed with the request.
PAY THE CHARGES
Here are the details of the replacement charges for a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID:
- Fee for replacement: AED 300
- Application fee via typing centre: AED 70 | Via eForm: AED 40
You must submit the fees along with the application form. All UAE nationals, GCC nationalities, and expatriate residents are subject to these charges.
COLLECT YOUR NEW CARD
After you’ve applied for a replacement ID card, the ICA will send you an SMS regarding application submission and the expected delivery date.
It takes two working days for the new Emirates ID to be issued. You can contact Emirates Post after receiving an SMS notification from ICA to inquire about your new Emirates ID card. Their customer centre number is 600-599-999.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO CONTACT ICA CALL CENTRE FOR ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING ID CARD REPLACEMENT?
You can contact the ICA at 600-522-222 for any enquiries or assistance regarding the replacement of lost Emirates ID cards.
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR EXPRESS ID REPLACEMENT SERVICES?
For an additional AED 150, you can use the express ID replacement service at ICA main’s Customer Happiness Centre.
WHAT IF SOMEONE SUBMITS MY STOLEN ID CARD AT ONE OF THE REGISTRATION CENTRES?
An Emirates ID customer service representative will contact you to tell you that your card has been recovered.
WHY IS EMIRATES ID SO IMPORTANT?
Emirates ID is the identity proof for all UAE residents. Also, there are many other uses of the Emirates ID, from making airport immigration easy for UAE citizens and residents to processing medical insurance. Remember that the lost Emirates ID has to be deactivated immediately.
HOW TO UPDATE MY DATA ON MY EMIRATES ID CARD?
Emirates ID holders can visit the nearest Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship branch to change their personal information. Updates to the Emirates ID must be reported at least one month before the effective date of the change.
If you’re wondering how to update mobile number in Emirates ID, the process is simple and can be completed via the ICA website or the UAEICP application.
HOW TO RENEW MY EMIRATES ID?
You can renew your Emirates ID online or visit the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship (FAIC) service centres. The Customer Happiness Centres and the authorised typing centres in Dubai also offer these services.
That concludes our guide on how to replace a lost Emirates ID. As per the latest update, you can get an e-Emirates ID. While waiting for your physical card to arrive, you can use your electronic Emirates card.