As a resident in the UAE, it’s vital to ensure that your Emirates ID information is consistent and up-to-date for government and residency-related services. Individuals newly immigrated to the UAE may need assistance with initial Emirates ID typing and application, whereas those already residing in the UAE may want to renew an expired Emirates ID card or replace a lost or damaged card.
Emirates ID typing services can aid with the former by allowing residents to apply through an authorised typing office. However, there are also digital options for applying as well as customer happiness centres.
This article discusses the specifics of Emirates ID typing and renewal, when it’s required and needed, documents to bring, how to check the status of an application, and other considerations in the UAE.
Key points
Emirates ID applications, renewals, and replacements can be submitted through approved ICP service channels, including typing offices for applicable services.
Residents can normally renew their Emirates ID cards when it has expired or during the last six months of its validity.
Emirates ID renewal can be related to the renewal of residence permits, depending on the applicant and emirate.
Lost or damaged Emirates ID cards require applications for replacements instead of renewals.
Applicants should review the ICP guidelines and requirements for their category before submitting documents since requirements, fees, and criteria can vary.
The status of Emirates ID applications can be tracked through the relevant ICP tracking channels.
What are Emirates ID typing services?
Emirates ID typing services are assisted application services that can be accessed through approved typing offices. Instead of filling out an application on their own, customers can visit an approved typing office and have the relevant application information entered and submitted on their behalf.
According to ICP, customers can utilize its smart channels, customer happiness centres, and typing offices.
A typing centre can help customers who are unfamiliar with the process, unsure of the information to input, or wish to have someone assist them with documentation. The typing centre is not a government entity, and the application will still be subject to the relevant ICP requirements, approvals, and procedures.
Who may need Emirates ID typing and renewal services?
There are several categories of individuals who may need help with Emirates ID typing and renewal services.
New UAE residents
Individuals who have immigrated to the UAE may need to apply for an Emirates ID card for the first time. In some cases, Emirates ID and residence permit applications can be submitted together through a unified application for qualifying applicants.
A typing centre can help new residents who are unsure of the information or documents to provide prior to submitting an Emirates ID application.
Employees and workers
Workers may need Emirates ID services when submitting applications for the first time, as well as when needing to renew an Emirates ID card. Additionally, organisations or employers can also need to coordinate documentation for employees when multiple applications need to be processed.
Families and dependents
Families may need to apply for multiple Emirates ID cards and can utilise typing centres to help process several applications at once. Additionally, parents or sponsors may need to apply for or renew Emirates ID cards for their dependents. The documents required can vary depending on the category of the applicant.
People with lost or damaged Emirates IDs
Lost or damaged Emirates ID cards need to be replaced as opposed to renewed. ICP offers a specific service for residents whose Emirates ID cards are lost or damaged. Furthermore, a replacement card will have the same validity as the original Emirates ID card.
Business owners and employers
Business owners and employers may need to process multiple Emirates ID applications for employees, including initial applications, renewals, and replacements.
How to renew an Emirates ID card
Emirates ID renewal is the process of submitting an application for a new Emirates ID card when the existing card has expired or when an application needs to be submitted during the applicable renewal period.
According to the ICP, UAE nationals can renew their Emirates ID cards when it has expired or when it is in the final year of its validity. In comparison, GCC citizens and non-residents can renew their Emirates ID cards when it has expired or when it is in the final six months of its validity.
For residents, an Emirates ID card renewal may be related to the renewal of a residence permit, depending on the applicant and emirate.
When should someone renew their Emirates ID?
The right time to renew an Emirates ID card depends on the category of the applicant, but it is best to start the process before an Emirates ID card expires.
At the time of writing, ICP allows non-UAE resident cardholders to renew their Emirates ID cards during the last six months of the card’s validity.
The following factors should be reviewed before initiating the Emirates ID renewal process:
- Whether a residence permit also needs to be renewed
- Whether the passport is valid
- Whether personal information is accurate
- Whether a new photograph is needed
- Whether fingerprint and signature procedures are required
- Whether additional documents are needed for the applicant category
- What documents are required for Emirates ID renewal?
The documents required for Emirates ID renewal can vary depending on the category of the applicant and the circumstances of the application. According to the ICP, passports and personal photographs are required for most applicants.
Other documents may also be needed, depending on the category of the applicant, including supporting documents related to employment, education, or dependents.
The following documents may be needed in advance when visiting an Emirates ID typing centre:
- Basic document checklist
- Valid passport
- Personal photograph
- Existing Emirates ID card
- Residence-related documents, if applicable
- Supporting documents for the applicant category
- Other documents that may be requested by ICP
Not all applicants will need the same documents, and it is best to review the ICP requirements for the specific service before applying.
Photograph requirements for Emirates ID
According to ICP, the Emirates ID photograph should be recent and meet the approved ICAO standards. Furthermore, the new photograph should not be the same as the one printed on the Emirates ID card.
This is another reason why applying for a replacement Emirates ID card with an old photograph will not be approved.
How to apply for Emirates ID renewal
The process for Emirates ID renewal will be similar, with certain steps varying depending on the type of application.
1. Determine eligibility and service
First, an applicant needs to determine which service they need.
Some of the common Emirates ID services in the UAE include:
- New Emirates ID card application
- Emirates ID card renewal
- Emirates ID card replacement
- Data correction on Emirates ID card
- Other identity-related services
Selecting the right service is important, as Emirates ID renewal and replacement services are two separate services.
2. Bring the required documents
The applicant will need to bring their passport, photograph, and any other supporting documents that may be needed for their category.
3. Attend an authorised Emirates ID typing office
If the applicant wishes to utilise a typing service, they can bring their documents to an Emirates ID typing office that is authorised for the relevant service.
According to ICP, accredited typing offices are one of its service channels.
4. Review the Emirates ID application
The application information should be reviewed carefully to ensure that everything is accurate.
The following information should be double-checked:
Name
Passport information
Date of birth
Contact information
Address
Residence information, if applicable
5. Submit the Emirates ID application and pay the applicable fees
The application can be submitted, and the relevant government and service fees can be paid. The fees depend on the Emirates ID service and the category of the applicant. The correct fee should be reviewed on the ICP website to ensure that the right amount is being paid for the Emirates ID service.
6. Complete additional procedures, if applicable
Some Emirates ID applicants may also need to complete additional procedures, including fingerprint and signature verification. For example, ICP states that residents who are 15 years of age and older will need to complete fingerprint and signature procedures through its service centres for applicable services.
7. Track the Emirates ID application
Once the Emirates ID application has been submitted, the applicant can track the progress using the relevant ICP tracking channels.
What If Your Emirates ID Is Lost or Damaged?
If your Emirates ID is lost or damaged, you should use the specific replacement service, rather than treating it as a normal renewal. ICP offers a lost/damaged ID replacement service. The replacement card has the same validity period as the original card.
ICP also states that a lost ID should be reported during the applicable period, and its guidance refers to reporting loss within seven days. For a replacement application, documents such as your passport, photograph and proof of residence may be requested depending on the situation.
Renewal or replacement?
A simple way to think about it is:
Expired or approaching expiry → Renewal
Lost or damaged → Replacement
If both situations apply, please ask ICP or an authorised service provider about the correct application and applicable fees.
How to Check Emirates ID Status
After submitting an Emirates ID application, you may wish to know whether it is still being processed or whether further action is required. ICP provides application tracking through its available digital channels. Its FAQ states that applicants can check their Emirates ID application status through their account, the Smart Services website or by contacting the ICP call centre. The information required for tracking can depend on how the application was submitted.
If you used an authorised typing centre, you can also ask the centre for the application details or reference information needed to follow-up. For the latest tracking procedure, use the official ICP service rather than relying on third-party status-checking websites.
How Long Does Emirates ID Renewal Take?
ICP currently lists a service completion duration of five days for its Identity Card Renewal service. This should not be taken to mean that every individual application will be completed within exactly five days, because an application may require additional documents, corrections, biometric procedures or other linked services.
For this reason, applicants should not plan around the minimum possible processing time and should submit their applications with enough time before an important deadline.
How Can an Emirates ID Typing Center Help?
An authorised Emirates ID typing centre can be helpful when you wish to assist with the administrative side of an application.
A service centre may help with:
- Entering application information
- Checking the information prior to submission
- Uploading or attaching required documents where applicable
- Submitting the application via the approved channel
- Explaining the basic application steps
- Assisting with applicable Emirates ID services
- Helping customers understand application status or next steps
However, a typing centre is unable to remove government eligibility requirements or ensure approval.
If an application requires a medical examination, biometric capture, additional approval or another government procedure, the applicant may still be required to complete the step via the relevant authority.
What Should You Check Before Choosing an Emirates ID Typing Center?
If you are searching online for an Emirates ID typing centre, do not select a provider based solely on advertising or pricing.
Consider these points:
1. Is the office authorised?
ICP identifies accredited typing offices as an official service channel.
2. Do they handle the service you need?
Ask whether they handle the specific service such as:
- New Emirates ID application
- Emirates ID renewal
- Emirates ID replacement
- Data update
3. Do they explain the requirements clearly?
A good service provider should inform you what documents are required for your particular application rather than a generic checklist.
4. Are the charges explained?
Ask for a clear breakdown of government fees and any service charges prior to proceeding.
5. Can they help with follow-up?
If an application is returned for correction or requires additional information, knowing how the service provider handles follow-up can be useful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small mistakes can cause unnecessary delays or necessitate an application to be corrected.
- Using an old photograph
- ICP requires a recent photograph that meets its applicable specifications.
- Choosing renewal when you actually need replacement
- A lost or damaged card requires a replacement service rather than a standard renewal.
- Entering incorrect personal information
- Reviewing names, dates, passport details and contact information carefully before submitting the application.
- Waiting until the last minute
Checking your ID and residence document expiry dates early gives you more time to deal with missing documents or additional procedures. Assuming every applicant has the same requirements
Requirements can vary depending on nationality, age, residence status and type of application. Always check the applicable ICP service requirements.
