United Arab Emirates · study · guide
UAE Emirates ID: requirements and rules
This guide explains how to get and use your Emirates ID as a UAE resident.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/emirates-id
Who must apply and how
You must apply for an Emirates ID if you are a UAE citizen or resident.[1]
You may need to visit an ICP service centre to provide your biometric details. If you are 15 years of age or older, you must complete fingerprint and signature procedures at an ICP service centre.[2][3]
Urgent service
You can get an urgent 24-hour service. To get this, you must visit ICP's customer happiness centres and present the specified documents.[4]
Rules for carrying and updating your card
You must carry your Emirates ID with you at all times.[5]
You must report any change in your personal details to the ICP within one month of the change. If you lose your card, you must report the loss to the ICP within seven days of losing it.[6][7]
Costs and late fees
You must pay a late fee of AED 20 per day if you renew your Emirates ID more than one month after it expires. This late fee can go up to a maximum of AED 1,000.[8]
Leaving the UAE
You must ensure that you cancel your residence visa and Emirates ID card if you are leaving the UAE permanently or changing your residency status. Your sponsor must submit the cancellation request to cancel your residence visa and Emirates ID.[9][10]
Checklist
- Apply for an Emirates ID if you are a UAE citizen or resident.[1]
- Provide your biometric details at an ICP service centre if required.[2]
- Complete fingerprint and signature procedures if you are 15 years of age or older.[3]
- Carry your Emirates ID with you at all times.[5]
- Report any changes to your personal details within one month.[6]
- Report a lost card within seven days.[7]
Questions people ask
Who needs to apply for an Emirates ID?
You must apply for an Emirates ID if you are a UAE citizen or resident.[1]
Do I need to carry my Emirates ID with me?
Yes, you must carry your Emirates ID with you at all times.[5]
What is the penalty for renewing my Emirates ID late?
If you renew your card more than one month after it expires, you must pay a late fee of AED 20 per day. This fee can reach a maximum of AED 1,000.[8]
How long do I have to report a lost Emirates ID?
You must report the loss of your card to the ICP within seven days of losing it.[7]
How do I get my Emirates ID in 24 hours?
To get the urgent 24-hour service, you must visit ICP's customer happiness centres and present the specified documents.[4]
What happens to my Emirates ID if I leave the UAE permanently?
You must ensure that you cancel your residence visa and Emirates ID card. Your sponsor must submit the cancellation request.[9][10]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.