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Updated January 2023

The Emirates ID is the national ID card issued for both Emirati nationals and expat residents living in the UAE by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The Emirates ID is a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents, including newborn babies.

Due to the vitality of the document, it is important to keep your details regularly updated on your card. The UAE digital government has laid out a detailed set of rules and instructions through which you can easily modify your registered details. Keep reading to find out more.

Please note: ICA Smart Services now operates as ICP Smart Services, and can be accessed via the website icp.gov.ae

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Emirates ID update through ICA

The UAE digital government has clarified that residents and citizens will have to notify the ICA (now operating as ICP) of any changes or updates regarding the data contained in their Emirates ID cards within a period of 30 days from the date of the change. This applies to Emirates ID cards issued to nationals and expatriate residents.

How to update your Emirates ID through ICA?

The process of updating details on your Emirates ID depends on the type of information you want to amend. There are two types of details in your card: key and non-key details.

Essential details such as your name, date of birth and address are key details and can be updated only by visiting an ICP branch office. In contrast, non-key details such as your address, occupation and marital status can be rectified online without submitting any documents.

Offline

Vital and basic details such as name, date of birth and nationality can be changed only if you visit an ICP branch office after gathering the necessary documents.

Documents required

For UAE nationals

Original UAE ID Card
Supporting documents to validate data
A valid medical report from the Ministry of Health or UAE health authority to exempt people with determination or the elderly from ID card issuance fees.
Social insurance certificate attested from the Ministry of Community Development (for those benefiting from social insurance) to be exempted for the ID card issuance fees.
Original POA for the person acting on behalf of the customer, if the competent person is absent and the application is submitted by a third party

For UAE expats

Document proving residency in the UAE
Original UAE ID Card
Supporting documents to validate data
A valid medical report from the Ministry of Health or UAE health authority to exempt people with determination or the elderly from ID card issuance fees.
Social insurance certificate attested from the Ministry of Community Development (for those benefiting from social insurance) to be exempted for the ID card issuance fees.
Original POA for the person acting on behalf of the customer, if the competent person is absent and the application is submitted by a third party

Updating procedure

Visit your nearest Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship branch.
Fill a form with your latest details and submit it along with all the required documents.
Pay the application fee
Proceed with biometrics (fingerprints, photographs etc.)

Fees

The total fees for the Emirates ID is AED 370

Processing period

After successfully completing biometrics and verifying your documents, you will receive an SMS from ICA with the details about when and which post office you can pick up your new Emirates ID. Go to the mentioned post office and collect the new ID card.

Any requested changes to the Emirates ID usually take two days to be processed.

Online

According to authorities, UAE residents and citizens can apply to change or update any details for an existing and valid Emirates ID card through the ICP website or its smart application (iOS, Android).

Documents required

The updating procedure online can be completed without the need for submitting any documents. The details would be directly reflected in the database. However, the owner of the ID card must currently be present in the UAE otherwise their application will not be accepted.

Updating procedure

Visit icp.gov.ae
Click on the “Start Services” button
Search for the updating service
Fill in the application data with your Emirates ID details
Update details
Pay the service fee

Fees

The service fee for changing or updating the details of an existing Emirates ID card through the ICP website is AED 50 (USD 13.61).

Processing period

The changes made will be reflected immediately. Applicants will receive a text message or email stating the same.

Updating your Emirates ID mobile number

For your convenience, you can change the mobile number associated with your Emirates ID either through the official website or the ICP app.

Through the website

Visit the ICP website.
Enter details such as your nationality, passport number, your full name in English (it will automatically appear in Arabic), date of birth, last entry date (date when you last crossed the UAE border) and your current e-mail ID.
On the next page, click ‘Edit mobile number’ and enter your latest mobile number with the correct country code.
Go through the application and review the details.
Pay the processing fee of AED 53 (USD 19.67)

Through the app

Download the app on iOS (App Store), or Android (Google Play) and login.
Under “public info” you can find “update personal info”
Enter all the required personal details
Under “file type” choose “residency”
Under “ID type” choose “Emirates ID”
Enter your Emirates ID number, passport number and email address
Click “next” to find the mobile number used on your Emirates ID
Change it to your latest number
Send confirmation OTP
Pay the processing fee and wait for a confirmation message via email or mobile number.
The invoice will contain a reference number with which you can track the status of your Emirates ID.

FAWRI Services

If you have applied for a change in your Emirates ID and are looking to acquire one fast, the ICP provides an urgent service to provide you with a replacement within 24 hours. The service is known as ‘FAWRI’ and is available against the regular fees plus an urgent service fee.

To obtain this service, applicants must visit the FAIC Customer Happiness Center with no prior appointment and provide the aforementioned documents.

The following FAIC Customers Happiness Centres provide FAWRI services: