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Updated January 2024

The Emirates ID is a compulsory identification document for both citizens and expatriates residing in the UAE, granting them access to various government services and privileges. Losing the Emirates ID can pose a significant problem, but fortunately, the UAE ICP has established an efficient system to facilitate the swift acquisition of a replacement.

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Read on as Wego tells you how to proceed if you ever lose your Emirates ID.

Table of Contents

Lost Emirates ID report

In the event of losing your Emirates ID, you must file an official report for it. Visit the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre to report the lost Emirates ID. This will enable the authorities to deactivate your card immediately, mitigating the risk of any fraudulent activity under your identity.

When reporting the incident, ensure you have the necessary identification documents to verify your identity:

UAE nationals: Original valid passport and family book.
GCC nationals: Document confirming UAE residency.
expatriate residents: Original passport with a valid residency permit stamp.
lost ID for a child under 15: The parent must provide the child’s original birth certificate and a colored passport photo with a white background.

Please note that you can follow the same steps in case your Emirates ID has been damaged. However, make sure to carry the card along with you while reporting it.

Lost Emirates ID replacement

After filing a report for your lost Emirates ID, you can apply for a replacement of your existing Emirates ID. The replacement can be filed either at the ICP Customer Happiness Centre or through the ICP’s Smart App or website.

Please note that the new ID card issued will have the same expiry date as the lost or damaged one.

Documents required

The following are some of the documents required to apply for the replacement of a lost or damaged Emirates ID:

For UAE nationals:

ID card data or a copy of the ID card
A personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background (for those under 15 years old, senior citizens and people with disability who are unable to reach service centers and have medical reports)
original birth certificate for those younger than 15 years old
one of the parents’ passports or Emirates ID card (less than 15 years old)
a social security certificate certified by the Ministry of Community Development (for social security beneficiaries) to be exempted from ID card issuance fees
a valid medical report issued by the Ministry of Health or health authorities in the Emirates in order to exempt people with disability or senior citizens from issuance and delay fees for the ID card

Please note that the original agency certificate is necessary for the individual representing the applicant if the concerned person is absent and the application is submitted by a third party. Additionally, it is mandatory to present the original passport of the lost identity card’s owner.

For GCC nationals:

ID card data or a copy of the ID card
original valid passport
the original valid Gulf ID of the customer for those over 21 years old or for one of the parents for those under 21 years old
a personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background for those under 15 years old, the elderly, and people of determination whose health condition does not allow access to service centers, and they have medical reports to prove this
original birth certificate for those younger than 15 years old
a parent’s passport or Emirates ID card (less than 15 years old)
a valid medical report issued by the Ministry of Health or health authorities in the UAE to exempt people of determination or the elderly from the fees for issuing an ID card
the original agency certificate for the person acting on behalf of the customer if the person concerned did not attend and the application was submitted by a third party. Please note that it is required to bring the original passport of the owner of the lost identity card
the original diplomatic/consular card/membership card of international organizations for the category of heads and members of diplomatic and consular missions and international organizations located inside the country to be exempted from the fees for issuing the identity card

Please note that proof of residence in the country is required to be submitted when issuing or renewing the lost, damaged card.

For UAE residents/expats

ID card data or a copy of the ID card
the original valid passport
the original residence permit issued
a personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background for those under 15 years of age, the elderly, and people with disability whose health condition does not allow access to service centers and who have medical reports to prove that
the original birth certificate for those who are younger than 15 years old
a parent’s passport or Emirates ID card (less than 15 years old)
the original diplomatic/consular card/membership card of international organizations for the category of heads and members of diplomatic and consular missions and international organizations located inside the country to be exempted from the fees for issuing the identity card;
a valid medical report issued by the Ministry of Health or health authorities in the UAE to exempt people with disability or the elderly from the fees for issuing an ID card.

Lost Emirates ID processing time

The issuance of an Emirates ID card typically takes 48 hours from the submission of the replacement application. However, for those opting for the express service, the ID card will be delivered within 24 hours from the submission of the replacement application.

Lost Emirates ID fees

For the replacement of a lost or damaged ID, applicants are required to pay AED 300, along with application fees of AED 70 when applying through typing centers or AED 40 via the eForm on the ICA website. The fee is applicable to all individuals, including UAE nationals, GCC nationals, and expatriate residents.

Additionally, an express ID replacement service is available at the ICA main Customer Happiness Centre for an additional AED 150.

Lost Emirates ID outside UAE

If you lose your Emirates ID outside the UAE, it is crucial to promptly visit the UAE Embassy in that respective region and register your complaint.

After notifying the UAE embassy, you can proceed to apply for a new card online using the previously outlined procedure or visit the official typing centers upon your return to the UAE.