What to do if you lose your Emirates ID
If you lose your Emirates ID, act fast. Report the loss immediately to the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) Customer Happiness Center so your card can be deactivated and no one can misuse your identity.
You can also report it through the ICP website or the UAEICP mobile app. The same steps apply if your Emirates ID card is damaged or stolen.
When reporting, bring 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
- For a child under 15: the parent must provide the child’s original birth certificate and a colored passport photo with a white background
If your card is damaged rather than lost, carry the damaged card with you when reporting.
How to replace a lost Emirates ID
Within the UAE
Once your lost Emirates ID has been reported, apply for a replacement through any of these channels:
- ICP Customer Happiness Centers across the UAE
- The ICP website (eForm application)
- The UAEICP mobile app (available on Android and iOS)
The replacement card will carry the same expiry date as the one you lost.
Documents required for Emirates ID replacement
The documents you need depend on your residency status. All applicants need their ID card data or a copy of the old card (if available) and the original passport.
| Category | Additional documents |
|---|---|
| UAE nationals | Family book; social security certificate (if applicable, for fee exemption); medical report for people of determination or senior citizens (for fee exemption) |
| GCC nationals | Original valid Gulf ID (for applicants over 21, or a parent’s Gulf ID for those under 21); proof of UAE residency |
| Expatriate residents | Original residence permit |
| Children under 15 | Original birth certificate; a parent’s passport or Emirates ID; passport-size photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background) |
If someone else is submitting the application on your behalf, an original agency (power of attorney) certificate is required along with the applicant’s original passport.
People of determination, senior citizens, and those unable to visit a service center may submit a passport-size photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background) along with a valid medical report from the Ministry of Health or UAE health authorities for fee exemptions.
Emirates ID replacement fees
| Fee type | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Card replacement | 300 |
| Service charge (eForm / ICP app) | 40 |
| Service charge (typing center) | 70 |
| Express processing (optional) | 150 |
The total cost for a standard replacement ranges from AED 340 (online) to AED 370 (typing center). Add AED 150 if you need express processing.
Processing time
Standard processing takes up to 48 hours from the time of application submission. The express service delivers the replacement Emirates ID within 24 hours.
Outside the UAE
If you lose your Emirates ID while abroad, visit the nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate to register a complaint and have your card deactivated.
Once you’ve notified the embassy, you can apply for a replacement online through the ICP website or app. Alternatively, visit an ICP Customer Happiness Center or an authorized typing center when you return to the UAE.
How to check your Emirates ID replacement status
After submitting your replacement application, track its progress through these methods:
- Visit the ICP ID Card Status page and enter your application number (PRAN) or Emirates ID number
- Use the UAEICP mobile app under the ID Card Status section
- Log in via UAE Pass to check your application status digitally
Once approved, a digital version of your Emirates ID becomes available through the UAEICP app and UAE Pass. The digital Emirates ID is accepted for most everyday transactions in the UAE, including government services, telecom contracts, and banking.
For more details on tracking your Emirates ID application, see our Emirates ID status check guide.
Emirates ID fines to watch out for
Losing your Emirates ID doesn’t incur a fine on its own, but delays in replacing or renewing it can.
If your Emirates ID expires and you fail to renew within the 30-day grace period, a late fine of AED 20 per day applies, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. Additionally, failing to carry or present your Emirates ID when requested by UAE authorities can result in a fine of up to AED 1,000.
Replace your lost card promptly to avoid complications with visa validity checks, banking services, and government transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel within the UAE without my Emirates ID?
You can use a digital Emirates ID through the UAEICP app or UAE Pass for most identification purposes within the UAE. However, carry your passport as backup until your replacement card arrives.
Is there a fine for losing my Emirates ID?
There is no fine specifically for losing your card. However, if you delay the replacement and your ID expires beyond the 30-day grace period, a late fine of AED 20 per day (up to AED 1,000) applies.
How long does it take to get a replacement Emirates ID?
Standard processing takes up to 48 hours. The express service (AED 150 extra) delivers the card within 24 hours of application submission.
Can I apply for an Emirates ID replacement online?
Yes. You can apply through the ICP website or the UAEICP mobile app. The online service charge is AED 40, compared to AED 70 at a typing center.
Will my replacement Emirates ID have a new expiry date?
No. The replacement card carries the same expiry date as the one you lost. If your card is near expiry, consider applying for Emirates ID renewal instead of a replacement.
Sources
- UAE Government — Replacing a Lost or Damaged Emirates ID Card
- ICP — Issue Replacement for Lost/Damaged ID Card
- ICP — ID Card Status Check
- ICP — Customer Happiness Centers
- Khaleej Times — UAE Visa and Emirates ID Fines
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
