Replacing a Lost or Damaged Emirates ID in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide is for UAE residents who have lost or damaged their Emirates ID and need to apply for a replacement. The replacement card carries the same validity period as the original, so you don’t lose any time on your current cycle.
Step 1: Report it to ICP first
Before you apply for a replacement, report the loss or damage to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) directly, through the UAEICP app, ICP Smart Services, or a Customer Happiness Centre. This deactivates the old card immediately so it can’t be misused, and it’s a separate step from the replacement application itself. ICP’s rule is to report a lost card within seven days.
Do you need a police report?
Not for a standard lost card. ICP doesn’t require a police report to process a normal replacement, reporting the loss directly to ICP is enough to deactivate it and start the process. A police report is worth getting anyway if the card was stolen or you suspect misuse, since it creates an official record, but it isn’t a blocking requirement for the application itself.
What it costs
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Replacement card fee | AED 300 |
| Application fee (ICP Smart Services/app) | About AED 30 to 40, varies by channel |
| Application fee (typing centre instead) | Can be higher at a typing centre |
| Fawri express service (optional) | +AED 150 |
Published estimates put a standard replacement at roughly AED 350 in total once the application fee and Emirates Post delivery are added, with express service about AED 150 extra. The service fee and delivery charge vary by channel, so confirm the exact total on ICP’s own portal when you apply.
Documents you’ll need
- A valid passport showing your current UAE residence visa page
- A recent passport-style photo (if the system requests one)
- A police report, only if the card was stolen
How to apply
- Report the loss or damage to ICP first (see above) to deactivate the old card.
- Submit the replacement application through ICP Smart Services or the UAEICP app, logging in with UAE Pass, or through a typing centre.
- Upload your documents and pay the applicable fees.
- For urgent cases, add the Fawri express service, or visit an ICP Customer Happiness Centre in person.
- Collect your new card once it’s ready, or track delivery through Emirates Post using the reference from your ICP SMS.
Standard processing typically takes a few working days; Fawri express can reduce this significantly for an extra fee. If your residence visa is expiring around the same time, you’ll need that renewed too, our Emirates ID renewal guide covers that separate process.
