The easiest way to get your new Emirates ID in a few hours

Dubai: Need to renew your Emirates ID? The process has been made extremely easy for applicants as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security now allows you to complete the entire process online. So, whether you are applying for your own Emirates ID or that of your dependents, here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Get the UAE Pass

First things first – it is highly recommended that you create a UAE Pass account for yourself. An initiative by the UAE Government to shift towards smart government systems, once you have a UAE Pass you will be able to log in to a government department’s portal easily, without the need to have multiple accounts. So, whether you want to log on to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or Ministry of Interior portal to renew your car registration or want to book an online appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, all these processes can be completed through a single online identity.

Also, with the latest update, you can create the UAE Pass and use it for logging in to various portals through facial recognition technology, which takes advantage of the fact that the majority of online users have smartphones. If you haven’t created your UAE Pass yet, read our detailed guide on how to do so, here.

Alternatively, you can also create an ICA account using your Emirates ID and registered mobile number here: https://ica.gov.ae/en/

Step 2: Keep the documents ready

Once you start the process, you will need to have a copy of the following documents saved to upload when needed:

• Coloured photo

• Front and back page of your passport

• Residence visa copy

• Old Emirates ID Card - front and back

If you are applying for your dependent’s Emirates ID, you would also need to have a copy of your own Emirates ID (front and back) ready to upload.

Step 3: Go online to start the service

You can start the Emirates ID renewal service either through the ICA website – www.ica.gov.ae – or through the smartphone application – ‘ICA UAE’ – available for Apple and Android phones.

You will be asked to log in. If you select the option to log in through UAE Pass, you will be redirected to the UAE Pass app on your phone, which may use either the facial technology feature or ask you to enter your pin to verify your identity.

Once your identity has been verified, you will be directed back to the ICA app or website, where you will now be able to access your dashboard.

Step 4: Choose the service to renew Emirates ID

Under the category ‘Emirates ID’ you will be given the option to renew the Emirates IDs associated with your account. This would include your own Emirates ID as well as those of the family members or domestic workers that you have under your sponsorship. Select ‘Renew Emirates ID’.

Step 5: Upload the documents

You will then be asked to upload the necessary documents, including the applicant’s photograph, old Emirates ID as well as their passport copy.

You would also need to add details based on whether how you would like to receive the Emirates ID at your home or office, or collect it from an Emirates Post office near you. Delivery costs will apply.

Step 6: Make the payment

You would then need to make the necessary payment, which would depend on the duration of your visa. As the Emirates ID is linked to the visa, the duration for both is the same. For a two year visa, you would need to pay Dh200 for the card issuance along with Dh40 as service fees.

For the Golden Visa, which is valid for 10 years, the cost would be Dh1,000 for card issuance and Dh40 as service fees.

Step 7: Access the digital copy of your Emirates ID once approved.

Once you have completed the process, you will receive an email notification updating you that the application has been submitted. Once the application is approved, which usually takes just a few hours, you will be able to access the digital copy of your Emirates ID through the ICA app.

The new Emirates ID does not just have new data security features, it also has a new look. Read more about it here:

Once you have the digital copy of your Emirates ID, you can use it to complete other processes, like applying for your health insurance, etc. The ICA had asked all service providers to accept the digital copy of the new Emirates ID, which people can access through the ICA app, for identity verification purposes.

Step 9: Receive/Collect the physical copy of your Emirates ID

Once the Emirates ID application has been approved, it will be sent to be printed by the ICA. Once it is printed, you will receive a notification via email and SMS. You can then collect your ID from the Emirates Post office near you, or if you have paid for the option for delivery, it will be sent directly to your address.