Lost Emirates ID: The Complete Replacement Guide for Residents

Reading time: 12 minutes

Understanding Emirates ID Importance

Lost your Emirates ID? That sinking feeling in your stomach is entirely justified. Your Emirates ID isn’t just another card in your wallet—it’s the cornerstone of your legal identity in the UAE.

Let’s be clear: functioning without an Emirates ID in the UAE is like trying to navigate Abu Dhabi’s streets without Google Maps. Nearly impossible. This small plastic card serves as your official identification for everything from banking transactions to government services, telecom contracts to hospital visits.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) reports that approximately 15,000 Emirates IDs are reported lost or stolen monthly. You’re not alone in this predicament, but you do need to act quickly.

As one Dubai-based legal consultant put it: “Your Emirates ID isn’t simply identification—it’s your digital passport to daily life in the Emirates. Its loss should trigger immediate action, not panic.”

The good news? The replacement process has been significantly streamlined since 2021, with digital options reducing what was once a bureaucratic marathon into a manageable sprint.

Immediate Steps After Loss

The moment you realize your Emirates ID is missing, the clock starts ticking. Here’s what you need to do immediately:

1. File a police report – While not mandatory for replacement, this step provides legal protection against potential identity misuse. Visit your nearest police station or use the Dubai Police app or website.
2. Notify your bank – Since your Emirates ID is linked to your bank accounts, immediate notification can prevent unauthorized access.
3. Begin the replacement application – Don’t wait! The longer you go without your ID, the more services become inaccessible.

Pro tip: Take photos of both sides of your important documents and store them securely in encrypted cloud storage. This practice saved Ahmed, a Dubai resident who lost his wallet on vacation: “Having digital copies of my Emirates ID meant I could start the replacement process immediately, even while abroad.”

The Replacement Process Explained

Replacing your Emirates ID involves a structured process with several available channels. Your options include online platforms, typing centers, or ICP-approved service providers. Let’s explore each pathway:

Online Application Method

The online replacement channel represents the most efficient path for tech-savvy residents. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Visit the official ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or download the ICP UAE mobile app
2. Select “ID Card Services” followed by “ID Card Replacement”
3. Enter your Unified Number (found on your residence visa or previous Emirates ID)
4. Specify “Lost” as the reason for replacement
5. Complete the application form with your current details
6. Pay the replacement fee using a credit/debit card
7. Receive notification for biometric verification (if required)
8. Wait for delivery of your new Emirates ID

The system will inform you whether you need to visit an ICP center for biometric verification. For many renewals, especially those processed within the past two years, this step is waived—saving you significant time.

Typing Center Alternative

For those less comfortable with digital processes or with limited internet access, typing centers offer a full-service alternative:

1. Visit an authorized typing center (Amer, Tasheel, etc.)
2. Provide your identification details and documentation
3. The agent will complete the application on your behalf
4. Pay both the replacement fee and typing center service charge
5. Receive a receipt with your application reference number
6. Visit an ICP center for biometrics (if required)
7. Your Emirates ID will be delivered to your specified address

Note that typing centers charge an additional service fee ranging from AED 30-70 on top of the standard replacement costs.

Essential Documents Required

Ensuring you have all required documentation before starting the replacement process will save you time and frustration. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Valid passport copy – Including the visa page for expatriates
• Residence visa copy – Must be valid for at least 3 months
• Unified Number – Found on visa sticker, previous Emirates ID, or labor contract
• Recent color photograph – With white background (only if you’re a first-time applicant or your biometrics were captured more than 2 years ago)
• Police report – While optional, highly recommended for identity protection

For UAE nationals, additional documentation may include family book (Khulasat Al Qaid) or passport with family details.

Understanding the Fee Structure

The replacement cost varies based on several factors including your residency status and how quickly you need the replacement. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Fee Type	UAE Nationals	Expatriates	Children <15	Notes
Standard Replacement	AED 300	AED 370	AED 270	Regular processing time (5-7 working days)
Express Service	AED 450	AED 570	AED 370	Expedited processing (24-48 hours)
Typing Center Fee	AED 30-70	AED 30-70	AED 30-70	Additional service charge if using typing centers
Delivery Fee	AED 20	AED 20	AED 20	Standard Emirates Post delivery
Premium Delivery	AED 40	AED 40	AED 40	Express courier service with tracking

Key insight: The loss fee penalty of AED 300 is applied regardless of whether your ID was stolen, misplaced, or damaged. This creates a significant financial incentive to safeguard your ID carefully.

Processing Timelines & Expectations

Understanding realistic timeframes helps manage expectations during the replacement process:

Beyond these standard timeframes, several factors can influence processing speed:

• System maintenance periods – Occasional planned downtime of ICP systems can add 24-48 hours to processing
• Ramadan schedules – During the holy month, expect 25-30% longer processing times
• Residency status complexity – Applications with unusual visa situations may require additional verification
• Biometric requirements – If you need new biometrics, this adds an appointment timeframe

Sophia, an Abu Dhabi resident, shares her experience: “I lost my Emirates ID on a Thursday night. By applying for an express replacement first thing Sunday morning and opting for premium delivery, I had my new card in hand by Tuesday afternoon—far quicker than I expected.”

Common Challenges & Solutions

Even with streamlined processes, applicants frequently encounter specific obstacles. Here’s how to navigate the most common challenges:

Missing Documentation Issues

Without your Emirates ID, retrieving other supporting documents can seem like a catch-22 situation. If your passport or visa copies are also unavailable:

• Contact your employer’s PRO – They typically maintain copies of your visa and labor documentation
• Request embassy assistance – Your home country’s embassy can provide passport verification
• Use the GDRFA/ICP verification system – Available to confirm your residency status using your passport number

Application Rejection Troubleshooting

If your replacement application is rejected, the system will provide a reason code. Common issues include:

• Unified Number mismatch – Double-check all entry fields for accuracy
• Expired residency visa – Visa validity must exceed 3 months
• Outstanding fines or penalties – These must be cleared before processing
• System verification failure – Sometimes requires in-person verification

Dr. Hassan, a legal advisor specializing in UAE documentation, advises: “Most application rejections stem from simple data entry errors. Before resubmitting, carefully review all information against your passport and visa. If rejected twice, visiting an ICP customer happiness center in person is often the fastest resolution.”

Navigating Life Without Your ID

The interim period between losing your Emirates ID and receiving a replacement presents unique challenges. Here’s how to manage essential services during this gap:

Banking Transactions

Most UAE banks require Emirates ID for in-branch transactions. As a workaround:

• Use mobile or online banking for transfers and payments
• Present your application receipt plus passport for urgent in-person banking
• Request a temporary banking access letter from your relationship manager

Government Services

For urgent government transactions:

• Carry your replacement application receipt as temporary proof
• Use the ICP app’s digital ID feature (available for some services)
• Request service-specific exemption letters for critical needs

Travel Considerations

If you need to travel while awaiting your replacement:

• Obtain an exit/re-entry letter from GDRFA if leaving the UAE
• Carry extra identification and your police report
• Consider postponing non-essential travel until your new ID arrives

Ravi, an Indian expatriate working in Dubai, shares: “When I lost my Emirates ID before a business trip, I visited the GDRFA office with my application receipt and passport. They issued a temporary travel document that allowed me to exit and re-enter the UAE without issues while awaiting my replacement ID.”

Safeguarding Your Emirates ID

The best solution to ID replacement is avoiding loss in the first place. Consider these preventative measures:

• Digital backup storage – Securely store scanned copies in encrypted format
• Use protective card holders – Prevent physical damage and improve visibility in wallets
• Register for ICA digital ID – Access a digital version through the official app for some services
• Consider tracking solutions – Smart wallets or card-tracking products can help locate misplaced IDs
• Remove when unnecessary – Don’t carry your ID for activities where it’s not required

A practical insight from cyber-security specialist Fatima Al Marzooqi: “While digital copies of your Emirates ID are invaluable, ensure they’re stored with proper encryption. Never share these copies via regular email or messaging apps. Use secure document exchange platforms with end-to-end encryption instead.”

Real-Life Replacement Experiences

Case Study 1: The Business Traveler

Omar, a management consultant, discovered his Emirates ID missing during a client meeting. With numerous flights scheduled in the coming weeks, he opted for the express replacement route:

• Applied online at 9 PM Sunday via the ICP app
• Paid AED 570 for express processing plus AED 40 for premium delivery
• Received SMS confirmation within 30 minutes
• No biometrics required (his previous ones were less than a year old)
• New ID delivered to his office by Tuesday afternoon
• Total time: Less than 48 hours

Omar’s takeaway: “The premium delivery fee was absolutely worth it—I received detailed tracking updates and the courier called before delivery to ensure someone was available to receive the ID.”

Case Study 2: The Family Scenario

The Sahim family faced a more complex situation when their apartment was burglarized, resulting in lost Emirates IDs for two adults and three children:

• Filed comprehensive police report documenting all stolen items
• Visited Amer Center for group application assistance
• Required new biometrics for one child who had grown significantly
• Applied for standard processing to manage costs (AED 1,650 total)
• Received all replacements within 8 days

Their key learning: “Having the police report expedited the process and provided official documentation we needed for insurance claims and school absence notifications while waiting for new IDs.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I find my old Emirates ID after reporting it lost?

If you recover your original Emirates ID after reporting it lost and initiating replacement, the original card is automatically invalidated in the ICP system. You must continue with the replacement process, as attempting to use the invalidated card constitutes identity misrepresentation under UAE law. Destroy the old card to prevent confusion or misuse, and wait for your replacement to arrive.

Can I expedite my Emirates ID replacement after starting with standard processing?

Yes, you can upgrade to express service within the first 24 hours of your application submission. Contact the ICP call center at 600 522222 with your application number and request an upgrade. You’ll need to pay the difference between standard and express processing. After the 24-hour window closes, processing type cannot be modified, and you’ll need to wait for the standard processing to complete.

How do I track the status of my Emirates ID replacement application?

You can track your replacement application through multiple channels: the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) using your application number, the ICP UAE mobile app under “Track Applications,” or by calling the ICP customer happiness center at 600 522222. The tracking system provides real-time updates on application approval, card printing status, and delivery information. Enable SMS notifications during application to receive automatic status updates at each processing stage.

Your Emirates ID Recovery Roadmap

Losing your Emirates ID might feel overwhelming initially, but by following this structured approach, you’ll minimize disruption to your daily life:

1. Day 1: Immediate Response
   • File police report (optional but recommended)
   • Notify your bank of the loss
   • Gather supporting documents
   • Submit replacement application online or via typing center
2. Days 2-3: Interim Management
   • Use application receipt as temporary proof where possible
   • Complete biometric appointment if required
   • Make necessary arrangements for critical services
3. Days 4-7: Follow Through
   • Monitor application status daily
   • Ensure someone is available to receive delivery
   • Verify all information on your new card upon receipt
4. Post-Replacement
   • Update your ID details with banks, telecom providers, etc.
   • Implement preventive measures for future protection
   • Consider creating a secure digital backup system

Remember that the replacement process is a temporary inconvenience in your UAE residency journey. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum often emphasizes, embracing digital transformation and resilience in the face of challenges reflects the spirit of modern Emirates.

Have you implemented any unique strategies for safeguarding your important documents? Your experience might help another resident avoid the replacement process altogether. The most secure Emirates ID is the one you never need to replace.