A renewal of your Emirates ID is needed whenever your current card is approaching its expiry date, which typically aligns with the validity of your UAE residency visa (most often a day or two prior). Expats must renew their Emirates ID within 30 days of expiry to avoid daily fines. Moreover, the process becomes mandatory again if any personal details on the card change, such as your address or marital status. Renewal is also required if your card is lost, damaged or stolen, ensuring your identity records remain accurate and up to date across all UAE government systems.
Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), your Emirates ID card is a national identity card. Without this card, you will not be able to access government services, pass through immigration eGates or travel within the GCC. You will also be subject to daily fines.
If you are budgeting for your renewal or residency process, you can estimate your costs using the SPC Free Zone cost calculator.
In this article, we will explore the process for Emirates ID renewal. We will cover the following topics:
- Emirates ID renewal process – step by step
- Emirates ID renewal prerequisites
- Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID
- Emirates ID renewal for expats
- How long does an Emirates ID take to renew?
- Cost of Emirates ID renewal?
- How much is the Emirates ID renewal delay fine?
- Why choose SPC Free Zone?
Emirates ID renewal process – Step by step
The steps for renewing your Emirates ID are the same as the initial application process. While this is relatively easy to do, it’s worth getting in touch with a knowledgeable advisor, such as a member of our team at SPC Free Zone, to ensure you’ve jumped through the right hoops. We’ve broken down the process into three simple steps:
Step 1: Submit your application for renewal on the ICP website or through an accredited typing centre and pay the fee.
Step 2: Update your biometric details if requested by visiting one of ICP’s service centres and complete your residency procedures.
Step 3: Collect your Emirates ID replacement card. You can choose to either collect this from the post office or have it posted to your company address.
If you prefer flexible payment options during your renewal, SPC Free Zone also offers pay as you go plans.
Emirates ID renewal prerequisites
In order to apply for your Emirates ID card, you will need to ensure that you supply the following documents:
- Passport
- Valid UAE visa
- Current ID card
- Credit card
You must also upload scanned copies of both sides of your current ID card, passport, UAE visa, and a passport photo taken within the last three months.
Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID
Alert the relevant authorities as soon as you notice it is missing or damaged. To do this, you need to report the incident to the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre to make sure the card is deactivated immediately. You should ask the centre for a copy of the lost ID or ID number confirmation in case you don’t have one. If you’ve damaged your old card, bring it along with you to show to the service centre.
At the ICP Customer Happiness Centre, you will need to present several documents:
- A valid passport and family book if you are a UAE national
- Proof of residency in the UAE if you are a GCC national
- Original passport with valid residency permit if you are an expat resident
If the person who has lost the ID card is under the age of 15 years, their legal guardian should provide an original birth certificate and passport photo.
Then, you should fill in the application form at ICA’s Customer Happiness Centre or via the UAE ICP app. This is available via both Apple and Google Play. Request your replacement and pay the fees. Lost or damaged ID replacement cards cost AED 300. You will also need to pay an additional fee depending on how you applied for the replacement.
You can pay an extra AED 150 for the Express Replacement Service if you need to get your Emirates ID card renewed faster.
After you send in your application, the ICP will text you to let you know what’s going on with your replacement card and when it will be ready.
Emirates ID renewal for expats
Expats should make sure to renew their card within a month of its expiration date. A daily fine will be imposed for noncompliance. Updating your biometric information might require medical tests. You’ll also need to follow the steps already mentioned.
How long does an Emirates ID take to renew?
Typically, applications are processed within 48 hours. If you opt for express delivery, the turnaround time is reduced to 24 hours.
Cost of Emirates ID renewal?
For expats, an Emirates ID renewal costs AED 100 per year of validity. The number of years is capped at the remaining number of years on your visa. For example, if you have two years left on your visa, you will only be able to renew your current Emirates ID for two years.
If you need financial support during your renewal or business setup, SPC Free Zone provides tailored solutions through SPC Finance.
How much is the Emirates ID renewal delay fine?
If you do not renew your card within 30 days of its expiry, you will be subjected to penalties. You will need to pay AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. The ICP will usually send you a reminder when your Emirates ID requires renewal.
However, there are certain exemptions, such as if the individual is suffering from an infectious disease validated by a medical certificate or individuals aged over 70 years old who cannot visit the registration centres. For the full list of exemptions and further information, get in touch with a business advisor at SPC Free Zone, who will be happy to give clarity and extra peace of mind.
FAQs – Emirates ID Renewal (2026)
1. When should expats renew their Emirates ID?
Expats must renew their Emirates ID within 30 days of its expiry to avoid daily fines of AED 20, up to a maximum of AED 1,000.
2. How long does the Emirates ID renewal process take?
Standard applications take around 48 hours to process, while express applications are usually completed within 24 hours.
3. What documents are required for Emirates ID renewal?
You will need your passport, a valid UAE visa, a current Emirates ID card, and a recent passport photo. Scans of these documents must also be uploaded.
4. What should I do if my Emirates ID is lost or damaged?
Report it immediately to the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre, deactivate the card, and apply for a replacement through the ICP website or app.
5. Can SPC Free Zone help with Emirates ID renewal?
Yes, SPC Free Zone provides full support with Emirates ID processing, visa coordination, and business setup, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
