Losing your Emirates ID in the UAE can be stressful, but replacing it is simple if you act quickly. This guide explains every step — from reporting a lost or stolen card to applying for a new one and tracking your replacement easily. Learn how to stay safe, avoid delays, and get your new Emirates ID without hassle.
Losing your Emirates ID can feel stressful and confusing. It’s one of the most important identity cards in the UAE, used for almost everything — from banking to healthcare to government services. But if you ever lose it, don’t panic. The process to replace your Emirates ID is simple once you know the right steps.
This complete guide will walk you through everything — from reporting a lost card to getting a new one in your hands — without unnecessary confusion or stress.
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The Emirates ID is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, also known as ICP. It is your official identification across the UAE, whether you are a citizen, resident, or expatriate.
You need your Emirates ID to:
Simply put, your Emirates ID is your key to living and working in the UAE. Losing it means you must act fast to avoid inconvenience or security issues.
The moment you notice your Emirates ID is missing, the first thing you should do is report it immediately. Quick action ensures that no one can misuse your card and helps you start the replacement process without delay.
Go to your nearest ICP Customer Happiness Center and tell the staff that your Emirates ID has been lost. Take your original passport with you for identification.
Once your details are verified, they will record the loss and cancel your old card. You will then be allowed to apply for a replacement.
If your card was stolen, you must also report it to the nearest police station before going to ICP. The police will give you a report confirming the theft. This report will be required during your replacement application.
If you can’t go immediately to the center, you can also report the loss and request a replacement through the ICP’s official online services or mobile app.
After reporting the loss, the next step is to apply for a replacement. You can do this online or in person.
You can log in to your ICP account or UAE Pass and select the service “Replacement of Lost or Damaged ID Card.” Fill in your details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the replacement fee online.
If you prefer to do it manually, you can visit any Customer Happiness Center or authorized typing center. They will fill out the electronic form for you and guide you through the process.
Both ways are reliable and safe. Choose the one that suits you best.
Before you go to the center or apply online, make sure you have all required documents ready. This will help avoid delays.
For UAE citizens:
For expatriates:
For children under 15 years:
When you submit your replacement application, you must pay a small fee. The standard replacement charge is about three hundred dirhams, with an additional service fee if you apply through a typing center.
If you want faster service, you can pay extra for urgent processing. In urgent cases, the card can be printed and ready within 24 hours at certain ICP centers.
You can pay by card or cash at the center, or online through the payment gateway when applying digitally.
After submitting your application, you can easily track the progress. Each application is assigned a reference number that allows you to check the current status.
You will receive SMS updates about the progress — for example, when the card is being printed or ready for delivery. You can also check the status using the ICP mobile application.
Most replacement cards are ready within three to five working days.
Once your new card is printed, you will receive a message telling you where to collect it.
Usually, the card is sent to the nearest Emirates Post branch. You can collect it by showing your passport or the SMS you received.
If you selected home delivery, a courier will deliver your card directly to your address. Always make sure someone is available to receive it.
For urgent requests, you may get your replacement within one day at a main ICP office.
After you get your new card, you need to update it with all the institutions and services where your Emirates ID is registered.
This includes:
Failing to update these records may cause temporary issues like blocked services or rejected transactions.
If your Emirates ID was not just lost but stolen, take these additional safety steps:
These steps help protect you from identity misuse or fraud.
Many people make small mistakes that cause unnecessary delays. Avoid the following:
Always check your details carefully before submission.
You should not stay without an Emirates ID for too long. Even if your visa is valid, you will face issues when accessing services that require identity verification.
You might have problems when visiting hospitals, paying bills, or doing official paperwork. So, apply for a replacement as soon as possible — ideally within a few days of losing it.
Normally, it takes around three to five working days. Urgent applications can be completed within 24 hours.
Yes, it is possible. That’s why it’s very important to report it immediately so the ICP can cancel the lost card.
Within the UAE, yes. For travel outside the country, especially to GCC nations, you should carry your valid passport until you receive your new ID.
Yes, your Emirates ID number remains the same. Only the physical card changes.
You can do so for family members such as children or dependents, but you must have their documents and photos ready.
A resident in Ajman once misplaced his Emirates ID during a shopping trip. He immediately visited the ICP Customer Happiness Center the same day and submitted a replacement request. Within a few minutes, he received a confirmation SMS.
Three days later, he was informed that his card was ready for collection at his nearest Emirates Post branch. The process was quick, efficient, and stress-free — a great example of how smooth UAE systems are today.
These small habits can save you from a lot of future trouble.
Losing your Emirates ID might seem like a big problem, but the UAE government has made the replacement process simple, fast, and accessible.
To recap the steps:
The whole process is quick if you act without delay. Most importantly, don’t panic — stay calm, follow the steps, and you’ll have your new card in no time.
Your Emirates ID is more than a piece of plastic — it’s your identity and your access key to life in the UAE. If you lose it, take it as a reminder to keep your documents safe and organized.
The UAE’s efficient systems make replacing a lost card smooth and stress-free. With a little attention and quick action, you can get back on track easily.
Remember, losing something doesn’t define you — but how quickly and smartly you handle it does.
