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What to Do When Your Emirates ID Is Lost or Damaged
Replacing a lost or damaged Emirates ID in Dubai costs AED 300 as a card replacement fee, plus AED 40–70 in application fees depending on the submission channel. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) requires cardholders to report a lost card immediately after the loss is identified. The replacement card retains the same expiry date as the original.
This guide covers reporting obligations, required documents by applicant category, all available application channels, a complete fee breakdown, processing timelines, common mistakes, and special scenarios such as cards lost abroad or by minors. Residents unfamiliar with the broader Emirates ID framework may also find it helpful to consult the Emirates ID renewal guide, which explains validity periods, renewal channels, and the 30-day grace period.
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Why Immediate Reporting Is Essential
The Emirates ID is the primary identification document for all UAE citizens and residents. It is required for banking, healthcare, telecommunications registration, immigration procedures, utility connections, and access to government services. Since 2022, the Emirates ID has replaced the traditional visa sticker. Immigration authorities now verify residency status directly through the card's embedded chip.
A lost card that remains active in the ICP system can be used for fraudulent financial transactions, identity theft, or unauthorised access to government services. ICP deactivates the card immediately upon receiving a loss report, which blocks all further use. Delaying the report increases exposure to misuse and may complicate the replacement procedure.
Cardholders who fail to replace a lost Emirates ID within the required timeframe risk disruption to essential services. An expired or unreplaced card can also trigger late fees of AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000, calculated from 30 days after the card's expiry date.
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Step-by-Step Emirates ID Replacement Process
Step 1 — Report the Loss to ICP
The first action after discovering a lost, stolen, or damaged Emirates ID is to report the incident to ICP. Reporting is available through several channels. Cardholders can visit the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre in person. The UAEICP mobile application is available on iOS and Google Play for remote reporting. The ICP Smart Services portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae also accepts online reports. Authorised Amer centres such as EGSH in Dubai process reports and replacement applications directly through ICP systems.
At an ICP Customer Happiness Centre, the officer deactivates the lost card in the system. If the card is damaged, the original must be presented. If it is lost, a copy of the card should be submitted. ICP can retrieve the cardholder's ID number through its system if no copy is available.
ICP requires cardholders to report the loss immediately after the loss is identified. Prompt reporting protects against identity misuse and ensures smooth processing of the replacement application.
Step 2 — Prepare Required Documents
The documents required for replacement vary by applicant category. All applicants must provide a recent passport-size photograph with a white background that meets ICP specifications.
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Step 3 — Submit the Replacement Application
Applications for Emirates ID replacement can be submitted through several official channels.
ICP Customer Happiness Centres. These centres are available across all emirates. Walk-in applications are accepted during working hours. The applicant fills in the replacement form, submits documents, and pays fees at the counter.
UAEICP mobile application. Applicants log in using UAE Pass or an ICP account and search for "Replace Emirates ID for Residents." The application form includes pre-filled personal data (if using UAE Pass), identification details, the reason for replacement, beneficiary information, passport details, and a document upload section. Payment is made by debit or credit card, with a "pay later" option also available.
ICP Smart Services portal. The online portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae mirrors the mobile application process. Applicants navigate to the replacement service, complete the form, upload documents and a photograph, and submit payment.
Accredited typing centres. Typing centres accept walk-in applications and assist with form completion. An additional typing fee of AED 30 applies on top of the standard application fee.
Authorised Amer centres. EGSH is a licensed Amer centre in Dubai where Emirates ID replacement is processed directly through ICP systems. The centre handles document verification, application submission, and fee processing, reducing the risk of errors that may cause delays.
The ICP service card for replacement confirms a standard processing duration of five working days. The Fawri express service delivers the replacement card within 24 hours and is available at designated ICP Customer Happiness Centres.
For expatriate residents, the Fawri option applies specifically to replacement of lost or damaged cards. UAE nationals and GCC nationals may also use the Fawri service for new issuance and renewal.
The replacement card carries the same expiry date as the original. No extension of validity is granted through the replacement process.
Choosing the Right Application Channel
Each submission channel has distinct advantages depending on the applicant's circumstances.
ICP portal or UAEICP app is the fastest self-service option. It suits applicants who are comfortable navigating the digital interface and have all documents in digital format. UAE Pass login pre-fills personal data, reducing entry errors. The application fee is AED 40 — the lowest available.
ICP Customer Happiness Centres are appropriate for applicants who need in-person assistance, require biometric capture, or prefer face-to-face verification. Wait times may vary depending on the centre and time of day.
Typing centres provide form-filling assistance for applicants unfamiliar with the process. The additional typing fee of AED 30 applies. Data entry errors at typing centres are a common cause of processing delays.
Authorised Amer centres such as EGSH offer end-to-end service. EGSH verifies all documents before submission, files the application through ICP systems, processes payments, and tracks the application to completion. This channel is particularly suited to applicants managing multiple procedures simultaneously, such as Emirates ID renewal alongside visa renewal. A detailed overview of the renewal procedure is available in the residence visa renewal guide.
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Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Several common errors can slow down the replacement process or result in application rejection.
Photograph not meeting ICP specifications. The photograph must have a white background, be recent, and meet ICP resolution and framing requirements. Photographs with coloured backgrounds, low resolution, or incorrect dimensions are rejected during the upload stage.
Mismatched data between passport and visa. If personal details on the passport do not match the information stored in the ICP system — for example, name spelling, nationality, or date of birth — the application may be returned for correction. Applicants who have recently renewed their passport with updated details should ensure the visa record has been updated accordingly.
Expired residence visa. The replacement Emirates ID mirrors the validity of the original card, which is linked to the residence visa. If the visa has expired or is about to expire, the replacement application may be rejected. In such cases, the visa must be renewed first. A new Emirates ID is then issued as part of the residence visa renewal process.
Incomplete reporting. Submitting a replacement application without first reporting the loss to ICP can result in processing errors. The loss report generates a deactivation record in the system that the replacement application references.
Incorrect selection of replacement reason. The UAEICP app requires the applicant to select the reason for replacement — lost, stolen, or damaged. Selecting the wrong reason may create a mismatch with the supporting documents submitted.
Special Scenarios
Emirates ID Lost Outside the UAE
Residents who lose their Emirates ID while abroad can submit a replacement application online through the ICP Smart Services portal or the UAEICP app. The application is processed remotely, but the new card is issued in the UAE. It must be collected in person or by an authorised representative after the applicant returns.
Applicants abroad should ensure their residence visa remains valid during the replacement period. If the visa expires while the cardholder is outside the UAE, separate procedures apply for visa renewal before the Emirates ID can be reissued.
Emirates ID Lost by a Child Under 15
For children under 15, a parent or legal guardian submits the replacement application. Biometric capture is not required for this age group. The application requires the child's passport, birth certificate, the parent's Emirates ID, and a recent photograph of the child.
The replacement card for a minor carries the same expiry date as the original, which is typically linked to the parent's or sponsor's visa validity.
Emirates ID Lost Simultaneously with Passport
If both the Emirates ID and passport are lost at the same time, the passport must be replaced first. The applicant should contact the relevant embassy or consulate in the UAE to obtain an emergency travel document or a replacement passport. Once a valid passport is available, the Emirates ID replacement application can proceed through ICP.
Suspected Theft or Fraudulent Use
If the card is suspected to have been stolen rather than simply lost, cardholders should take additional precautions. Filing a police report with Dubai Police or the relevant emirate's police authority creates an official record of the theft. The cardholder should also notify the bank to monitor for unauthorised transactions and alert any government agencies where the card was registered.
ICP deactivates the card upon receiving the loss report, which prevents further system-level misuse. A police report is not mandatory for submitting the replacement application but provides additional legal protection.
Digital Emirates ID as Interim Identification
Since 2022, UAE authorities and most private-sector service providers accept a digital version of the Emirates ID. This digital card is accessible through the UAEICP application and UAE Pass.
The digital Emirates ID can be used for most government transactions, banking services, healthcare access, and immigration e-gates while the physical replacement card is being processed. It displays the same information as the physical card, including the 15-digit identification number, personal details, and visa status.
To access the digital Emirates ID, the cardholder must have an active UAE Pass account or be registered on the ICP app. The digital version becomes available shortly after residence visa approval and remains accessible even if the physical card is lost.
How EGSH Processes Emirates ID Replacement in Dubai
EGSH is an authorised Amer centre licensed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai. All Emirates ID services at EGSH are processed directly through ICP systems in full compliance with UAE federal regulations.
For Emirates ID replacement, the EGSH process follows four stages. A consultant reviews the case and confirms whether the loss has been reported to ICP. Required documents are then verified for completeness and compliance with ICP specifications. The application is filed through the ICP system with correct data entry and document attachments. Fees are processed through authorised ICP payment channels, and the application is tracked until the card is issued.
EGSH is located at Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai. The centre operates Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Appointments can be booked in advance, but walk-in service is also available during operating hours.
Residents managing multiple immigration procedures can complete visa status changes and Emirates ID replacement through a single visit. Those who also need residence visa stamping can add it to the same appointment. A full overview of residency categories and sponsorship rules is available in the complete guide to UAE residency visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a lost Emirates ID in Dubai?
The card replacement fee is AED 300. An application fee of AED 40 applies for online submissions through the ICP portal or app. Submissions through typing centres incur an application fee of AED 70. The Fawri express service costs an additional AED 150. The total ranges from approximately AED 340 for online submissions to approximately AED 550 for typing centre submissions with the Fawri option.
Can I apply for Emirates ID replacement online?
Yes. Applications can be submitted through the UAEICP mobile application or the ICP Smart Services portal. UAE Pass login enables pre-filled personal data for faster processing. The online application fee is AED 40.
How long does Emirates ID replacement take?
Standard processing takes up to five working days from the date of successful submission. The Fawri express service delivers the replacement card within 24 hours at designated ICP Customer Happiness Centres.
What documents do I need to replace a lost Emirates ID?
Expatriate residents need a valid passport with a residence visa, a recent passport-size photograph, and a copy of the lost Emirates ID if available. UAE nationals require a passport and family book. GCC nationals must provide proof of UAE residency. Children under 15 require a parent's Emirates ID, the child's passport, and a birth certificate.
Does the replacement card have the same expiry date?
Yes. The replacement Emirates ID carries the same validity period and expiry date as the original card. No extension is granted through the replacement process.
Can I use a digital Emirates ID while waiting for the replacement?
A digital version of the Emirates ID is accessible through the UAEICP application and UAE Pass. It is accepted for most banking, healthcare, government, and immigration transactions while the physical replacement is being processed.
What happens if I delay replacing my lost Emirates ID?
A fine of AED 20 per day may apply after 30 days from the card's expiry date, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. Delayed replacement also disrupts access to banking, healthcare, telecommunications, and government services.
Do I need a police report to replace a lost Emirates ID?
A police report is not mandatory for a standard lost Emirates ID replacement. Reporting the loss directly to ICP is sufficient to deactivate the card and initiate the replacement. A police report is advisable if the card is suspected to have been stolen or used for fraudulent purposes.
Can I replace my Emirates ID if I am outside the UAE?
Yes. The application can be submitted online through the ICP portal or the UAEICP app. The card is issued in the UAE and must be collected in person or by an authorised representative upon return.
What if I lose my Emirates ID and my passport at the same time?
The passport must be replaced first through the relevant embassy or consulate. Once a valid passport is obtained, the Emirates ID replacement application can proceed through ICP.
Official Sources and References
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — issues and regulates Emirates ID cards, residence visas, and identity services across the UAE
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae) — provides guidance on Emirates ID services, replacement procedures, fines, and cardholder obligations
Important Notice
The information in this article reflects regulations and fee structures published by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) at the time of writing. Fees, processing timelines, and document requirements are subject to change without prior notice. All final decisions regarding Emirates ID issuance and replacement rest with ICP. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with ICP or an authorised service centre before submitting an application.
