All you need to know about Emirates ID Replacement in Dubai

emirates id replacement in dubai
emirates id replacement in dubai

Emirates ID is the single most important document every UAE resident carries. If your card is lost, stolen, or cracked, start emirates id replacement immediately under Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) regulations. Delays can cause fines and disrupt essentials like banking, telecom, tenancy contracts, and visa renewals. This step-by-step guide covers emirates id replacement steps, documents, and timelines for 2025.

1. Replacement vs. Renewal: Know the Difference

Before starting, confirm whether you need a replacement or a routine renewal:

  • Choose emirates id replacement when your card is lost, stolen, or physically damaged beyond use, even if it is still valid.
  • Choose emirates id renewal online only when your card is expiring (typically within 30 days of expiry).

Attempting to renew a lost card will be rejected and you will lose the fees. Always initiate the correct service inside ICP: Replace ID Card.

2. First 24 Hours: Report and Lock Your ID

If you are thinking like i lost my emirates id card act fast:

  1. File a report:
    • Visit the nearest police station or submit a digital lost-item report through Dubai Police e-services. Whether you report a lost uae id card in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates, keep the case number.
  2. Notify ICP using one of these channels:
    • UAEICP mobile app (Android/iOS) → ID Card Services → Report Lost.
    • ICP smart services portal
  3. Block misuse: Banks, telecom operators, and government entities accept the police report as proof the card is void.

According to ICP standards (updated April 2025), the police report number is mandatory for emirates id replacement. Skipping it delays approval.

Many residents search “lost emirates id replacement,” “emirates id lost replacement,” “lost my emirates id,” or “replace lost emirates id.” The process is the same nationwide and requires the police report prior to filing the application.

3. Where to File the Replacement Application

Option

What happens

Typical users

Notes

ICP Smart Services (self-service)

You fill in the online form, pay by card, receive ID by courier

Tech-savvy individuals comfortable with Arabic/English forms

No typing assistance; error = new fee

Amer or Tasheel Centers

A government-approved typing agent completes the form, submits on your behalf

Dubai residents who prefer in-person help

Service fee applies

Arabian Business Center (ABC)

Full concierge: collects missing docs, types the form, submits, tracks, delivers to your door

Busy professionals, corporate HR, families abroad

document pick-up & delivery in Dubai;

Because replacement data must match immigration records exactly, a mistyped name or passport number triggers rejection and a second payment of government fees. Using an authorized typing center like Arabian Business Center for emirates id replacement reduces that risk and provides live status updates. If you prefer in-person support, ask for emirates id typing or emirates id application typing to ensure your form is correctly prepared.

4. Documents You Need in 2025

Make sure your documents are complete and compliant before submitting emirates id replacement:

Applicant Category

Required Documents

Extra Notes

UAE Nationals

Original passport (valid), passport copy, police loss/damage report

Family Book only if card details differ

GCC Nationals

Original GCC passport + UAE residence document, police report

Ensure GCC ID number is visible

Expat Residents

Valid passport, UAE residence visa page, police report, passport-size photo (white background)

Children under 15: birth certificate + parent passports

Authorized centers cannot add hidden surcharges. Arabian Business Centre publishes its fee matrix openly and issues a VAT invoice for every transaction. For emirates id replacement, budget within the total shown, and consider Express (Fawri) if time-sensitive.

5. Processing Timeline

  • Standard service: 3–5 working days from approval to card printing.
  • Express (Fawri) service: Same-day issuance if approved before 10:00 a.m.; otherwise next working day.

Courier delivery inside Dubai usually takes 24 hours after printing. Express service can accelerate emirates id replacement when you are on a tight timeline.

 

Live Tracking

You can track progress through:

6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  • Wrong mobile number on file: Update it in ICP before submission to receive OTP codes.
  • Unpaid visa fines: Overstay or residency fines block ID issuance until cleared.
  • Incomplete Arabic name: For expat Muslims, the full four-part Arabic name must match the residency file.
  • Uploading scanned photos: Do not upload compressed scans; use the original digital photo that meets specs.

Avoid these errors to keep your emirates id replacement moving without rejection.

7. How Arabian Business Center Simplifies the Process

  1. Consultation: Verify whether you need replacement, renewal, or amendment.
  2. Document pick-up anywhere in Dubai within two hours of your call.
  3. Data validation against GDRFA, MoHRE, and ICP databases to prevent rejection.
  4. Transparent fees
  5. Speak to a dedicated account manager, not a chatbot.
  6. Final-mile delivery: Hand-delivered card in a tamper-proof envelope.

For corporate HR teams, ABC can batch-process employee replacements and integrate with your PRO workflow, saving days of administrative time. Arabian Business Center simplifies emirates id replacement from start to finish.

 

8. Quick Reference Checklist

  • File police loss/damage report.
  • Gather passport, visa page, and compliant photo.
  • Visit Arabian Business Center.
  • Pay the emirates id replacement fee and service charges.
  • Track status and receive your new card.

Submit your emirates id replacement application only after verifying all data matches your immigration record.

9. Take Action Today

A functioning Emirates ID is legally required for residents and essential for daily services. Start your emirates id replacement today to avoid fines or service disruptions. Our team handles emirates id replacement from typing to doorstep delivery so you can focus on work and family.

Visit our Amer Center sheikh zayed road , or start an online request at arabianme.ae. If you need additional help with emirates id typing, emirates id application typing, or checking emirates id application status, our experts are ready to assist.

For broader residency formalities, explore our guide to securing a UAE residence visa

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose the Express (Fawri) service and submit early in the day with a valid police report, compliant photo, and accurate data. Using a professional typing center can prevent errors that cause rejections.

Yes, if you can access your documents and authorize a PRO or service center to submit on your behalf. Courier delivery can be arranged locally to your UAE address once printing is done.

Replace. Use the Replace ID Card service. Only use emirates id renewal online when your card is nearing expiry and you still have the physical card.

The steps are nearly identical. Both require a police report and a new application; in each case you proceed with lost emirates id replacement via ICP or an authorized center.