Losing or damaging an Emirates ID is one of the most common admin headaches in the UAE. The replacement process is fully online, finishes within days, and does not affect the EID number itself. This guide walks through every step in the 2026 process, including the police report rule for lost cards and the express options for travellers.
Lost vs damaged — different starts, same finish
| Scenario | First step |
|---|---|
| Card lost or stolen | File a police report at any UAE police station |
| Card damaged but in your possession | Skip police report — go straight to ICP application |
| Card stolen abroad | Police report at country of incident + UAE embassy notification |
Step 1 — Police report (lost cards only)
If the card is lost or stolen, file a "Lost ID" report at any UAE police station or via the relevant emirate police app (Dubai Police app, Abu Dhabi Police app). The report is typically free and is generated within 30 minutes. Save the digital copy — you will upload it to ICP.
Step 2 — Apply for replacement via ICP
- Open the UAEICP app or visit icp.gov.ae.
- Select "Replace Lost or Damaged ID Card".
- Enter Emirates ID number or passport details.
- Upload police report (lost cards) or damaged-card photo (damaged cards).
- Confirm address and contact details.
- Pay the replacement fee.
- Receive a status confirmation by SMS.
2026 replacement fees
| Item | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Replacement card fee | 300 |
| Application processing | 70 |
| Knowledge & innovation fees | 20 |
| Express (Fawri) printing | + 150 |
| Typing / processing | 30 – 75 |
Total typically AED 390 – 545 standard, AED 540 – 700 with express.
Express replacement (Fawri)
For an extra AED 150, ICP offers same-day card printing at selected customer-happiness centres. Walk in with the police report (if lost), passport, and proof of payment. The card prints in 30–60 minutes. Useful when:
- You travel within 48 hours.
- You need to complete a tenancy or vehicle registration.
- You are renewing a bank facility that requires the physical card.
Standard delivery timeline
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Online application processing | 1 – 2 working days |
| Card printing | 2 – 4 working days |
| Emirates Post delivery | 3 – 7 working days |
| Total standard | 5 – 10 working days |
Documents required
- Passport copy
- Existing Emirates ID number (or details if number unknown)
- Police report (lost cards)
- Photo of the damaged card (damaged cards)
- Recent passport photo (sometimes requested for cards over 5 years old)
Will my Emirates ID number change?
No. The 15-digit EID number stays with you for life. The replacement card carries the same number, only with a new issue date and printing batch.
What if my visa has expired?
You cannot replace an Emirates ID linked to an expired residence visa. Renew the residence visa first — see our EID renewal guide. The new card is issued as part of the renewal package.
Travelling without your Emirates ID
Residents do not strictly need the physical EID to exit and re-enter the UAE — passport and residence visa stamping suffice. However, for boarding flights to GCC countries (where EID is the primary identifier) and for re-entry to the UAE, having either the physical or digital EID via UAE PASS is strongly recommended.
Using the digital EID while waiting
The UAE PASS app provides a digital Emirates ID accepted by most government services, banks, telcos, and many private businesses. Activate UAE PASS the moment your replacement application is submitted to bridge the gap until the physical card arrives.
If the replacement card never arrives
- Track delivery via Emirates Post using the tracking number in the ICP SMS.
- Contact ICP at 600-522222 if delivery shows as completed but the card is missing.
- Re-issue is possible at no extra cost if the failure is on Emirates Post's side.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly do I need to apply for a replacement?
There is no formal deadline, but living without an Emirates ID exposes you to fines during routine checks (e.g. tenancy renewal, bank verification). Replace within 7 days.
Will I be fined for losing my Emirates ID?
No. Losing the card does not carry a fine — only the replacement fee.
Can someone else collect my replacement card?
Yes, with a written authorisation, the card delivery can be redirected to a courier or family member.
What if I find the lost card after applying for a replacement?
The old card is automatically invalidated once the replacement is issued. Destroy the old card to avoid confusion.
Can I replace a lost Emirates ID from outside the UAE?
The application can be submitted online but biometric verification or card collection requires presence in the UAE in some cases. Contact ICP for case-specific guidance.
Do children need a separate replacement application?
Yes. Each lost or damaged EID requires its own application and fee, regardless of age.
Is the police report mandatory for damaged cards?
No. Damaged-card replacements only require photo evidence of the damage during the ICP application.
How we help
Visa Simplified handles Emirates ID replacement applications, including police-report submission, ICP application, payment, and tracking through delivery via our EID replacement service. Express service available for travellers with tight deadlines. Service fees are fully refundable until the application is filed. For new applications, see our new EID guide.
Need help with this?
Our PRO consultants handle the full process end-to-end — documents, government submission, and delivery. Service fee is fully refundable pre-submission.