How to Apply for a UAE Emirates ID Card For Nationals and Residents

Procedure for Registering and Obtaining a UAE Emirates ID

Registration and Payment
- Register for an Emirates ID at any accredited typing office or complete the E-Form available on the Emirates Identity Authority’s official website.
- Pay the required service fees during registration.
- Book an appointment with a registration center and specify your preferred method of card collection.
Visit the Registration Center
- Attend your scheduled appointment at a registration center.
- Complete the application typing and printing process.
- Provide your photograph, fingerprint scans, and electronic signature.
Notification and Collection
- Wait for a text message from the Emirates Identity Authority confirming your card is ready and specifying the collection point.

Special Cases:

A relative or family member may complete the process on your behalf at any affiliated Emirates Identity Authority registration center. Ensure all required documents are provided, especially in cases involving special circumstances.

Required Documents

Social Security Card or Certificate (if applicable).
Valid Original Passport.
Original Family Book.

For Special Cases:

Valid Passport and Original Family Book.
Certified recent medical report from a competent authority (if applicable).
Social Security card or certificate (optional, if available).
Personal photograph (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white or light blue background.

Note: If the original passport or family book is unavailable, provide certified copies.

Office Locations & Contact Information

Main Office

Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Mayzad Mall, Tower 3, 7th Floor
P.O. Box: 47999, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 2 4955555
Fax: +971 2 4955550
Email: [email protected]
Locate Registration Centers
Locate Typing Centers

Eligibility

UAE Nationals with Social Insurance.
Applicants must be 15 years or older.

Fees

Card Fees: Free for eligible categories.
Issuance and Renewal:
- UAE and GCC nationals (5-year validity): AED 100.
- Residents (per year of residence): AED 100.
- Lost or damaged card replacement: AED 300.
- Data modification (new card issuance): AED 150.
- Mobile service (per family, per day): AED 1000.
- Urgent service: AED 150.
- Application form and typing: AED 70.

Delay Penalties:

AED 20 per day of delay (maximum AED 1000) for:
- Late registration or renewal (30+ days after expiry).
- Delay in reporting data changes (over 30 days).

Exemptions:

Social Security beneficiaries, people with disabilities, and individuals with autism.
Exemptions do not apply to mobile or urgent services.

Validity

Emirates ID for UAE Nationals is valid for 5 years.

Processing Time

Processing usually takes 7–10 working days, though timelines may vary depending on demand and accuracy of submitted documents.

Need for the Document

The Emirates ID, issued under Federal Decree No. 2 of 2004, is an official identification card for UAE citizens and residents. It contains a unique 15-digit identification number linked to government and private services. It is essential for accessing secure eServices, government transactions, and preventing fraud or identity theft.

Additional Information

The ID card is made from durable polyester (Melinex) with nine advanced security features, ultraviolet ink, and line drawings, making forgery extremely difficult.
Each card contains an encrypted electronic chip storing up to 32,000 characters of personal data. This ensures secure access to government and certain private services.

Duties of ID Card Holders:

Carry your ID at all times and produce it when required by law.
Do not tamper with or damage your ID card.
Report any changes to your personal data within 30 days.
Report loss or damage to Emirates ID within 7 days and request a replacement.
Never leave your ID card with any organization unless legally mandated.
If you find someone else’s ID card, return it to the nearest Emirates ID office or police station.

Other Uses of the Emirates ID

Acts as official proof of identity for government and private services.
Required for banking, healthcare, travel within the GCC, and many employment processes.
Provides secure access to eGovernment services.
Functions as a portable personal data repository.