Last Verified: 1 Nov 2026 Visa & Residency

Emirates ID Renewal Guide: Steps, Required Documents & Urgent Services

Step-by-step instructions on renewing your UAE Identity Card (Emirates ID) through ICP smart services, including renewal deadlines, biometric requirements, official fees, and express Fawri processing.

Who Is This Guide For?

UAE citizens, GCC nationals, and expatriate residents whose Emirates ID cards are nearing expiration or within the statutory grace period.

Required Documents

1. Original Passport with valid UAE residency visa (or residency entry permit).
2. Existing or expired Emirates ID card.
3. Recent digital passport-style photograph (35mm x 45mm, white background, neutral expression).
4. Valid UAE mobile number and email for OTP verification and courier tracking.

Verified Official Fees & Costs

1-Year Validity: AED 170 total (AED 100 card fee + AED 40 service fee + AED 30 smart app fee).
2-Year Validity: AED 270 total.
3-Year Validity: AED 370 total.
Urgent 'Fawri' Service (24-hour): Additional AED 150 (available at designated ICP Happiness Centers for citizens/residents).
Late Renewal Fine: AED 20 per day after the 30-day grace period, up to a maximum statutory cap of AED 1,000.

Key Takeaway: The Emirates ID renewal application should be submitted within 30 days of expiry to avoid the AED 20/day late penalty (capped at AED 1,000). Applications can be completed online via the ICP app or smartservices.icp.gov.ae, with 2-year expat cards costing AED 270 plus typing fees.

1. Overview and Renewal Timelines

The Emirates Identity Card is the legal identifier required for all government interactions, banking, telecommunications, and tenancy contracts in the UAE. Under Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) regulations, residents must maintain active card validity.

The card validity matches the linked residence visa (typically 2 years for standard private sector employees, 5 years for Green Visa holders, and 10 years for Golden Visa recipients).

Statutory Grace Period: Thirty (30) calendar days from the expiry date.
Late Fine Schedule: If not renewed within 30 days, an automated fine of AED 20 per day accumulates, up to an absolute statutory ceiling of AED 1,000.

2. Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process

Step 1: Access ICP Smart Services

Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae or launch the UAEICP mobile app. Log in using your UAE PASS digital credentials.

Step 2: Select 'Renew ID Card'

Select your profile from the dashboard. Confirm personal details, address in the UAE, and residency status.

Step 3: Upload High-Resolution Photograph

Upload a recent passport-standard digital photo adhering to ICP specifications (white background, ears clearly visible, no colored contact lenses).

Step 4: Settle Official Fees Online

Pay the official statutory fee (AED 270 for 2 years) using a credit or debit card. Download and print the official application receipt containing your PRAN (Pre-Registration Application Number).

Step 5: Card Production and Delivery

Once your linked residence visa is approved, the physical card is printed and dispatched via Emirates Post or authorized courier to your registered address.

3. Using the Digital Emirates ID During Processing

While awaiting physical card delivery, residents can generate an official digital version of their Emirates ID directly inside the UAE PASS or UAEICP application. The digital QR code holds full legal validity under UAE federal regulations and is accepted by banks, airlines, and government departments.

Related Tools & Calculators

Check your residency and overstay liabilities:

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Exceeding the 30-day grace period: Fines start accruing at AED 20/day on day 31 following card expiration.
2. Submitting improper photographs: ICP biometric scanners automatically reject photos with shadows, glasses, or colored backgrounds.
3. Booking biometric appointments when not needed: If fingerprint biometrics are already in the ICP database, attendance is waived.
4. Delaying residency visa renewal: For expatriates, the Emirates ID application is directly linked to the residency visa medical fitness and stamping process.

Official Government Sources & Public Portals

Verified against the following official government links on 1 Nov 2026:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the grace period to renew an Emirates ID after it expires?

You have a statutory grace period of thirty (30) calendar days from the card expiry date to submit your renewal application before daily late fines of AED 20 begin accruing.

Can I renew my Emirates ID before it expires?

Yes. Expatriate residents can renew their Emirates ID up to six (6) months prior to expiration, provided their residence visa is also being renewed or already valid.

Is the urgent 24-hour 'Fawri' service available for expatriates?

Yes. The Fawri service is available to expatriate residents who are replacing a lost or damaged card, or renewing an ID linked to an existing valid residence visa, upon paying the additional AED 150 urgent fee at select ICP Customer Happiness Centers.