Last Verified: 1 Nov 2026 Visa & Residency

How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Emirates ID: Step-by-Step ICP Guide

Detailed guide on reporting a lost or damaged Emirates ID card to the Federal Authority for Identity (ICP), official replacement costs, document checklists, and same-day express reissue procedures.

Who Is This Guide For?

UAE citizens, residents, and expatriates whose physical Emirates ID has been lost, stolen, misplaced, or physically damaged.

Required Documents

1. Original valid Passport.
2. Valid UAE Residence Visa copy (for expatriates).
3. Copy of the lost or damaged Emirates ID (or card number/UID number).
4. Damaged physical card (if applying for replacement due to damage/wear).

Verified Official Fees & Costs

Replacement Card Fee: AED 300 (standard statutory charge).
Application & Smart Services Fee: AED 70.
Total Standard Replacement Cost: AED 370.
Urgent 24-Hour 'Fawri' Service: Additional AED 150 (Total: AED 520) at ICP Customer Happiness Centers.
Statutory Reporting Window: Loss must be reported within 7 calendar days.

Key Takeaway: If your Emirates ID is lost or damaged, report it within 7 days via smartservices.icp.gov.ae or an ICP Customer Happiness Center. The statutory replacement cost is AED 370 for standard delivery, or AED 520 for 24-hour Fawri issuance.

1. Immediate Action: Report the Loss Within 7 Days

Under Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) directives, any lost, stolen, or severely damaged Emirates ID card must be formally reported within seven (7) calendar days. Prompt reporting ensures the lost card is deactivated in the national database, safeguarding the cardholder against fraudulent use.

2. Replacement Fee Structure

Statutory replacement fees are standardized across all seven emirates:

Fee Component	Standard Track	Fawri Urgent Track
Card Replacement Fee	AED 300.00	AED 300.00
Application & Smart System Fee	AED 70.00	AED 70.00
Fawri Express Service Surcharge	—	AED 150.00
Total Payable	AED 370.00	AED 520.00

3. Step-by-Step Replacement Procedure

Step 1: Deactivate Lost Card Online

Log in to smartservices.icp.gov.ae or the UAEICP mobile app using UAE PASS. Select "Replace Lost/Damaged Identity Card". This automatically flags the previous card number as inactive.

Step 2: Verify Personal Data & Upload Documents

Confirm your passport information, current residence visa details, and residential delivery address. Upload a recent photograph meeting biometric requirements.

Step 3: Online Payment & Tracking

Pay the AED 370 fee online. You will receive an SMS and email with your tracking application number.

Step 4: Receive Card via Courier

Your card is printed and delivered via Emirates Post or registered courier within 48 to 72 business hours. Present your original passport to the courier for identity confirmation upon handover.

4. What to Do If Lost Outside the UAE

If you lose your Emirates ID card while traveling internationally:

Log into your UAE PASS or UAEICP smartphone application to generate an authenticated digital replica with a verifiable QR code.
A physical Emirates ID is generally not required to re-enter the UAE; immigration officers at UAE airport e-gates and passport control verify residency digitally against your passport number and biometric face/iris scan.
Upon landing back in the UAE, initiate the replacement application within 7 days via the ICP portal.

5. Biometrics and Physical Inspection

Because your fingerprints and facial geometry are permanently registered in the national biometric ledger, existing adult residents are exempt from attending a physical biometric capture appointment when replacing a lost card. The system reuses stored biometric data to emboss and encode the new replacement smart chip.

Related Tools & Calculators

Explore our related residence and travel tools:

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Waiting weeks before reporting the loss: Federal regulations require reporting card loss within 7 calendar days to prevent identity misuse.
2. Filing an unnecessary police report: For everyday lost cards, a police report is no longer mandatory; reporting directly via the ICP portal or center is sufficient.
3. Forgetting to download digital ID: You can instantly access your digital card on the UAE PASS app while awaiting replacement.
4. Paying unauthorized intermediary surcharges: Official fees are fixed at AED 370 (standard) or AED 520 (urgent); avoid typing centers charging excessive markups.

Official Government Sources & Public Portals

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost Emirates ID?

The official standard replacement fee is AED 370 (AED 300 replacement fee + AED 70 application and smart service charges). If you request same-day Fawri urgent service, the total cost is AED 520.

Can I get a replacement Emirates ID on the same day?

Yes. By visiting an ICP Customer Happiness Center offering the 'Fawri' express service and paying the additional AED 150 urgent fee, your replacement card will be printed and issued within hours.

How do I prove my identity while waiting for the replacement card?

You can generate a digital copy of your Emirates ID with an authenticated QR code through the UAE PASS app or UAEICP app, which is legally accepted across all UAE institutions.

Can I travel in and out of the UAE while waiting for my replacement Emirates ID?

Yes. Expatriate residents can travel through UAE airport Smart Gates using biometric facial scans or their valid passport linked to their active digital residency file in the UAE PASS or ICP application.