Your Emirates ID is one of the most important documents you carry in the UAE. It is your official proof of identity used for everything from visiting a government office and opening a bank account, to collecting a parcel, accessing healthcare, and passing through airport e-gates.
When your Emirates ID expires or is close to expiring renewing it is not optional. An expired Emirates ID can create problems across almost every area of daily life in the UAE. And yet, many residents are unsure of the process, what documents are needed, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your Emirates ID in 2026 step by step, in plain language, so you can get it done without confusion or delay.
What is the Emirates ID and Who Needs to Renew It?
The Emirates ID is a mandatory identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) to all UAE nationals and residents. Every person legally residing in the UAE including children is required to hold a valid Emirates ID at all times.
The Emirates ID contains your personal information, residency details, and a chip that stores your biometric data. It is linked to your residency visa, your health insurance records, and a growing range of government and private services.
Emirates ID renewal is required in the following situations:
- Your Emirates ID has expired or is approaching its expiry date
- Your residency visa has been renewed and your Emirates ID needs to be updated to reflect the new visa validity
- Your personal details have changed such as your name or marital status
- Your Emirates ID has been lost or damaged and needs to be replaced
For most residents, the Emirates ID expiry date matches the residency visa expiry date. This means that when you renew your visa, you will also need to renew your Emirates ID.
When Should You Renew Your Emirates ID?
You can apply to renew your Emirates ID up to 30 days before the expiry date. It is strongly recommended that you begin the renewal process as early as possible ideally as soon as your visa renewal is confirmed.
What happens if your Emirates ID expires?
If your Emirates ID expires and you have not renewed it, you will face a fine. As of 2026, the late renewal fine is AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. This fine applies from the day after the expiry date, so acting before expiry avoids any additional cost entirely.
Beyond the financial penalty, an expired Emirates ID creates practical problems. Many services in the UAE including banking transactions, government service access, healthcare, and travel through e-gates require a valid Emirates ID. The sooner you renew, the sooner these services remain uninterrupted.
Documents Required for Emirates ID Renewal
The documents required for Emirates ID renewal depend on your residency status and the reason for renewal. Here is what is typically needed for the most common situations.
For UAE residents (expatriates) standard renewal
- Original passport (valid)
- Current Emirates ID (expired or expiring)
- Valid UAE residency visa
- A recent passport-sized photograph (white background) this may be taken at the typing centre
- Completed Emirates ID renewal application form this is typically filled in at the Amer Centre or typing centre on your behalf
For UAE nationals
- Original passport or family book (Khulasat Al Qaid)
- Current Emirates ID
- Completed application form
For children under 15
- Original passport of the child
- Emirates ID of the parent or guardian
- Current Emirates ID of the child (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (may be required)
For lost or damaged Emirates ID replacement
- Original passport
- Valid residency visa
- Police report for lost Emirates ID (required in most cases)
- Completed application form
It is always advisable to bring originals and copies of all documents. An Amer Centre will confirm exactly what is needed based on your specific situation before submitting the application.
Emirates ID Renewal Fees in 2026
Emirates ID renewal fees are set by the ICP and are based on the validity period of the card, which in turn is based on the validity of your residency visa.
The standard fee structure is as follows:
ICP card issuance fee:
- 1-year validity AED 100
- 2-year validity AED 200
- 3-year validity AED 300
- 5-year validity (UAE nationals and GCC nationals) AED 500
Additional charges:
- Typing and application service fee approximately AED 40 to AED 70 (charged by the typing centre or Amer Centre)
- Express or urgent service fee additional charge applies if you require faster processing
- Late renewal fine AED 20 per day if the application is submitted after the expiry date, up to a maximum of AED 1,000
Fees are subject to change. It is recommended to confirm the current fee structure at your Amer Centre at the time of application.
How to Renew Emirates ID in UAE Step by Step
There are two main ways to renew your Emirates ID in 2026 online through the ICP website or app, or in person through an Amer Centre or authorised typing centre. Here is a complete walkthrough of both.
Method 1 Renewing Emirates ID Online via ICP
The ICP provides a digital platform for Emirates ID renewal, which is a convenient option for residents who are comfortable navigating government portals and have all their documents ready.
- Step 1 Visit the ICP website or download the ICP app Go to the official ICP website at icp.gov.ae or download the ICP Smart Services app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Step 2 Log in or create an account If you have a UAE Pass account, you can log in directly using UAE Pass this is the fastest and most straightforward option. If not, you can create an account using your Emirates ID number and personal details.
- Step 3 Select Emirates ID renewal From the services menu, navigate to “Identity Card Services” and select “Renew Emirates ID” or “Emirates ID Renewal Application.”
- Step 4 Fill in the application form Complete the online application form with your personal details. Most of the information will be pre-filled if you are logged in through UAE Pass. Verify all details carefully before proceeding.
- Step 5 Upload required documents Upload clear scans or photographs of your passport, current Emirates ID, and valid residency visa. Make sure all documents are legible and within the file size requirements specified by the system.
- Step 6 Pay the fee Pay the applicable fee online using a credit or debit card. You will receive a payment confirmation and application reference number.
- Step 7 Book a biometrics appointment (if required) In some cases particularly for first-time applicants or those with significant changes to their records a biometrics appointment at an ICP or GDRFA centre may be required. If so, the system will prompt you to book a slot. For standard renewals of existing records, biometrics may not be required.
- Step 8 Track your application Use your application reference number to track the status of your Emirates ID renewal through the ICP website or app.
- Step 9 Receive your Emirates ID Once approved, your new Emirates ID will be delivered to your registered address by Emirates Post. You will receive an SMS notification when it is dispatched and when it is out for delivery.
- Method 2 Renewing Emirates ID Through an Amer Centre
For most residents, renewing through an authorised Amer Centre is the most practical and straightforward option. The Amer Centre handles the entire application on your behalf from filling in the form and submitting the documents to paying the fee and tracking the application.
- Step 1 Visit your nearest Amer Centre Bring your original documents passport, current Emirates ID, and valid residency visa.
- Step 2 Document verification Our team checks your documents to confirm everything is in order before the application is submitted. If anything is missing or needs to be corrected, we advise you on the spot before the application goes in.
- Step 3 Application form completion We complete the Emirates ID renewal application form on your behalf, entering all details accurately into the ICP system.
- Step 4 Photograph (if required) If a new photograph is required for the renewal, this can be taken at the Amer Centre.
- Step 5 Fee payment You pay the applicable ICP fee and the typing service charge at the counter.
- Step 6 Application submission We submit the completed application through the official ICP system. You receive a confirmation with your application reference number.
- Step 7 Track and receive You can track the status of your application online using the reference number provided. Your new Emirates ID will be delivered by Emirates Post to your registered address once it is ready.
How Long Does Emirates ID Renewal Take?
Processing times for Emirates ID renewal in 2026 are generally as follows:
- Standard processing 3 to 7 working days from the date of application submission, in most cases. Delivery by Emirates Post typically adds 1 to 2 working days on top of this.
- Express / urgent processing If you need your Emirates ID sooner, an express service is available for an additional fee. Express processing can reduce the turnaround to 1 to 3 working days, depending on the service option selected.
Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications being handled by ICP at any given time. Submitting your application well before the expiry date gives you enough buffer even if processing takes a little longer than expected.
You will receive an SMS from ICP at each stage when your application is received, when it is approved, and when your Emirates ID has been dispatched for delivery.
How to Track Your Emirates ID Renewal Status
Once your application has been submitted, you can track its progress through the following channels:
ICP website Log in to icp.gov.ae using your UAE Pass or application reference number and check the status under your active applications.
ICP Smart Services app Open the app, log in, and check the status of your Emirates ID renewal application directly.
SMS notifications ICP sends automated SMS updates to your registered mobile number at key stages of the process.
Amer Centre If you applied through our Amer Centre, our team can check the status on your behalf at any point and update you directly.
Emirates ID Delivery What to Expect
Once your Emirates ID renewal is approved, the card is printed and dispatched by Emirates Post to your registered address in the UAE. Here is what to expect:
- You will receive an SMS from ICP confirming that your Emirates ID has been dispatched
- Emirates Post will attempt delivery to your registered address
- If you are not available at the time of delivery, Emirates Post will leave a notification and you can arrange re-delivery or collect the card from your nearest Emirates Post branch
- Make sure your registered address in the ICP system is current and accurate an incorrect address is one of the most common reasons Emirates IDs are not delivered successfully
If your Emirates ID has not arrived within 10 working days of the dispatch notification, contact ICP or visit an Amer Centre for assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Emirates ID
Many Emirates ID renewal delays and complications are caused by avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones to watch out for.
Waiting until after the expiry date The most common and most costly mistake. Applying after expiry means paying a daily fine on top of the renewal fee. Apply before the expiry date ideally as soon as your visa renewal is confirmed.
Submitting expired or mismatched documents Your passport and residency visa must both be valid at the time of application. If either is expired or does not match the details on your application, the submission will be rejected.
Incorrect personal details on the application Errors in name spelling, date of birth, or passport number cause delays and require correction before the card can be issued. Always review all details carefully before submitting.
Not updating your registered address If you have moved since your last Emirates ID was issued, update your address in the ICP system before applying for renewal. This ensures your new card is delivered to the right location.
Using unofficial or unauthorised service providers Always use the official ICP platform or an authorised Amer Centre for Emirates ID renewals. Unofficial services may charge inflated fees, cause delays, or submit incorrect applications.
How an Amer Centre Helps with Emirates ID Renewal
The Emirates ID renewal process is straightforward when everything goes smoothly. But when documents are missing, details need to be corrected, or an application encounters an issue in the system, having expert support makes a significant difference.
As an authorised Amer Centre, we provide complete support for Emirates ID renewals from checking your documents and completing the application accurately, to tracking the status and resolving any issues that arise during processing.
Our team is familiar with the ICP system, the current requirements, and the most efficient way to get your renewal completed without unnecessary delays. Whether you prefer to handle it yourself online or want someone to take care of it for you, we are here to help.
Conclusion
Renewing your Emirates ID in 2026 is a straightforward process when you know the steps, have the right documents, and act before the expiry date. The ICP provides reliable online tools to handle the renewal digitally, and authorised Amer Centres are available to manage the process on your behalf if you prefer.
The key things to remember: start the renewal process as soon as your visa is renewed or before your Emirates ID expires, make sure all your documents are valid and match your application details, and track your application status so you know when to expect your new card.
If you need help with your Emirates ID renewal or any other visa or immigration service in the UAE visit your nearest Amer Centre. Our team handles it accurately, efficiently, and without the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Emirates ID while the renewal is being processed?
In most cases, yes. An Emirates ID that has expired but has a renewal application in progress is generally accepted for most transactions during the processing period. However, it is advisable to carry your passport as a backup during this time.
What if I lose my Emirates ID during the renewal process?
If you lose your Emirates ID after submitting a renewal application, contact ICP or visit an Amer Centre immediately. A police report will typically be required, and the application may need to be updated.
Can I renew my Emirates ID if my visa is still being processed?
Emirates ID renewal requires a valid, stamped residency visa in most cases. If your visa renewal is still in progress, wait until the visa is confirmed before submitting the Emirates ID renewal application or speak to an Amer Centre for guidance on your specific situation.
Do children need to renew their Emirates ID separately?
Yes. Every registered resident including children holds their own Emirates ID, and each one must be renewed individually when it expires or when the linked visa is renewed.
Can I renew my Emirates ID from outside the UAE?
Standard Emirates ID renewal requires physical presence in the UAE, as biometric data may need to be verified. If you are currently outside the UAE and your Emirates ID has expired, contact ICP or an Amer Centre for guidance on the correct procedure before re-entering the country.
