Lost your Emirates ID? Act fast: report it so the old card is deactivated, then apply for a replacement — AED 300 plus service fees — on icp.gov.ae, the UAEICP app or at a typing centre. The new card arrives in a few working days, and your digital Emirates ID keeps you covered meanwhile.
This guide covers exactly what to do first, the replacement steps, costs, timelines, and how to manage without the physical card.
Step 1: Report It Immediately
As soon as you notice the card is missing:
- Report to the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre — the lost card is flagged/deactivated so it cannot be misused.
- Get a police report — required for the replacement application when a card is lost (for damaged cards, bring the old card instead).
- Note your ID number — the 15-digit 784-… number from a photo, old copy or your digital ID. You will need it for the application.
Step 2: Apply for the Replacement
- Go to icp.gov.ae → Emirates ID → Replace Lost/Damaged ID Card, or use the UAEICP app with UAE Pass login. Typing centres can file it for you.
- Enter your ID number and personal details; attach the police report (lost) or details of the damage.
- Pay AED 300 government fee plus the channel service fee (~AED 100 online, AED 30–70 at typing centres). See the fee breakdown.
- Biometrics if requested — usually skipped if your fingerprints are on file.
- Receive the new card — approval in 24–48 hours, delivery via Emirates Post in about 3–5 working days. Track it with your PRAN.
Costs and Timelines
| Item | Cost / Time |
|---|---|
| Replacement government fee | AED 300 |
| Service fee (online) | ~AED 100 |
| Service fee (typing centre) | AED 30–70 |
| Fawri express (24-hr, select centres) | +AED 150 |
| Standard delivery | 3–5 working days after approval |
Managing Without the Physical Card
You are not stuck while you wait. ICP issues a temporary acknowledgement slip / confirmation letter carrying your ID number, which banks and government counters accept. Better still, the digital Emirates ID in the UAE Pass or UAEICP app is legally valid for most federal government services and many private ones — download it here.
Also remember: if your replacement involves a renewed card, update your ID with Etisalat/du afterwards so your mobile line stays active.
Preventing the Next Loss: Back Up Your ID
- Save your digital ID PDF from UAE Pass or the UAEICP app in secure cloud storage — see the download guide.
- Photograph both sides of the physical card and keep the images somewhere safe (not just your camera roll).
- Note the 15-digit number (784-…) in a password manager — you’ll need it for every future application.
- Keep the card in one place — a dedicated wallet slot, not loose in bags or car dashboards where heat warps the chip.
A two-minute backup today turns the next loss from a crisis into a routine replacement application.
Watch: Video Walkthrough
A visual run-through of the process:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I lose my Emirates ID?
Report it immediately at the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre so the card is deactivated, and get a police report — you’ll need it for the replacement application. Note your 15-digit ID number from any copy or your digital ID.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Emirates ID?
AED 300 government fee plus the channel service fee — roughly AED 400 total online, slightly less via typing centres. Fawri express 24-hour service adds AED 150 at select centres.
Is a police report required for a lost Emirates ID?
Yes — a police report is required when the card is lost. For damaged (not lost) cards, bring the old card instead of a police report.
How long does Emirates ID replacement take?
Approval in 24–48 hours, then about 3–5 working days for printing and Emirates Post delivery. Fawri express at select centres delivers within 24 hours for an extra AED 150.
Can I use a digital Emirates ID while waiting for the replacement?
Yes. The digital Emirates ID in the UAE Pass or UAEICP app is legally valid for most federal government services and many private providers (banks, telecoms). See our digital ID download guide.
Does my Emirates ID number change after replacement?
No — your 15-digit ID number is permanent and stays the same for life, across renewals and replacements. Only the card itself is reissued.
What if my Emirates ID is damaged but not lost?
Apply for a replacement the same way (AED 300 + service fee), but bring the damaged card instead of a police report. A cracked chip or unreadable card counts as damaged.
Should I keep a copy of my Emirates ID?
Yes — keep the digital PDF from UAE Pass/UAEICP in secure storage plus a photo of both sides of the card, and store the 15-digit number in a password manager. It makes replacement, renewal and every future application faster.
What if someone misuses my lost Emirates ID?
This is why immediate reporting matters: once ICP deactivates the card, its chip data is flagged. Keep your police report and ICP acknowledgement — they prove when the loss was reported if any dispute arises.
Emirates ID guides: Complete Guide · Digital ID · Fees 2026 · Track Application · Centres & Booking
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