Losing your Emirates ID ranks high on the expat stress list — it is the card behind your bank, your phone contract, your medical file and half the government apps on your phone. The fix is quicker than most people expect, but there is a strict first step many miss.
Step one: report it
Before anything else, report the loss at your nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre. This flags the old card and clears the way for a replacement. Only residents with an active residency file can apply, so if your visa is mid-renewal, finish that first — our Emirates ID renewal guide covers that process.
Step two: apply online
The main route is the UAEICP app (App Store and Google Play):
- Log in and choose the replacement service
- Upload your documents and a recent passport-sized photo
- Pay by card, or use the pay-later option
- Wait for the SMS from Emirates Post or Zajel telling you where to collect — or choose home or office delivery
You can track progress at smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
What it costs
The total is AED 451.40, made up of:
- Card issuance: AED 300
- ICP fees: AED 122
- E-service fees: AED 29.40
One detail that surprises people: the replacement card keeps the same expiry date as the lost one. You are paying for a new card, not a new validity period.
Documents you need
Mandatory: your original passport, a passport copy, a residence visa copy and a recent coloured photo per ICP requirements. Depending on your residency type, you may also be asked for the old card's copy, your sponsor's passport copy, a birth certificate for dependants, or the original entry permit.
If you want to change your signature on the new card, that requires an in-person visit to an ICP centre — the app cannot do it.
New to the country and juggling paperwork generally? The ID sits in a chain with your visa and biometrics — our first 30 days checklist shows where each piece fits.
Key takeaway
Report the loss at an ICP centre, apply on the UAEICP app, pay AED 451.40, and collect when the SMS arrives. The new card carries the old expiry date, and only residents with an active residency file can apply.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a lost Emirates ID?
AED 451.40 in total: AED 300 issuance, AED 122 ICP fees and AED 29.40 e-service fees.
Do I need to visit a centre or can I do everything online?
You must report the loss at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre first. The application itself then runs through the UAEICP app, with courier collection or delivery at the end.
Will my replacement card have a new expiry date?
No. The replacement carries the same expiry date as the lost or damaged card. Renewal is a separate process.
Can I work or bank while waiting for the new card?
Keep your application receipt and tracking reference. Many services accept the application confirmation temporarily, but banks vary — ask yours what interim proof it accepts.
