What is an Emirates ID? 
Emirates ID is an identity card for all UAE citizens and residents which is issued by the Emirates Identification Authority (EIDA). It is legally required for all UAE residents and citizens to apply for themselves and carry it with them at all times. This card has an electronic chip containing significant data about the resident, including personal details, photos, biometric data, or fingerprints.

You can use your Emirates ID card to pay phone and internet bills, take care of utility bills, pay fines, and for vehicle registration. Soon, it will likewise replace your check card and driving permit. In 2016, the Emirates ID has additionally replaced health insurance cards.

Who can apply for an Emirates ID?

1. UAE Nationals.

2. Citizens of GCC (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman).

3. Expatriate Working in UAE.

What are the Documents required to apply for an Emirates ID? 

Following documents are needed to apply for an Emirates ID in UAE:

Documents needed For Expats:

Above 15 years Old: 

1. Passport

2. Visa (Or visa work permit). 

Below 15 years Old:

1. Birth certificate. 

2. Passport or father’s ID.

3. 4.5 * 3.5 cm photo.

Documents needed For UAE nationals:

Above 15 years and recipients of social security:

1. Certificate of social security.

2. Passport and Family book.

Senior citizen and special needs people:

1. Certificate of social security.

2. Passport and Family book.

3. Updated medical report issued by a qualified authority.

4. 4.5 * 3.5 cm photo with blue background.

Below 15 years Old

1. Birth Certificate.

For New-born: 

1. Certificate of unified number from the Department of Nationality and Foreigners’ Affairs.

2. Birth certificate and certificate of social security.

3. Family book including new-born information.

4. 4.5 * 3.5 cm photo with a white background

5. One of the parent’s ID cards.

UAE citizens who do not have social security:

1. Passport.

2. Family book.

3. Kids with already entered data in the system.

4. Must add a certificate of identity number confirmation stamped by one of the leading centres of the Emirates ID.

4. 5*3.5 cm photo with white background.

Required documents for citizens of GCC living in the UAE:

Above 15 years old:

1. Original valid passport and a family book. those who do not have a unified number in their passport, should submit a unified number from the Department of Nationality and Foreigner’s Affairs.

2. Document proving their residency in the UAE attested by a municipality or other equivalent authorities.

3. Or, valid UAE commercial license certificate.

4. Or, marriage certificate with female UAE national.

5. An employment certificate for those who work for a government entity.

6. Those who works for a private firm need to labour card or a job contract attested by the Ministry of Labour.

7. For students a certificate from the University. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research should recognize it.

Senior citizen and special needs people:

All the above-mentioned documents along with the valid and approved medical report generated by the official authority and a 4.5 * 3.5 cm photo with blue background.

GCC citizens below 15 years

1. Father’s valid employment certificate/labour card.

2. Unified number if it is not included on the passport. It can be obtained from the Department of Nationality and Foreigner’s Affairs.

3. 4.5 * 3.5 cm photo with a white background.

New-born

1. Certificate of unified number from the Department of Nationality and Foreigner’s Affairs.

2. Birth certificate.

3. One of the parent’s ID cards.

5. 4.5 * 3.5 cm photo with white background.
 
Steps to apply for an Emirates ID: 

1. Application

First fill the application form with the required documents. For that you can visit Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) official website or you can download its mobile application for IOS  and for Android and submit your application. You can also visit the ICP office or typing centres or Tas’heel services close to you and submit the application. 

2. Visit to the EIDA Complete biometrics

After your application is submitted you will get an SMS directly to your phone. It will mention the date, time, as well as location of the EIDA branch where you need to visit for biometrics. All applicants above 15 years, should complete biometrics to receive the Emirates ID card. In this process you will have your photo taken as well as be asked for your fingerprints, and complete the electronic signature. You will be given a receipt that you must retain in order to collect your card when it is ready. You’ll need to take all the above-mentioned documents along with you 

3. Pay the Fees

1. For 10 years of validity, you need to pay AED 200.

2. UAE nationals and GCC nationals need to pay is AED 100 for 5 years of validity.

3. For every year of residency cost 100 AED.

4. For an express service costs is AED 150 and it applies to all the categories.

5. AED 70 extra charges if submitting an online form and printing it and if you submit the form online then it is AED 40 only.

6. All the above-mentioned fees are not for social security and special needs category people. They just need to pay AED 70 if they submit the application in person, or AED 40 if they submit it online.

4. Tracking  

To check the status of your Emirates ID application, click on the link given below:

How To Check Emirates ID Status Online 2022 

5. Delivery & collection
 
After processing your work visa, the ID card will be sent to a local post office. You will be notified by an SMS directly to your phone, although you can still check the status online. Note that you need to collect your Emirates ID in 90 days or it will be returned to EIDA and discarded.

As your work visa is processed, your ID card will be shipped off to a local post office. You will be receiving a SMS on your registered mobile number; you can also check your status online. Note that you need to collect your Emirates ID in 90 days or it will be sent back to EIDA and discarded.

For Emirates ID renewal click on the link below

How To Get New Emirates ID Within Few Hours: Emirates ID Renewal 

How can I get Emirates ID within 24 hours?

If there is an emergency, and you need to get an Emirates ID as soon as possible then there is a provision in Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) to get the Emirates ID card within 24 hours. This expedited urgent service is called 'Fawri. 

You can apply through ‘Fawri’ and have to pay an extra emergency fee along with the regular fee.

UAE nationals and GCC nationals can utilize this assistance regardless of the age group for first-time registration, renewal of expired cards, and lost and damaged cards.

Expats can’t use this service for first-time registration, but they can apply in case of replacement only.
You can visit FAIC Customer Service Happiness Centres to apply to get an ID card within 24 hours.