The UAE Government mandates that every individual residing in the UAE should possess a national ID card. All expats working or living in the UAE should visit www.eida.gov.ae for keeping themselves updated on registration procedures and other requirements pertaining to ID cards.
It is a 'must' to carry ID at all times, and in case of any loss, it should be reported within seven days. But, there are some facts about Emirates ID Cards that one and all must be aware of.
The Federal Law No.9 of 2006 states that all card holders need to follow the following regulations:
- Do not tamper, erase, distort or amend the ID card.
- Carry ID card at all times and produce it as and when required by law.
- Adhere to the legal procedures and specified dates for renewal / replacement of the ID card.
- Report any change in details of the card to concerned department in Emirates ID within a month from date of change.
- Any loss of card should be reported to Emirates ID within 7 days from date of loss.
- Apply for replacement of damaged or lost card, pay fees, apart from submitting declaration that ID card is not taken or reserved at any authority or organization.
- In case the ID card is partially or completely damaged, it cannot be used anymore, and in such cases, the card holder should apply for a replacement for damaged or lost card by paying requisite fee.
- The ID card should not be submitted in any organization unless such a judgement has been passed by a competent court.
- In case you find an ID card, hand it over to the nearest Emirates ID service point or nearest police station.
- All ID card holders should abide by the above directions. Legal guardian or his replacement should assume the responsibility of implementing the above directions.
Pre-requisites for obtaining Emirates ID Card
- GCC nationals over the age of 15 years will have to produce the following:
- Original valid Passport.
- In case the individual is working for a government entity, he/she should submit a work certificate from the employer, and if working in a private sector, the work contract or work ID should be presented, and be certified from the Labour Ministry. If not certified, the private company work certificate alone shall not be enough.
- In case of individuals studying in the country, he/she should submit a study certificate from any of the registered universities in the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Certificates from any un-registered university shall not be accepted.
- A certificate confirming obtaining valid business license in the country.
- The official transcript of the unified number from General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) should be clearly mentioned on the passport.
- A valid marriage contract of UAE nationale.
Obtaining an Emirates ID card can be done in three main steps:
Step 1 – Submit an application
For this, you will have to complete online application form, or visit an accredited Typing Centre to apply for the service. You will have to pay the requisite fee in full when submitting the application. For UAE Nationals, GCC nationals and residents, your appointment will be printed on your application form, and you will receive a confirmation for the same via SMS. For expatriates, visit nearest Preventative Medical Centre as soon as possible, and you do not require an appointment.
Step 2 – Confirm your biometrics
In the case of UAE and GCC nationals and residents, visit the registration centre, and in case of expats visit Preventative Medical Centre on the appointment date. Submit all the necessary documents. The Emirates Id representatives at the centre will capture your biometric data, and you will be notified about your enrolment through SMS.
Step 3 – Collect your new ID card
You will receive SMS from Emirates Identity Authority stating that your card has been printed. The card will be sent to the delivery company. You will thereafter receive an SMS from Emirates Post when the card is ready for pick-up. You can then collect your Emirates ID card from your local post office.
Validity of Emirates ID Card
For Emirates and GCC Nationals, the ID card will be valid for five years from date of issuance.
For public sector and free-zone sponsored resident employees’ID card will be valid for three years from date of issuance.
For private sector sponsored Resident employees’ ID cards will be valid for two years from date of issuance.
Note: EIDA imposes a late fine on those who missed or failed to renew their ID cards. The fine will be Dh.20 for every delayed day, and upto Dh1000 for residents delaying registration or renewal of ID cards beyond 30 days after the expiry date. However, there are exemptions for certain categories, like elderly over the age of 70 who are unable to visit the customer service centres etc. The fine exemption details can be submitted through any typing centre or on EIDA website. For details of those who are exempted from fine, visit Emirates ID Authority website.
Some benefits of the Emirates ID Card:
- The card is mandatory for every national and resident.
- It reflects and confirms the individual’s identity based on international standards.
- It protects the identity of individuals and the fight against fraud and counterfeiting.
- It helps in availing e-services in a safe manner.
- It offers personal and accurate data.
- It eliminates the phenomenon of fraud and forgery to a great extent.
- It reduces the need to carry many identifiable data cards in the future, as it stores may ID applications in future.
- Portable personal database.
For all other details on ID cards, visit Emirates ID Authority website.
