The service is available to eligible UAE nationals, Gulf Cooperation Council nationals residing in the country, and foreign residents under the documentation requirements applicable to each category.

Applications can be submitted through the authority’s official smart services website and mobile application, as well as approved typing offices and designated customer happiness centres.

This is an existing government service rather than a newly introduced replacement policy or a recent decision to impose additional charges on identity card holders.

According to the authority’s official guidance, an individual who loses an Emirates ID card must report the loss within seven days of becoming aware of the incident.

The same reporting obligation applies when an identity card becomes partially or completely damaged and can no longer be used for its intended official purposes.

After reporting the incident, the holder must complete the replacement application and pay the prescribed fees in accordance with the procedures established by the authority.

These requirements are intended to ensure that official identification documents remain properly recorded and that lost or damaged cards are handled through authorized channels.

One of the most important conditions concerns the validity period of the replacement card, which does not automatically restart when a new document is issued.

The authority confirms that a replacement Emirates ID is issued with the same remaining validity period as the original card that was lost or damaged.

Consequently, an applicant whose original identity card is approaching its expiry date will not receive an entirely new validity period simply by requesting a replacement.

Applicants should therefore distinguish replacement from renewal, as each service has separate eligibility conditions, procedures, and government charges.

Regarding documentation, the published requirements include a personal photograph and passport, together with proof of residence in the UAE where required for the applicant’s category.

The exact supporting documents may vary depending on whether the applicant is a UAE citizen, a GCC national, or a foreign resident, while information already available through government system integration may not need to be uploaded again.

The authority requires personal photographs to comply with the relevant standards approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Individuals who have reached the age of 15 must also complete the applicable fingerprinting and signature procedures through the authority’s service centres when required.

Regarding official charges, the authority lists a basic replacement issuance fee of AED 300 for an Emirates ID card that has been lost or damaged.

An additional AED 100 smart services fee is listed, bringing these two published charges to AED 400 before any other applicable service costs.

Customers choosing urgent processing must pay an additional AED 150 for the expedited service, which is available exclusively through the authority’s designated service centres.

This urgent processing charge is separate from the underlying replacement fee, so applicants should review the complete payment breakdown before submitting their requests.

The authority publishes a standard service completion period of five days, subject to the applicant meeting the necessary requirements and providing the requested documents.

An urgent service is also available for eligible applicants seeking an Emirates ID card within 24 hours, including foreign residents replacing lost or damaged cards.

For expatriate residents who are not GCC nationals, the urgent identity card service is available only for replacement of a lost or damaged card rather than every type of identity card application.

Customers wishing to use this expedited option must visit one of the authority’s designated customer happiness centres and initiate the procedure through the service staff.

To submit a standard electronic application, the customer signs into the smart services platform using UAE Pass and selects the service for replacing a lost or damaged Emirates ID.

The applicant then reviews the existing personal information, updates any details when requested, and uploads supporting documents that are not already available through government system integration.

The application proceeds to payment of the prescribed fees and completion of any additional requirements, including biometric verification where applicable.

For standard applications, the replacement identity card is delivered through the approved courier, while urgent replacement cards are collected from the relevant authority service centre.

Applicants can monitor their request through the smart services system using their application number or contact the authority’s customer support channels for assistance.

The authority also warns that applications may be cancelled if customers fail to complete required procedures or do not make requested corrections within the specified period.

If an individual discovers the original identity card after a replacement has already been issued, the earlier card must be reported and surrendered for cancellation under the applicable regulations.

The authority further explains that a card that stops functioning because of a verified manufacturing defect may be replaced without charge after examination at an authorized service centre.

However, physical damage resulting from misuse generally requires the holder to follow the ordinary damaged-card replacement procedures and pay the applicable fees.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to use official government channels rather than unauthorized intermediaries and to protect their identification details throughout the application process.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security remains the competent authority for confirming eligibility, documentary requirements, government fees, processing periods, and collection arrangements.

Source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security – Official UAE Government Portal.