Lost Emirates ID in UAE? Know These Simple Steps for a Replacement in 2026

Quick Answer: If you have lost your Emirates ID, report the loss to ICP within 7 days and apply for a lost Emirates ID replacement immediately. The process can be completed at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre, through the ICP smart services portal, or via a licensed typing centre. The standard Emirates ID replacement fee is AED 300 plus applicable service charges. Processing takes 2 to 5 working days, or 24 hours under the Fawri express service.

Losing your Emirates ID in the UAE is stressful because it is the single most important identity document you carry as a resident. 

Without it, access to banking, healthcare, government services, and even basic transactions becomes difficult almost immediately. 

The good news is that the lost Emirates ID replacement process is straightforward when you know the right steps and act quickly.

This guide covers exactly what to do, what documents you need, what fees apply, and how long the replacement takes in 2026.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

If you have lost your Emirates ID, you are required to report the loss to ICP within 7 days from the date of loss. This is not optional. Reporting deactivates the lost card in the government system immediately, preventing anyone else from misusing it for identity fraud or unauthorised access to services. 

Cardholders who fail to replace a lost Emirates ID within the required timeframe risk disruption to essential services. An expired or unreplaced card can also trigger late fees of AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. 

The sooner the report is filed and the replacement application submitted, the sooner your records are protected and your new card is on its way.

Step 1: Report the Loss Immediately

The first step in the lost Emirates ID replacement process is reporting the incident to ICP. This can be done through several channels.

You can visit the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre in person. Centres are available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. You can also report online through the ICP smart services portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae, or through the UAEICP mobile application available on iOS and Android.

At the ICP Customer Happiness Centre, the officer deactivates the lost card in the system immediately. 

If you do not have your Emirates ID number, you can ask ICP staff to retrieve it and confirm your ID number on the spot. 

If the card was stolen or you suspect misuse, a police report is also recommended before proceeding with the replacement application.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Before applying for a lost Emirates ID replacement, prepare the following documents.

For UAE expatriate residents: a valid passport copy, a copy of the valid UAE residence visa, and a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. If you have also lost your passport, please use our Lost Passport service.

If you previously had your Emirates ID number, having it available speeds up the process. For UAE nationals: an original valid passport and family book. 

For GCC nationals: proof of UAE residency such as an employment certificate, school registration, or business licence.

The replacement Emirates ID mirrors the validity of the original card, which is linked to the residence visa. If the visa has expired or is about to expire, the replacement application may be rejected. In such cases, the visa must be renewed first before the lost Emirates ID replacement can proceed. 

Step 3: Apply for the Replacement

Once the loss has been reported and documents are ready, the lost Emirates ID replacement application can be submitted through any of the following channels.

ICP Smart Services Portal

Log in to the ICP smart services portal using your UAE Pass. Select the immigration department relevant to your visa emirate, navigate to Emirates ID services, select Replace Emirates ID, and choose lost or stolen as the replacement reason. 

The form will pre-fill your personal and visa details from the system. Review all information, upload your documents and passport photograph, and submit. 

UAEICP Mobile App

Log in to the UAEICP app through your UAE Pass or email address. Tap Start New Service, choose Emirates ID services, tap Replace ID, select your ID, and fill in the required information. State the reason for replacement as lost or stolen and attach your passport copy before submitting. 

ICP Customer Happiness Centre

Visit the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre in person with your documents. Staff will process the report and the replacement application together. 

This is the recommended route for residents who are not comfortable with the online process or whose cases involve complications.

Licensed Typing or Amer Centre

Authorised typing centres and Amer centres in Dubai submit lost Emirates ID replacement applications directly through ICP systems. 

This is a practical option for residents who want guided support without visiting the ICP Customer Happiness Centre directly.

Emirates ID Replacement Fee: What You Will Pay

The Emirates ID replacement fee is AED 300 for a lost or damaged card. An additional application fee of AED 40 applies when applying through the ICP smart services portal or app, and AED 70 when applying through a licensed typing centre. A printing office fee of AED 30 also applies. 

For residents who need their card urgently, the Fawri express service is available at designated ICP Customer Happiness Centres. 

The Fawri express service costs an additional AED 150 on top of the standard Emirates ID replacement fee, bringing the total to AED 450 for an express replacement. 

Fee Summary

A printing office fee of AED 30 applies across all channels.

Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

The standard processing duration for a lost Emirates ID replacement is five working days. The Fawri express service delivers the replacement card within 24 hours and is available at designated ICP Customer Happiness Centres. 

Once the application is submitted, ICP sends a text message confirming the status and expected delivery date. The card can be collected from an Emirates Post office or delivered to a home or office address. Home or office delivery may carry a small additional courier fee. 

Using UAE Pass for Faster Processing

Signing in with UAE Pass is recommended for online applications as it pre-fills personal and visa details from the system, reducing manual entry and the risk of errors in the application form. 

UAE Pass is the UAE’s national digital identity platform and is accepted across government portals including the ICP smart services portal. Residents who have not yet registered for UAE Pass can do so through the UAE Pass app using their Emirates ID details before it was lost, or at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre.

What If You Find Your Old Card After Replacement?

The old Emirates ID becomes invalid the moment the replacement is issued. If the original card is found after a replacement has been processed, it should be destroyed securely. 

The new replacement card is the only valid document. Contact ICP if there are any concerns about the security of the old card. 

Do not attempt to use the old card after a replacement has been issued. It will no longer be recognised by government systems and could cause issues if presented for verification.

Can You Apply From Outside the UAE?

Residents who lose their Emirates ID while abroad can submit a replacement application online through the ICP smart services portal or the UAEICP app. 

The replacement card will be ready for collection or delivery upon return to the UAE. Ensure your UAE residence visa remains valid before submitting the application from abroad, as an expired visa will block the replacement from being processed. 

Conclusion

A lost Emirates ID replacement in the UAE is a simple process when handled promptly and through the right channels. 

Report the loss to ICP within 7 days, gather your documents, and submit the replacement application through the ICP smart services portal, UAEICP app, ICP Customer Happiness Centre, or a licensed typing centre. 

The standard Emirates ID replacement fee is AED 300 plus applicable charges, and the card is delivered within 2 to 5 working days. If you need it urgently, the Fawri express service brings that down to 24 hours.

The most important step is the first one. Reporting the loss immediately deactivates the old card and protects your identity while the replacement is being processed.

For residents who want the lost Emirates ID replacement handled quickly and without the back and forth, QSM Document Clearing Services submits replacement applications directly through ICP systems and manages the process from report to delivery. Contact our team to get started.