The Emirates ID is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to Emirati nationals and expat residents living in the UAE. All UAE citizens and residents, including newborn babies, must have the Emirates ID.
You should regularly update the information on your card due to its vitality. In order to modify your registered details, the UAE digital government has outlined a detailed set of rules and instructions. Find out more by reading on. ICP Smart Services now operates as ICA Smart Services, and can be accessed through icp.gov.ae.
Emirates ID Update Latest News
According to local media reports, UAE residents can now easily update their visa details online. A request for adjustments in residence visa information will automatically generate an application for a replacement Emirates ID as well.
It is a testament to the UAEICP’s commitment to maintaining accurate identification records and enhancing convenience for residents who need to modify their identification information. By leveraging technology and improving service quality, the UAE ICP expects to facilitate smoother experiences for individuals updating their Emirates IDs.
Emirates ID Update Through ICP
ICP must be notified within 30 days of any changes to Emirates ID data. Both nationals and expatriates are subject to this rule. Dubai Courts encourages residents to keep their Emirates ID information current through the ICP website. As a result, Dubai Courts can contact residents easily for legal proceedings.
In the UAE, the immigration system operates uniformly across all emirates under federal authority, except for Dubai, which has its own distinct system managed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The following guide explains how to update your Emirates ID, with different procedures for each emirate. Particularly useful for expats living in the UAE.
Dubai
Dubai has its own system, so while you can update your Emirates ID on the ICP portal, you will be redirected to the GDRFA portal for completion. To update your Dubai-issued Emirates ID, please follow the steps below.
Online
- Log in to the GDRFA-Dubai website.
- register your user account (in case you don’t have one yet).
- Choose the service you need.
- Attach the required documents (passport and a recent personal photo with a white background).
- Pay the service fees.
- Submit the application.
Other Requirements
- You should have a passport with a validity of at least six months
- You must present your establishment card if you are an investor or partner
- You must submit a letter indicating a change of profession if your sponsor is from government
- A labour contract or Employment ID is required if your sponsor is from the private sector
Fees
- Fees for urgent services are AED 100
- AED 10 is charged for innovation
- ZAJEL Courier Center charges AED 100 for printing
Offline
- Visit an AMER service center. Find the one closest to you here
- At the receptionist, select the service you require
- Provide the service employee with the required documents
- Fees for services must be paid
- Apply online
- SMS approval received
- The visa can be stamped at any GDRFA branch
Please also note the following:
- Your application status will be communicated to you via text message and email
- Your application will be notified if any documents are missing and you will be asked to attach the missing documents within 30 days. Your application will be canceled if the missing documents are not attached within this timeframe
- Your application will be approved if there are no missing documents
Fees
- Fees for urgent services are AED 100
- Innovation fees are charged at AED 10
- ZAJEL Courier Center charges AED100 for printing
All Other Emirates
Online Procedure
For residents and citizens of the UAE, updating or changing details on an existing Emirates ID card is now simpler and more convenient through the ICP website or its smart application (iOS, Android), as per authorities. Here’s a breakdown of the process and requirements for both online and offline methods
Required Documents
- Colored personal photograph
- Copy of passport
- Sponsor’s signed data amendment request
- Copies of both sides of Emirates ID card
Updating Steps
- Visit icp.gov.ae
- Click on “Start Services” and find the updating service
- Fill in application data with Emirates ID details
- Update necessary information
- Pay the service fee
Fees
- Application fee: AED 200
- AED 100 for smart services
- AED 50 for application processing
- AED 50 for e-services and federal authority charges
Processing Time
- Changes are reflected immediately
- Applicants receive confirmation via text or email
Offline Procedure
Required Documents for UAE Nationals:
- Original UAE ID card
- Supporting documents for data validation
- Valid medical report (for exemptions)
- Social insurance certificate (for exemptions)
- Original POA (if submitted by a third party)
Required Documents for UAE Expats:
- Document proving UAE residency
- Original UAE ID card
- Supporting documents for data validation
- Valid medical report (for exemptions)
- Social insurance certificate (for exemptions)
- Original POA (if submitted by a third party)
Updating Steps
- Visit the nearest Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship branch
- Fill out a form with updated details and submit with required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Undergo biometrics (fingerprints, photographs, etc.)
Fees:
- Total fee: AED 370
Processing Time
- After biometrics and document verification, receive SMS from ICP
- Collect new Emirates ID from designated post office
- Changes usually processed within two days
Customer Happiness Center Locations
Residents and expats can visit any Customer Happiness Center of the UAE ICP for this procedure. Visit the official website for a list of centers in each emirate.
With streamlined processes and comprehensive guidelines, updating Emirates ID details is now more accessible for all UAE residents and citizens.
Updating Your Emirates ID Mobile Number
Updating your mobile number associated with your Emirates ID is a hassle-free process that can be done either through the official website or the ICP app. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods:
Through the Website
- Visit the ICP website.
- Enter your details such as nationality, passport number, full name (English), date of birth, last entry date to the UAE, and your current email ID.
- Click on ‘Edit mobile number’ on the next page and input your latest mobile number with the correct country code.
- Review the details and proceed to pay the processing fee of AED 53 (USD 19.67).
Through the App
- Download the ICP app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and log in.
- Navigate to “public info” and select “update personal info.”
- Fill in all the required personal details.
- Choose “residency” under “file type” and “Emirates ID” under “ID type.”
- Enter your Emirates ID number, passport number, and email address.
- Find the mobile number used on your Emirates ID and update it to your latest number.
- Verify the change with a confirmation OTP.
- Pay the processing fee and wait for a confirmation message via email or mobile number, which will include a reference number to track your Emirates ID status.
Entering Dubai with a New Passport
- Updating the passport number on your Emirates ID is unnecessary as it isn’t included on the physical card. Changes to the visa are automatically updated within the ICP system.
- When entering Dubai with a new passport, have both your old and new passports ready at the immigration desk. The officer will stamp your entry on the new passport and update the immigration system accordingly.
- Your current Emirates ID remains valid and can be used as usual.
Urgent Update – FAWRI Services
- The ICP offers an urgent service called ‘FAWRI’ for obtaining a replacement Emirates ID within 24 hours against regular fees plus an urgent service fee.
- Visit the FAIC Customer Happiness Center with the required documents to avail of this service. Centers are located across various Emirates for convenience.
Read Also
- ICP Smart Service
- Emirates ID Fine Check
- UAE Overstay Fine Check
- Apply for a New Emirates ID Card
- UAE Visa Cancellation
- Emirate ID Card Status
Conclusion
The Emirates ID, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), is a mandatory document for all UAE citizens and residents, including newborns. Regular updates are essential, facilitated through detailed guidelines provided by the UAE digital government via ICA Smart Services.
