How to Renew Emirates ID Online – Step-by-Step in 2025

Having spent years in the UAE, I know that the Emirates ID is not an ordinary card in your wallet, it is more of a lifeline to everything in the country. I still remember the panic I felt when mine ran out at an inconvenient time without warning, and I had to renew Emirates ID as soon as possible, as I could not access my bank account to carry out a transfer! Those 30 days you have after expiry come and go quicker than you imagine, and the result can be damaging all through your life here.

I have now become nearly obsessive-compulsive regarding following my renewal dates, and I have narrowed the process down to the most efficient method possible. I will walk you through the process of renewing my Emirates ID online, including all the documents I had to have to avoid the delays I found initially.

Why Timely Renewal of the Emirates ID is Important

I found out what a truly important Emirates ID about in an unpleasant way. The card I used last year expired when I was abroad, and then when I came back, I simply did not exist in the UAE system. The money I had in my bank account was tied up, I was unable to sign as a guarantor when a certain package delivery came, and it was most annoying to have trouble paying traffic fine, which had started to accrue late fees.

What most guides do not tell you is that even when your Emirates ID is expired, it is still associated with you but there will be a big red label that says something to effect of do not provide services to this individual. I understand the face of a bank tellers apology when it comes time to update my address or change my phone number instead of refreshing it.

The real value I’ve found in keeping my Emirates ID current isn’t just avoiding these headaches—it’s the peace of mind knowing that I can handle any unexpected situation that comes up, from a medical emergency to UAE Visa guide. When you know how to renew your Emirates ID online efficiently, you’re essentially guaranteeing your right to function normally in day-to-day life here.

What are the Rules of Emirates ID Renewal?

In the UAE, ICP (the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) manages the document of the Emirates ID and will remind you via SMS if your card expires. As per Wikipedia Emirates ID is the official identity card of the United Arab Emirates. All residents and citizens of the UAE are obligatory to have an Emirates ID. These are the few basic Emirates ID renewal rules:

• As a UAE citizen, you can apply for the renewal of your Emirates ID before the six-month expiration date.
• According to the UAE Government Portal, if you are a UAE resident visa holder, then it is important to renew your residence visa before applying for Emirates ID renewal.
• You have 30 days after expiration for ID renewal in the UAE; after that, you have to pay a fine and extra charges.

What are the Methods of ID Renewal UAE?

Let’s find out the ways to renew the Emirates ID. The concerned authority for ID renewal is ICP, which looks after all the procedures of ID verification. You can use two options for ICA renewal:

• You can apply online through a mobile app or the ICP website.
• You can visit typing centers or ICP service centers for in-person assistance.

Among the two options, the online one is quick and comfortable. Online solution saves time and lets you do everything from anywhere at any time. This is the best option for you if you want to apply for ID renewal in the UAE without any hassle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renew Emirates ID Online

If you follow the correct procedures, renewing your Emirates ID becomes very easy and quick. To avoid long waiting times and lines, you can use the official government portals online. This step-by-step guide will help you in the process of Emirates ID renewal.

Step 1: Download the Smart App or Visit the Official Website

• First, download the ICP UAE Smart app or visit the official website of the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security).
• Link to the website https://icp.gov.ae/.
• Before you start, make sure your internet connection is stable to avoid a slow connection error.

Step 2: Log In or Register a New Account

• Enter your Emirates ID number and password to access your ICA account if you already have one.
• If you are using the portal first time, then register yourself and create an account.
• To register, you have to share your personal information, including your date of birth, passport number, and Emirates ID number.
• To avoid errors, enter the information as per your official documents.

Step 3: Select the Emirates ID Renewal Service

• After account creation, log in to the website or app and search for the Emirates ID services.
• After finding the “Renew Emirates ID” option and click on it.
• Before going to the next step, read and understand the service instructions carefully to avoid misunderstandings later.

Step 4: Verify and Enter Your Personal Information

The app or website asks for personal data verification to continue the ICA renewal. You may need the following information during the ID renewal process:

• Full name
• Date and Place of Birth
• Details about the occupation and employer
• Email address and phone number

Before submission double check all the information because a minor error or misinformation can delay the renewal process.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

You may need to upload the scanned copies of the following documents to renew your Emirates ID:

• Valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Residency visa status
• Old Emirates ID, both front and back sides

You can upload the files in JPEG or PDF format as per the requirements of the ICA renewal.

Step 6: Pay the Emirates ID Renewal Fees

Once you send your renewal form, you will be redirected to the payment page–and it is on this page when most people encounter avoidable hitch. I have ended up purchasing a special credit card specifically to use with government payment services because in some cases the UAE banks, just to be careless, have flagged this kind of transaction as uncharacteristic of my activity.

The official fees also depend on the validity period (but where two years of validity is the most attractive at 340-400 AED). The additional 100 AED is worth the half the frequency of renewal, as the process of renewal, even over the internet, still costs Time.

A tip I would have preferred someone to tell me sooner: do not only save the payment receipt but create a screenshot of the confirmation page as well. There was one instance where I went through a payment, but it did not process in the system properly, and that screenshot was able to save me the hassles of redoing the whole process. Now, I maintain a special UAE Documents folder on my phone with screenshots of all of these confirmations.

Step 7: Complete the Biometric Verification (If Required)

• In a few renewal scenarios, the ICP authority asks the applicant to visit the biometric center.
• The ICP portal allows you to choose a time and place that are suitable for you.
• If you have done the biometric process previously, then you can simply skip this step.

Step 8: Submit Application and Receive Reference Number

• Before submitting, check your information one more time to avoid future errors.
• Your application reference number will be sent to you via email or SMS after you submit it.
• You can check the status of your application online with this number.

Step 9: Track Your Emirates ID Renewal Status

• Through the ICP website or app, you can monitor the status of your ICA renewal.
• Enter your application reference number or Emirates ID number.
• Usually, processing takes two to five business days.

Step 10: Receive and Collect Your New Emirates ID

• After approval, your new card will be printed and delivered to the address you have shared.
• The majority of IDs are sent to Emirates Post offices so they can be picked up.
• When your card is prepared for pickup, you will be notified through SMS or email.

Fees for Emirates ID Renewal with the Validity Period

The process of ID renewal becomes easy when you know the charges for the services you are looking for. Have a look at a table that shows you the fees that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) sets for ID renewal.

Service Type	Approximate Fee in AED	Validity Period
Standard Renewal	170 – 200	1 Year
Standard Renewal	270 – 300	2 Year
Standard Renewal	370 – 400	3 Year
Urgent Renewal	150 extra	Any Validity
Service Fees (Depends on Online and In Person Application)	30 – 70	____

Apply for Renewal of Your Emirates ID Today

You can apply for the ID renewal online to get fast services without visiting the typing center in person. To save yourself from legal issues and fines, check the status of your Emirates ID. If the expiration date is near, apply for ID renewal UAE as soon as possible. You can apply for an Emirates ID renewal from the office or at home through online portals.

It is important to upload valid documentation to get quick service without any system errors. You can follow the ten easy steps of ID renewal to get a new card quickly and access all the UAE services. After multiple renewals, I can assure you that following these steps will make the process as smooth as possible and help you avoid the stress I experienced during my first renewal.

FAQs

Q1. How long will it take for my Emirates ID to be renewed?

Ans: Depending on the type of application, processing typically takes two to five business days. You can get it in a day if you go for urgent services.

Q2. Can I change my personal information when I renew?

Ans: Yes, when renewing your Emirates ID online, you can change your phone number, address, or occupation.

Q3. What happens if I fail to renew my Emirates ID on time?

Ans: You will be charged a fine of AED 20 per day if you fail to renew within 30 days of the expiration date. Utility services may also be affected by late renewal.

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