Emirates ID Renewal: How to Renew Online in 2026

Complete Document Checklist

For UAE Citizens:

• Original passport (must be valid)
• Current Emirates ID (front and back)
• Family Book (if applying via typing center)

For UAE Residents:

• Original passport (valid for 6+ months)
• Valid residence visa or proof of visa renewal in progress
• Current Emirates ID (front and back)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Recent passport photo (if biometrics required)

Photo Specifications:

• White/light background, no patterns
• 4.3cm × 5.5cm dimensions
• Face covers 70-80% of frame
• JPEG or PNG format, under 1MB

When You Need Biometrics: Only if your last biometric capture was over 10 years ago OR you’re turning 15. The system automatically flags your application if needed.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Emirates ID Online

Method 1: Using UAE Pass (Recommended)

Step 1: Download UAE Pass app and set up your account (takes 10 minutes—facial recognition required)

Step 2: Visit https://icp.gov.ae or open UAEICP app, click “Login with UAE Pass”

Step 3: Navigate to “Renew Emirates ID” service

Step 4: Review auto-filled information—verify everything is current

Step 5: Upload required documents (passport, current ID both sides)

Step 6: If biometrics needed, book appointment at nearest ICP/Amer Centre

Step 7: Select validity period:

• Citizens: Automatically assigned
• Residents: Choose 1, 2, or 3 years (cannot exceed visa validity)

Step 8: Review and pay:

• 1 year: AED 140 (AED 100 card + AED 40 service)
• 2 years: AED 240 (AED 200 card + AED 40 service)
• 3 years: AED 340 (AED 300 card + AED 40 service)
• Urgent (Fawri): Add AED 150 for 24-48 hour processing

Step 9: Screenshot your payment confirmation and save your PRAN number

Step 10: Track status using PRAN number—processing takes 5-10 working days

Method 2: Without UAE Pass

Visit https://icp.gov.ae, click “Register,” create account manually with Emirates ID number, date of birth, and passport details. Fill all personal information manually, then follow steps 3-10 above. This takes longer but works if you prefer not using UAE Pass.

Emirates Id Renewal Fees Structure for 2026

Base Fees (Everyone Pays):

• Card fee: AED 100 per year of validity
• Online service fee: AED 40
• Typing center fee: AED 30-70 (if you use one)

Total Costs:

• 1-year renewal online: AED 140
• 2-year renewal online: AED 240 (my recommendation—renewing twice costs AED 280)
• 3-year renewal online: AED 340

Urgent Service: Add AED 150 for Fawri processing (24-48 hours instead of 5-10 days)

Late Fines: AED 20/day after grace period, capped at AED 1,000

Fee Breakdown Table:

How to Check Your Renewal Status

Tracking your emirates id renewal status is simple using the ICP portal:

By Emirates ID number: Visit ICP portal → Track Application → Enter your 15-digit ID number

By PRAN number: Track Application → Enter PRAN (more specific to your renewal)

Status Meanings:

• “Application Received” (1-2 days): Payment confirmed, documents queued
• “Under Review” (1-3 days): Documents being verified
• “Pending Biometric Verification”: Book appointment immediately
• “Application Approved” (day 5-7): Verification complete
• “Card Printed” (day 6-8): Physical card being produced
• “Ready for Collection” (day 8-10): Visit Emirates Post to collect

Notifications: You’ll receive SMS and email at key stages. SMS is more reliable—emails sometimes go to spam.

Processing typically takes 5-10 working days for standard applications. Urgent service delivers in 24-48 hours.

Processing Time To Renew Emirates ID

Standard Processing: 5-10 working days from submission to collection notification

Urgent (Fawri): 24-48 hours

Factors That Delay Processing:

• Not booking biometric appointments immediately (adds 1-2 weeks)
• Poor document quality requiring re-uploads (adds 2-3 days)
• Visa status complications for residents (adds 3-5 days)
• Peak seasons (January-March, September-November)

My Timeline Recommendation:

• Start renewal 4 weeks before expiry for standard processing
• Use Fawri if you’re within 2 weeks of expiry

Updating Du and Etisalat After Renewal

Once you receive your new Emirates ID, update your telecom records within 3 days to avoid service suspensions.

For Du:

• Open Du app → My Account → Update Emirates ID
• Upload photos of new ID (front and back)
• Confirmation arrives within 24-48 hours

For Etisalat:

• Open My Etisalat UAE app → Profile → Update Emirates ID
• Upload new ID photos
• Confirmation within 24 hours

Both providers require updated Emirates ID information by law. Failure to update can result in data service suspensions.

For more detailed help with managing your Du services, check our guide on [managing Du services]. For Etisalat account management, see our guide on [checking Etisalat services].

Common Problems and Quick Solutions

Payment successful but application shows “Payment Pending”:

• Screenshot everything: payment confirmation, bank SMS, transaction details
• Call ICP at 600 522 222 with your PRAN number
• They manually verify and push your application forward (resolved in 24 hours)

“Invalid Visa Status” error for residents:

• Verify your visa hasn’t actually expired
• Wait 48 hours for database sync if visa was recently renewed
• Call ICP customer service to manually verify visa status

Document upload keeps failing:

• Use Adobe Scan app for perfect document photos
• Format: JPEG or PDF only
• Size: Under 5MB
• Ensure entire document visible, no glare or shadows

Biometric notification never received:

• Check application status—if it says biometrics needed, book proactively
• Log into ICP portal → Your Application → Book Biometric Appointment
• Don’t wait for SMS—book immediately

Where to Complete Biometrics (If Required)

ICP Customer Happiness Centers: Available in all seven emirates, operating Sunday-Thursday 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Amer Centres (Dubai): Modern facilities with extended hours (7:30 AM – 9:00 PM), less crowded, efficient queue system

What to bring:

• Original passport
• Current Emirates ID
• Appointment confirmation SMS

Process takes 10-15 minutes: Fingerprint scan (all 10 fingers), photograph, signature capture

FAQs: Emirates ID Renewal

Q1. How long does Emirates ID renewal take?

Standard processing takes 5-10 working days. Urgent (Fawri) service delivers in 24-48 hours for an extra AED 150.

Q2. Can I renew my Emirates ID before it expires?

Yes. UAE citizens can renew up to 6 months before expiry. Residents can renew once their residence visa renewal is initiated.

Q3. What happens if I don’t renew within 30 days of expiry?

You’ll pay AED 20/day late fine, capped at AED 1,000 maximum. Many services will refuse to work with an expired ID even during the grace period.

Q4. Do I need biometrics for renewal?

Only if your last biometric capture was over 10 years ago or you’re turning 15. The system automatically flags your application if needed.

Q5. Can I change personal information during renewal?

Yes, you can update your address, phone number, and occupation during the renewal process.

Q6. What if my payment goes through but the system doesn’t show it?

Screenshot everything and call ICP customer service at 600 522 222 with your PRAN number. They manually verify payment.

Q7. Can residents renew for 3 years?

Only if your residence visa validity is 3+ years. Your ID validity cannot exceed your visa validity.

Q8. Where do I collect my new Emirates ID?

From the Emirates Post branch specified in your SMS notification. Bring original passport and old Emirates ID.

Q9. How much does Emirates ID renewal cost?

AED 140 for 1 year, AED 240 for 2 years, AED 340 for 3 years (online applications). Add AED 150 for urgent service.

Q10. Can I track my renewal status?

Yes, use your PRAN number or Emirates ID number on the ICP portal under “Track Application Status.”

Q11. What happens if I miss my biometric appointment?

You can rebook through the ICP portal with no penalty. Your application remains on hold until biometrics are completed.

Q12. Do I need to update my telecom provider with my new ID?

Yes, update both Du and Etisalat within 3 days of receiving your new ID to avoid service suspensions.

Q13. Can I renew if my passport is expiring soon?

Your passport must be valid throughout your desired ID validity period. Renew your passport first if needed.

Q14. What’s the difference between ICP and Amer centers?

Both provide the same services. Amer centers (Dubai only) often have extended hours and are less crowded.

Q15. Is UAE Pass mandatory for renewal?

No, but highly recommended. It auto-fills your information and speeds up the process significantly.

---

Ready to Renew Your Emirates ID?

The 2026 Emirates ID renewal process is the simplest it’s ever been, especially with UAE Pass integration. Start your renewal 3-4 weeks before expiry, gather your documents, and apply online to avoid typing center fees and save time.

Check your Emirates ID expiry date today. If it’s approaching, don’t wait until the last minute. The stress I experienced with my expired ID while traveling taught me to renew early and avoid the complications entirely.

For more practical guides on living and working in the UAE, visit HowToGulf—your complete resource for navigating business, visas, and daily life in the Gulf region.