# Emirates ID renewal: fees, documents and how to renew online

> Residents pay AED 100 for each year of the new card plus a AED 100 smart fee. Here is who can renew, what you need, how long it takes and what to do after the new card arrives.

- URL: https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/emirates-id-renewal/
- Author: [Harper Cross](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/authors/harper-cross/), Business Analyst & Researcher
- Published: 26 September 2026
- Updated: 26 September 2026
- Facts last checked: 26 September 2026
- Section: Living & Working
- Publisher: Dubai Business Insight (https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/)

## Key takeaways

- Residents can renew their Emirates ID when it has less than six months left.
- The fee is AED 100 for each year of the card, plus a AED 100 smart service fee. Urgent service costs AED 150 more.
- For most residents, the card is renewed together with the residence visa, so the two expire on the same day.
- ICP says the new card takes about 5 days. You can track it with your application number.
- You have 30 days after expiry to renew. After that the fine is AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000.

To renew your Emirates ID, apply on the ICP website or the UAEICP app, upload a new photo and your passport, and pay the fee. Residents pay AED 100 for each year of the new card plus a AED 100 smart service fee. ICP says the new card is ready in about 5 days. You can apply once your card has less than six months left.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) runs the service. In Dubai, residence visas go through GDRFA Dubai, and the ID is renewed as part of that visa renewal.

Not sure when your card runs out? Our guide to [checking your Emirates ID status](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/emirates-id-status-check/) shows how to see the expiry date and track an application.

## Who can renew and when

ICP lists three groups who can use the renewal service: UAE nationals, residents and GCC citizens. The rules on timing are simple:

- **Residents:** you can renew when the card has **less than six months** left.
- **UAE nationals:** you can renew when the card has less than one year left.
- Your passport must be valid for at least **three months**.
- Anyone aged **15 or over** gives fingerprints if ICP asks for them.

For residents, the Emirates ID is linked to the residence visa. The card cannot last longer than the visa. So in real life, most people renew the ID at the same time as their visa, in one application. If your employer's PRO or typing centre handles your visa, they normally handle the ID too.

## How much does Emirates ID renewal cost?

These are the fees on the ICP service card. They do not include typing centre charges, which vary.

| Fee | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Residents: card fee | AED 100 for each year of validity |
| Smart service fee | AED 100 |
| Urgent service (optional) | AED 150 |
| UAE nationals under 21: 5-year card | AED 100 |
| UAE nationals 21 and over: 10-year card | AED 200 |
| GCC citizens: 5-year card | AED 100 |
| Late renewal fine | AED 20 a day after 30 days, up to AED 1,000 |

### Worked examples for residents

| Card length | Card fee | Smart fee | Total (no fines) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 year | AED 100 | AED 100 | AED 200 |
| 2 years | AED 200 | AED 100 | AED 300 |
| 3 years | AED 300 | AED 100 | AED 400 |
| 5 years | AED 500 | AED 100 | AED 600 |

Your card length follows your visa. A two-year employment visa gives a two-year card, for example.

## Documents you need

For residents, ICP asks for:

1. Your passport (valid for at least three months).
2. A recent personal photo that is **different** from the photo on your current card.
3. Proof of your status, if ICP asks. This could be a work contract, a student letter or a property title.

GCC citizens also need their valid GCC ID card. People under 21 can use a parent's ID instead.

Photos are the most common reason for delays. Use a plain white background, face the camera, and do not reuse your old photo.

## How to renew your Emirates ID online

1. Sign in to [ICP Smart Services](https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/) or the **UAEICP** app with UAE PASS.
2. Choose **Identity Card Renewal**. If your visa is also due, pick the combined residence and ID renewal instead.
3. Check your details. Upload your new photo and passport copy.
4. Pay the fees by card. Keep the application number from the receipt.
5. Give fingerprints if ICP asks you to. ICP will tell you when and where.
6. Wait for delivery. The card comes by courier to the address you gave.

In Dubai, the visa part is handled by GDRFA Dubai through Amer centres or the GDRFA app. Your Emirates ID is issued as part of that process.

### Prefer to do it in person?

You can apply at a licensed typing centre or one of ICP's customer happiness centres. The government fees are the same. Typing centres add their own service charge.

## How long does it take?

ICP's service card says **5 days**. The urgent service is faster and costs AED 150 extra. Delays usually come from a rejected photo, a missing document or a visa that has not been renewed yet.

To track it, use the **Track application** option on the ICP website or app with your application number.

## What if my Emirates ID has already expired?

You get **30 days** after the expiry date to renew. After that, ICP adds a fine of AED 20 for each day, up to AED 1,000. The fine is added to your renewal fees.

Our [Emirates ID fine check guide](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/emirates-id-fine-check/) explains how to see what you owe and when you can ask for a waiver, for example if you were outside the UAE.

If your visa has also expired, you may face visa overstay fines too. Those are separate. See our guide on [how to check an overstay fine](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/overstay-fine-check-uae/).

## After you get the new card: update these

Many people forget this step. Banks, telecoms and some apps hold your old ID expiry date. When it passes, they may freeze services.

- **Your bank:** update the ID in the bank's app or at a branch. Many banks ask for this soon after expiry.
- **Your mobile line (e&, du, Virgin Mobile):** update the ID in the operator's app or a shop. Lines on an expired ID can be suspended.
- **UAE PASS:** it usually syncs by itself. If not, sign out and back in.
- **Your employer's HR team:** send them a copy for their records.
- **Salik, RTA and other accounts:** update if they ask for ID details.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is Emirates ID renewal for residents?

It costs AED 100 for each year of the card plus a AED 100 smart service fee. A two-year card costs AED 300 in government fees. Urgent service adds AED 150. Typing centres charge their own fee on top.

### Can I renew my Emirates ID before it expires?

Yes. Residents can renew when there are less than six months left on the card. UAE nationals can renew when there is less than a year left.

### Can I renew my Emirates ID from outside the UAE?

You can start many ICP services online from abroad with UAE PASS. But your residence visa must still be valid, and ICP may ask for fingerprints in the UAE. If you were abroad when the card expired, you can ask ICP to waive the late fine.

### How long does Emirates ID renewal take?

ICP says 5 days. Couriers then deliver the card to your address.

### Do I need to renew my visa before my Emirates ID?

For residents, the card cannot outlast the visa. If your visa is ending too, renew both together in one application.

### What happens if I don't renew my Emirates ID?

After 30 days you pay AED 20 a day, up to AED 1,000. Banks and phone companies may also suspend your services until you show a valid ID.

## Sources

- [ICP: Identity Card Renewal (service card, fees, conditions)](https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e5d)
- [UAE Government portal: Renewing Emirates ID](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/emirates-id/renewing-emirates-id-)
- [ICP Smart Services](https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/)
- [GDRFA Dubai](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en)

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Cite as: "Emirates ID renewal: fees, documents and how to renew online", Dubai Business Insight, updated 26 September 2026. https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/emirates-id-renewal/