How to Report Lost Emirates ID: Steps, Fees & 2026 Rules

Young woman with credit card using laptop for online shopping outside in an urban setting.

Losing your Emirates ID can be a stressful experience. The Emirates ID serves as the mandatory identification document for every UAE resident and citizen since it protects them in accessing banking services and government services, in addition to property rentals and healthcare visits. The Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) provides online reporting and replacing lost Emirates IDs, which develops an effective system in the lives of UAE residents.

I will take you through all the procedures of the process, step by step, and you will be able to navigate through the ICP portal, the documents you will have to prepare, and other tips that will make the experience hassle-free.

Methods For Reporting Lost Emirates ID

Through the ICP Website

Users can report a lost Emirates ID through the official ICP website which stands as the most practical method for this purpose. The portal provides services to UAE nationals alongside foreign residents who can access services through a smooth process using few clicks.

Step 1: Visit the ICP Official Website

  • The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) official portal is accessible through the use of a web browser by the user accessing it at the address, which is https://icp.gov.ae.
ICP Official Website

Step 2: Navigate to ‘Issue Replacement for Lost/Damaged ID Card

Once you’re on the homepage:

  • Click on “Services.”
  • Select “ID Card Services.”
  • Go to “Issue Replacement for Lost/Damaged ID Card” found under the “ID Card Services” section.

The designated portal available for missing Emirates ID replacement procedures is located on this webpage.

ICP Official Website

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application

There are several pieces of information required for the application process, which include:

ICP Official Website
  • Your full name as per Emirates ID
  • Emirates ID number (if you remember it)
  • Passport number and nationality
  • Your date of birth and email
  • Your current mobile number
  • The application requires you to describe the event that led to your card loss and the time of disappearance.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

The application system requires you to add supporting verification documents to prove your identity. These may include:

  • A valid passport copy
  • A passport-sized photo with a white background
  • A copy of your residence visa page (for expatriates)
  • Police report (in some emirates—optional or required depending on location)

Tip: Your application processing time remains faster when you supply documents that are both easy to read and saved in PDF or JPEG file formats.

Step 5: Pay the Fees Online

  • AED 300 – Emirates ID replacement fee (older guides). Gulf News (updated July 2026) reports a total online cost of AED 451.40, made up of AED 300 for the card, AED 122 ICP fee and AED 29.40 e-service fee. Confirm the exact amount on the ICP platform before paying.
  • AED 40 – Online service fee
  • AED 150 – If you choose urgent service via a customer happiness center

Payment through UAE credit or debit cards remains an available option for processing. The application proceeds to the following stage after completing payment.

Step 6: Submit the Application

  • After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation message and application tracking number via SMS or email.

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

The UAE nationals, along with UAE residents who experience ID loss abroad, may utilize this procedure.

Step 1: Visit the MOFA Website

MOFA Website
  • Users must navigate to the “Services” section, followed by the “Citizen Services” page for further action.
MOFA Website

Step 2: Choose “Lost Passport or Emirates ID Assistance”

  • The section allows Emirates ID reporting by United Arab Emirates nationals and citizens abroad to notify of the loss of essential documents.

Step 3: Fill in the Report Form

You’ll be required to provide:

  • Emirates ID number
  • Passport details
  • Country and city where the ID was lost
  • Your current location and contact information
MOFA Website

Read Also: How to Check a DED License Online in UAE (Fast & Free)

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

  • You need to submit a passport digital file through a document scanner.
  • Recent photo
  • Submissions of police reports and foreign affidavits are necessary.

Step 5: Submit the Application

  • Submit the completed form.
  • Your case submission will be handled by MOFA, which will transfer it to ICP for case processing.

Step 6: Await Instructions

  • Your notification about the following procedures will arrive from MOFA or ICP.
  • The verification steps at an embassy of UAE, could be necessary before issuing your new identification card.

Through the ICP App

Users of the ICP UAE Smart App can easily file reports about their lost Emirates ID through this mobile application. The ICP UAE Smart App provides an important service for citizens who want to conduct official tasks from their mobile phones.

icp app

Step 1: Download the ICP UAE Smart App

Step 2: Sign In or Register

  • Users must log in to the app with available credentials, which include Emirates ID number or UAE Pass, or ICP.
  • New users should register with their individual account details for the platform.

Step 3: Navigate to “Report ID Lost”

  • From the main dashboard, tap on “Services”.
  • Under the Identity Services section, find “Report Lost Emirates ID” through the system.

Step 4: Fill in the Report Form

You’ll be asked to:

  • Confirm your identity (via Emirates ID or passport)
  • Enter contact details
  • Provide a short explanation of how the ID was lost

Step 5: Upload Documents

The reporting process requires the submission of required supporting documents, which should include:

  • Passport copy
  • Personal photo
  • Police report (if requested)

Step 6: Make Payment

  • Users must pay both replacement and service fees through the payment gateway, which the app integrates securely.

Step 7: Confirmation and Tracking

  • After submission, the system will notify you through SMS or email.
  • The app enables you to monitor application status through its “My Applications” section.

Tips for Avoiding Future Loss of Emirates ID

Prevention is better than a cure. The following guidelines offer strategies to prevent future ownership loss of your Emirates ID:

1. Keep It in a Dedicated Holder

  • Any primary ID holder will remain secure when placed in a dedicated wallet insert or card holder.
  • Avoid carrying it loosely in your pocket or bag.

2. Store a Digital Copy

  • Save your Emirates ID by either photographing or scanning it before you securely store the images in cloud-based services like Google Drive.
  • The digital copy serves emergency identity verification when immediate verification is necessary.

3. Limit Physical Handling

  • The practice of providing multiple people or establishments with your ID card should be limited unless absolutely needed. The decreased possibility of loss becomes a positive effect of this approach.

4. Keep It Separate While Traveling

  • When on the road, you ought to store your Emirates ID and passport in two different storage sources to avoid a situation whereby the two documents are lost concurrently.

Extra checks before you replace a lost Emirates ID

Rules and fees for the Emirates ID change from time to time, so here is a short list of points I would verify against official pages before you pay for a replacement. I used the UAE government portal (u.ae), the ICP website and a Gulf News guide for this section.

Report quickly

The UAE government portal (u.ae) says that if your card is lost, stolen or damaged you apply to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for a replacement. Check the ICP platform for the current reporting rules and the total fee, because the amount reported by Gulf News differs from older guides.

Fees: check the total

The fee figures earlier in this post are one version. The Gulf News guide reports a total online cost of Dh451.40, made up of Dh300 for the card, Dh29.40 as an e-service fee and Dh122 as an ICP fee. The u.ae page does not list a replacement amount at all. Because totals can differ by service channel and change over time, confirm the amount on the ICP smart services platform before paying.

Urgent service

According to the UAE government portal (u.ae), GCC citizens and residents can have a card issued or delivered within 24 hours for an extra fee. Other residents can use the urgent option only to replace a lost or damaged card, and they must go to a Customer Happiness Center.

Documents and steps the guide lists

  • Report the loss at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre so the old card is deactivated, then apply in the UAEICP app, signing in with UAE Pass (the guide recommends this) or an email registration.
  • Mandatory documents: original passport, valid passport copy, residence visa copy and a recent passport-sized photo that meets ICP requirements. Depending on your situation you may also need a copy of the old Emirates ID, a sponsor’s passport copy or a birth certificate.
  • Track the application with the request number on the ICP smart services platform, then wait for an SMS from Emirates Post or Zajel about collection or delivery.
  • The replacement keeps the same expiry date as the lost card.

Good habits afterwards

  • The UAE government portal (u.ae) says you must carry your card and show it when lawfully asked, and tell ICP within one month if details such as phone number or address change.
  • Late renewal of an expired card is fined at 20 AED per day starting a month after expiry, capped at 1,000 AED, per the same page. Keep an eye on your expiry date.
  • For help, the ICP website lists a call centre on 600522222 inside the UAE and +971600522222 from abroad.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a police report to replace a lost Emirates ID?

Not always. Emirates that accept replacement via the ICP portal do not need a police report as a requirement. You must contact ICP or verify with your local authority because of this.

2. Can I track the status of my replacement application?

Yes, you can track it via:

  • ICP portal: Using your application number
  • ICP app: Under the ‘My Applications’ section
  • SMS: ICP usually sends updates via SMS

3. What if I find my old ID after reporting it lost?

After submitting a lost report, a fresh ID card will be issued; therefore, your former ID becomes obsolete. Do not attempt to use it.

4. Can someone else collect my new Emirates ID?

Yes, but they must carry:

  • A copy of your passport/ID
  • Their own Emirates ID
  • An authorization letter signed by you

Read Also: Activate Du Prepaid Roaming Easily: Full Step Guide

Final Thoughts

The process of replacing a lost Emirates ID remains highly efficient as per the UAE government guidelines. The ICP offers both its online platform and mobile application to handle your report and replacement needs free of paperwork while eliminating queueing requirements.

The process of getting your replacement card will be completed in a few days if you maintain all necessary documents prepared for submission.

About The Author

Scroll to Top