Last updated: 28 July, 2009

Introduction
Instead of having multiple identity cards like driving licences, work permits, employee cards, passports, e-cards, the UAE Federal Government created a single national identity card in April 2006, with in-built smart features including biometrics and advanced ID features that will eventually eliminate the need to carry multiple cards.

From 28th July, 2009, the Emirates ID Card can also be used as an e-Gate card for quick entry/exit from UAE airports. At a later date, it can be used as a travel document within the GCC.

Registration Phases
Registration opened in various phases beginning with UAE nationals, GCC citizens working or residing in the UAE, expatriate government staff and professionals (anyone with a degree) in the private sector. It is now also open for Group 3 (cleaners, farmers, fishermen, drivers, housemaids, security guards etc and will be opened for Group 4 (construction workers) from October 2009. All categories including skilled and unskilled workers can be seen in the calendar (3.35 mb pdf download) provided by EIDA which gives time till 2010 for some categories. 

Criteria & Validity
You must be either a UAE national, a GCC citizen working or residing in the UAE, or a UAE resident and above 15 years of age.  The card is valid for lifetime for nationals (with renewal every five years) and validity for other residents depends on the validity of the visa. However, the same card can be used, once the residence visa is renewed.

Steps

1. Book an online appointment or visit an EIDA service centre.
2. Before going for your appointment, fill up this online application form from EIDA website and take a printout, using only a laser printer. Or download the UAE EIDA Pre-registration Application download (3.5 mb zipped file) and fill it up offline. Another option is to visit any Emirates Post Office, purchase a special envelope for AED 40, fill up the form inside and submit to the post office. See media update
3. Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.
4. Allow bio-metric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.
5. Congratulations. You will have your National ID card sent to you by Empost after 7-14 days.

Documents & fees
UAE Nationals: Original Family Book & Passport. AED 100
UAE Residents: Original passport. AED 100 per year of visa validity. Additional charges if purchasing form (AED 40) and for Empost delivery (AED 20) 
Lost or damaged card: AED 300

See the FAQ with 23 Frequently Asked Questions on the Emirates ID card, answered by EIDA. Courtesy Gulf News. To keep track of updated changes to procedures, please see the EIDA website. Please note that the Emirates ID card is issued by EIDA, a federal body, and not by Dubai Government. For any complaints regarding change in procedure or delays, please let us know and we will forward the same to EIDA.

Your feedback
Was this information useful? Or did you find the procedure/steps to be different? Help us improve. Communicate with Ask Dubai.
Need another How-To guide developed for your use? Contact us at Ask Dubai.

Disclaimer
Even as Dubai eGovernment strives to ease your life in Dubai, we cannot guarantee 100 % that the information provided on these pages is accurate and up-to-date, since all information and procedures are subject to change and revision by the concerned authorities.