A lost Emirates ID in the UAE can be a stressful affair, particularly if it is associated with banking, residency, health, telecom and many more travel verifications. The UAE has now made the process simpler, enabling the replacement of the card to be processed digitally in real time with a physical card being issued within 24 hours via the “Fawri” urgent service by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Now, with Residents as of May 2026, you won’t have to deal with long lines and confusing forms. The majority of the process can now be done digitally via the UAEICP app through UAE Pass authentication. This is the complete guide on replacing the Emirates ID in a few days in a safe and reliable way.
Step 1: Report and Block Your Lost Emirates ID Immediately
The first step is to report the loss of your Emirates ID and block it immediately.First and foremost, report the lost Emirates ID and block it as soon as possible.
The first step for the residents, who have lost their Emirates ID, is to deactivate the card using the UAEICP app. This is very important as this will stop your identity being used without permission for banking or governmental activities.
After logging in with UAE Pass, users can select the “Report Lost ID” option. After the report, the chip in the old Emirates ID will be automatically disabled. In other words, the lost card no longer can be used in official transactions.
The main benefit of the 2026 update is that users will receive a digital Emirates ID right within the app. The digital version is now accepted legally in the UAE by most of the domestic services until residents get the replacement physical card.
Step 2: Apply for the 24-Hour “Fawri” Replacement Service
For those in need of a physical replacement urgently available services can be availed using “Fawri” from ICP which offers printing of cards in 24 hours.
Applications can be made either online via the UAEICP Application (UAEICP app) or at one of the UAEICP Customer Happiness Centers for quickest processing. The residents need a copy of their passports, residency information and UAE pass login data.
There are a number of fees for replacement. This is the standard replacement fee AED 300, urgent fee AED 150 when processing the Fawri orders. The extra cost would be between AED 70 and 100 per center. Typically, the cost of processing an application for the same day or next day is between AED 520 and AED 550.
Step 3: Biometrics & Card Collection
All UAE nationals are already fingerprinted and have their biometric data entered into the ICP system. In many instances, no new biometric information will be needed when replacing the passport.
The system will, however, once again request verification; residents may do so at the ICP center by taking their fingerprints or facial scan. After creation of the card, applicants get SMS notification to collect the printed card.
Fawri is an alternative delivery service, which enables customers to pick up the card directly at ICP Customer Happiness Center as opposed to the regular delivery option to reduce the delivery time.
The digital identity landscape of the UAE has been rapidly developing in recent years. The UAEICP app contains the Digital Emirates ID which is usable for various tasks today, including traffic verification, timelocks of government services, access to hotels, and numerous banking activities.
With this digital-first system, residents can carry on their daily lives without substantial interruptions, while eliminating the startling anxiety of losing their physical card.
FAQs
What is the time for a new Emirates ID replacement in UAE?
For the Fawri urgent service, residents can get their Emirates ID replaced within 24hrs upon approval.
What is the cost of the rush Emirates ID replacement?
In most cases, the total cost is between AED 520 and AED 550, comprising replacement fees, urgent processing fees and processing fees.
What if I lost my Emirates ID will I still be able to use a digital Emirates ID?
Yes. The Digital Emirates ID is accepted for most of the services offered in the UAE while awaiting the physical Emirates ID card.The Digital Emirates ID is valid for most UAE services while waiting for the physical Emirates ID card.
How to report a lost Emirates ID card to the police?
Authorities can deny replacement requests without needing a police report if they believe the ID may have been stolen.
What if I want to change my Emirates ID outside the UAE?
The card may be lost by residents both in and out of the UAE and they can report this loss via the UAEICP app which will also have to be printed once they return to the UAE.