Emirates ID Renewal in the UAE: What You Need to Know
Al Qalam Typing Center in Sharjah provides fast and accurate Emirates ID renewal services for UAE residents. Whether your Emirates ID is expiring, has expired, or has been lost or damaged, our team handles the complete renewal process — from document preparation and typing to submission through the ICP portal — so you avoid fines and delays.
When Should You Renew Your Emirates ID?
Your Emirates ID must be renewed before it expires. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) sends SMS notifications when your ID is approaching expiry. However, renewals can be initiated:
- Up to 6 months before expiry — recommended to avoid any processing delays
- On or after expiry — a fine of AED 20 per day applies (capped at AED 1,000 total)
- After residence visa renewal — Emirates ID must be renewed whenever your residence visa is renewed
Do not wait until your Emirates ID has expired. Overstay of Emirates ID expiry incurs daily fines that accumulate quickly. Visit Al Qalam at least 2–4 weeks before expiry to avoid any risk.
Documents Required for Emirates ID Renewal
- Original Emirates ID (if available — for renewal, not lost replacement)
- Valid UAE residence visa copy (or new residence visa if renewing both simultaneously)
- Passport copy (all pages with valid visa)
- Passport-size photo (white background, recent — required only if facial features have changed significantly)
For employees: Your employer may handle Emirates ID renewal through their PRO. If you are on a family visa or renewing independently, Al Qalam manages the full process for you.
Step-by-Step Emirates ID Renewal Process
- Visit Al Qalam — Bring your current Emirates ID, passport, and residence visa copy.
- Documents verified — Our team confirms all documents are complete and in order before typing begins.
- Application typed and submitted — We submit your renewal application to ICP electronically through the official portal.
- Biometrics appointment — For most renewals, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are not required again unless ICP calls you for an update.
- ID processing — ICP processes the renewal. Tracking is available via the ICP website or UAE Pass app.
- Emirates ID delivered — The new ID is delivered by EMPOST to your registered address, or collected from an ICP service centre.
Emirates ID Renewal Fees (2026)
Emirates ID renewal fees are set by ICP and are based on visa type and duration:
- 1-year validity: AED 100 (government fee) + AED 30 (EMPOST delivery fee)
- 2-year validity: AED 200 + AED 30 delivery
- 3-year validity: AED 300 + AED 30 delivery
- 5-year validity (Golden Visa holders): AED 500 + AED 30 delivery
- Urgent processing (3 working days): Additional AED 70 urgent fee
Al Qalam charges a service fee for typing, submission coordination, and follow-up. This is separate from ICP government fees. Contact us for current service fee information.
Overstay fine: AED 20 per day after Emirates ID expiry, capped at AED 1,000. Fine clearance is required before renewal if the ID has already expired. We handle fine payment as part of the renewal service.
How Long Does Emirates ID Renewal Take?
- Normal processing: 7–15 working days from submission
- Urgent processing: 3 working days (additional government fee applies)
- Delivery by EMPOST: 1–3 working days after ID is ready
Processing times are determined by ICP and may vary during peak periods (Ramadan, public holidays, or periods of high application volume). Al Qalam submits applications the same business day to avoid unnecessary delays on our end.
Online vs Typing Center: Which Is Faster for Emirates ID Renewal?
You can apply for Emirates ID renewal through the ICP Smart Services portal online or via the UAE Pass app. However, many residents face issues with:
- Uploading the correct document formats
- Application rejection due to photo specifications not being met
- ICP portal errors or account verification issues
- Delays from incomplete applications that require correction
Al Qalam submits through the official ICP portal on your behalf with error-free applications. The result is the same — your Emirates ID is renewed — but you avoid back-and-forth and application rejections that add days to the process.
Emirates ID Renewal for Specific Situations
Renewing Emirates ID with a New Residence Visa
If you have just renewed your residence visa, your Emirates ID must also be updated to reflect the new visa validity. Al Qalam handles both residence visa renewal and Emirates ID update in a single visit when possible.
Emirates ID Renewal for Dependents (Family Visa)
Each dependent on a family visa requires their own Emirates ID. When the family visa is renewed, all dependent Emirates IDs must be renewed at the same time. Al Qalam processes multiple dependent renewals together to save visits.
Lost or Damaged Emirates ID
If your Emirates ID is lost or damaged, a replacement (not a renewal) application must be submitted. A police report may be required for lost IDs. Contact us with your situation and we will advise on the correct process and fees.
Why Choose Al Qalam for Emirates ID Renewal
- Government-approved ICP-registered typing center since 2014
- Same-day submission — we submit on the day you visit
- Zero application rejections — documents verified before submission
- Open 7 days — 9 AM to 11 PM including Fridays
- Fine calculation included — we check and advise on any overstay fines before submission
- Multi-lingual staff — English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla
Frequently Asked Questions — Emirates ID Renewal
Can I travel outside the UAE with an expired Emirates ID?
You can still travel using your passport. However, an expired Emirates ID may cause issues at some border crossings and is required for all UAE government services and banking. Renew before it expires or immediately upon return.
Does my employer handle Emirates ID renewal?
For employees sponsored by a company, the employer’s PRO typically handles Emirates ID renewal as part of the visa renewal. If your employer is not handling it, Al Qalam can process it for you independently. Family visa dependents must arrange their own Emirates ID renewals.
What happens if my Emirates ID expires while I am outside the UAE?
Fines accumulate from the expiry date regardless of whether you are inside or outside the UAE. Upon return, you must pay outstanding fines and renew immediately. Al Qalam handles fine clearance and renewal in a single visit.
Do I need to go to an ICP centre for biometrics?
For most standard renewals (where biometrics are already registered), you do not need to visit an ICP centre. ICP will notify you if an in-person biometrics update is required. Al Qalam will advise you at the time of application.
Related Services
- Family Visa UAE — Emirates ID required for all family members after visa stamping
- Residence Visa Sharjah — Visa renewal must precede Emirates ID renewal for most residents
- All Typing Center Services — Full list of services at Al Qalam
Renew your Emirates ID today: Call 06 520 0939 or WhatsApp 055 608 8726. Open 7 days a week, 9 AM – 11 PM.