Emirates Identity (National Identity Card) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Identity Card?
The ID card is an electronic means of identification that EIDA undertakes to issue for all population of U.A.E. It is mandatory for each national or expatriate person above 15 years old. Coupled with sophisticated technological features, ID card is a safe and fine means for identification of persons and verification of their identities. It contains an ID number that links every individual to his/her own personal and biological lifetime data. The number in question serves as a reference for the respective individual in his/her identity-proved transactions with government bodies and some private organizations. It is expected that the ID card would, later, replace all currently applicable other identification means such as labor permit, health card, driving license, etc.
It is simply a plastic card, on the front side of which appear the name, nationality, personal photo and 15-digit card number of the holder. In addition, there is the electronic chip that contains information about the holder, including face photo, digital certificates and fingerprints. However, the back side of the card demonstrates birth date, gender, and specimen signature of the holder as well as card validity date and number.
What type of information has been stored in the electronic chip of the card?
The electronic chip contains face photo, name, date of birth, gender, nationality, mother's name, marital status, entry brief information (Family and town numbers), number of ID card, card's serial number, issue date, expiry date, fingerprint data, an electronic certification for authentication and an e-signature, as well as other information relating to nationality and residence for expatriates such as sponsor's number, type, number and expiry date of residence permit, knowing it is lawful to have some amendments or additions made to the card without need to get replacement. In order to limit access to the card only to concerned bodies, some of the above-mentioned information has been encoded to preserve secrecy and private nature of it.
How far important is the ID card?
An ID card is a safe and precise means of personal identification and verification. Being the only reference available to confirm identity, ID card would make it easier for the holder to obtain all governmental and non-governmental services in the future. Among the most important benefits and features of the card are enhanced sense of belonging, protection of identity, ease and convenience and providing an integral database.
What are the main characteristics and features of the ID card?
ID card is distinguished for its identification number that links the ID of an individual to his/her personal and biological data, where the number serves as a reliable reference respecting all transactions that require ID verification. However, the technological formula of the card does ensure the highest degree of safety and precision via three major techniques: contact Smart card, Public key infrastructure and Fingerprints.
Is the ID card mandatory, and who must enroll to obtain it?
ID card is mandatory for all inhabitants of United Arab Emirates, whether nationals or expatriates, who are living lawfully in U.A.E.
Is it possible to use ID card as a travel document abroad?
Only U.A.E nationals can use ID card to commute between countries of Gulf Cooperation Council without need for passport.
How to register
Where can I apply for the ID card?
Enrolment for Population Register to obtain an ID card is available through EIDA's registration centers around the UAE. These centers operate only during the official working days (From Sunday to Thursday). For further information about EIDA's registration centers, please refer to Registration Centers, or contact EIDA'S Call Center on (6005 30003 / 04-237 6000).
What are the procedures for enrolment?
STEP ONE:+ Fill in the E-form at authorized Typing Center. + Following Documents are required when filling the E-form at the Typing Center:
Residents+ Original valid passport with valid residency permit.+ Registration fees: Dh285 per year (285/385) + For children below 15 years old: Colored passport-size photo with light blue background.
STEP TWO:+ On completion of typing the E-form, the applicant will receive an SMS informing the date and place of registration.
STEP THREE:+ After receiving the SMS, the applicant should visit the service centre stated in the SMS taking his/her original passport on the date and time to complete photographing and fingerprinting process.+ ID Card will be delivered by Empost/Courier within one weeks.
What are the documents required for enrolment?
U.A.E. nationals: application form + Original Valid Passport + Original Family Book.
Expatriates: application form + valid original passport including residence visa.
What are the charges for enrolment?+ UAE Nationals: Dh285.+ National under social security: free of charge+ Residents: Dh280 for a year's residence.
Dh285 for one-year residence.
Dh385 for two-year residence.+ GCC residents: Dh285 per year depending on the chosen period. However 5 years is the maximum validity time for the ID card.
For how long shall ID card be valid?
U.A.E. Nationals: validity period of ID card is 5 years.
Expatriates: validity of ID card is linked to the validity of residence in the State. In the event the residence visa is cancelled, the card will automatically be expired. However, as to expatriates who get their residence renewed, their ID card may also be renewed.
For further inquiries, please visit EIDA's website: www.emiratesid.ae
Emirates ID; New and Renewal
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