About Emirates Identity Authority

What does Emirates Identity Authority stand for, and to which ministry does it report?

Emirates Identity Authority does not report to any ministry or governmental institution. Rather, it is an independent federal body, established under Federal Law No. 2 for 2004, by which it was fully empowered to put into implementation Population Register and New ID Card program for United Arab Emirates. For more information, please refer to "Decree of Emirates Identity Authority"

What are the goals of Emirates Identity Authority?

Overseeing the implementation of Population Register and ID Card Program, EIDA plays a leading and distinguished role in sustainable development as well as the civilizational and economical progress being seen in U.A.E. in terms of adoption of advanced and innovative technology to manage its affairs. The vision of the Authority is '' to be a role model and reference point in proofing individual identity and build wealth Informatics that guarantees innovative and sophisticated services for the benefit of UAE. The mission of EIDA is “to Identify and protect individuals’ identity to facilitate their transactions through the development of an accurate population registry and the issuance of a unified, multi-purpose identity card to support decision makers with essential statistical data that contribute to the overall development of the UAE’s society.”

What is Population Register?

Population Register is an electronic database, currently being set up and developed by EIDA, so as to cover all population of U.A.E. whether nationals or expatriates. All population of U.A.E. are currently being entered into Population Register and ID Card Program based on a planned study through registration centers spreading nationwide. Population Register is deemed to be a governmental, centralized, trustworthy and comprehensive source of information that would assist with decision-making process and allocation of resources due to the fact that it contains the most important and vital information about individuals within a frame of full secrecy and access control to such information. It is anticipated that Population Register will be connected to all ministries and vital governmental bodies operating in the State, which is set to enhance governmental performance and further improve services.

About ID Card

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.

What is the exterior face of the card like?

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. For further information, please refer to ‘’ About Population Register and ID Card‘’.

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 of above 15 years old, who are living lawfully in U.A.E. Enrollment for Population Register and ID Card Program is also mandatory for children below 15 years old. While obtaining/issuing an ID card for them is a matter of choice and subject to guardian's consent.

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.

Is it possible for children below 15 years old to be issued ID card?

Enrollment of children below 15 years old for Population Register program is imperative. However, issuance of an ID card is optional. Yet, guardians consent is required against payment of 50 AED.

How to Register

Where can I apply for the ID card?

Enrollment 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 No. 600 523432.

What are the procedures for Enrollment?

Each applicant will go through the following steps respectively:
1. Completion of application form: to fill in the application form with personal details. Application form is accessible at the “Application Form" section on the Authority’s website. Care must be taken to ensure that correct information is filled in the application form to avoid any errors or legal proceedings.
2. Reporting to service center: to complete Enrollment formalities including verification of supporting documents and personal details filled in application form; taking personal photo, electronic signature and fingerprints.

What are the documents required for Enrollment?

U.A.E. nationals: application form + Original Valid Passport + Original Family Book + Parent's Family Book (Optional and aimed at electronically connecting the family tree).
Expatriates: application form + valid original passport including residence visa.

What are the charges for Enrollment?

• UAE Nationals: AED 100.
• National under social security: free of charge
• Residents: AED 100 for a year’s residence.
  AED 200 for two-year residence.
  AED 300 for three-year residence.
• GCC residents: AED 100 per year depending on the chosen period. However 5 years is the maximum validity time for the ID card.
• For children below 15 years: the registration in the population register is mandatory, but issuing the card is optional. In case the parents wish to issue a card for a child below 15, the fees shall be: AED 50.

ID card Delivery fees: AED 20

How can I receive my card?

Emirates Identity Authority ensures delivery of ID cards to applicants via express courier service against payment of Dh/20 fee to be made on Enrollment.

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. Information of the card can be updated without need for replacement. 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 or reactivated.