how to get an emirates id

An Emirates ID is the official resident identification card of the United Arab Emirates and is held by all citizens of the country. The demographics, photograph, and biometrics of the cardholder are held in the electronic chip present in this card, which is also known as the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) Card. Apart from this, the card also comes in handy for a number of transactions, from phone bill payments to getting vehicles registered. This card has also taken the place of travel insurance, and will soon also be used instead of driving licenses and bank debit cards. Moreover, this ID card is a legally important personal document and should be carried at all times. Failure to present the same should the police ask you to, can result in being penalized. Now, you must be wondering, "How To Get An Emirates ID?", and here we have compiled all the information necessary for getting your ID card.

Who can get an Emirates ID?

Apart from local citizens and residents, immigrants and people who have entered the UAE on Business Visas or Work Permits, and have planned to get settled in the country, are eligible for obtaining an Emirates ID.

How can I get an Emirates ID?

For people seeking to obtain a valid UAE ID Card, we have provided a step-by-step guide for the application process.

• Filling the application form: The first step is to fill the application form for grant of an Emirates ID card. This can be done online through approved websites, or by visiting an official typing centre in the Emirate you are residing in.

• Visiting the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) Office: Once the application form is submitted by the applicant, and has been received by the government, an SMS is sent to the applicant, stating the location of the EIDA office that they need to visit in order to complete the application process, along with the scheduled date and time of the visit. The officers present at the EIDA branch take a photograph of you, and collect your fingerprints (biometrics), for inclusion on the card. After these formalities are completed, you will be given a receipt, which you must retain until you collect your card from the office.

• Payment of fees: After the above steps are complete, the applicants need to pay the requisite fees, to keep their card valid for one year from the date of issue. A renewal fee is required per year of validity. 

• Tracking your Emirates ID card: After you are done with the application process, you can track your EIDA card status online, to help you know when your card will be ready.

• Delivery of the ID Card and subsequent collection: Once the EIDA has processed your request for an Emirates ID, the card is granted, and is sent to the local post office of your registered address. Once this is done, you will be notified to come and collect your card from the post office, via SMS. Online tracking is also possible, as stated above. If you do not collect your card within 90 days of its delivery to the post office, it gets sent back to the EIDA and is discarded.
• Card Renewal: The same steps as in steps 1-5 are to be followed every year for renewal of your Emirates ID.

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Supporting Documents Required to Get an Emirates ID Card:

Applicants need to carry a set of documents when they visit the EIDA office, to support their application for the grant of an Emirates ID Card. These include:

• For Emirati Nationals:

• Emirates ID (EIDA ID Card) application form
• Valid Emirati Passport
• Family Book

• For Emirates Residents:

• Emirates ID (EIDA ID Card) application form
• Valid Visa (eg, Business Visa) or Work Permit
• Valid Passport

List of EIDA Office Branches in The 7 Emirates:

For the convenience of the applicants, we have compiled a list of the cities where EIDA branches are present in each of the seven Emirates of the UAE:

Abu Dhabi:

• Al Ain
• Al Ghayathi
• Al Jazira Club
• Al Mafraq
• Al Marfa
• Al Quaa
• Al Sila
• Al Wahda Mall
• Central Post Office
• Khalifa City
• Khalifa Medical City
• Madinat Zayed 2
• Mussafah
• Sweihan

Sharjah:

• Al Dhaid North
• Al Dhaid South
• Al Rams
• Al Ghubaiba
• Al Hamriyah
• Al Madam Centre
• Industrial Area
• Kalba
• Khor Fakkan
• Municipality Clinic
• Sharjah Airport 
• Municipality Clinic
• Sharjah Centre

Fujairah:

• Dibba Al Hossn Centre
• Dibba Centre
• Fujairah Centre
• Fujairah Centre 2

Ajman:

• Ajman Centre
• Medical Centre

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Dubai:

• Al Baraha
• Al Barsha
• Al Jafiliya
• Al Karama Centre
• Al Lusaily
• Al Quoz
• Al Rushidiya
• Hatta
• JAFZA
• Knowledge Village
• Muhaisnah Centre

Umm Al Quwain:

• Umm Al Quwain Centre

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)

• Al Rams
• RAK Centre

Conclusion:

The Emirates ID Card is a very important document in the United Arab Emirates and has multiple uses and purposes. Emirati nationals, and people who have emigrated to the UAE and are residing there under a valid visa, are eligible for obtaining an Emirates ID Card. We hope that our guide on How To Get An Emirates ID helped you understand the process and documentation required for obtaining an EIDA Card. 

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