Instead of having multiple identity cards like driving licences, work permits, employee cards, passports, e-cards, the UAE Federal Government created a single national identity card in April 2006, with in-built smart features including biometrics and advanced ID features that will eventually eliminate the need to carry multiple cards. At a later date, it can be used as a travel document within the GCC. Emirates Identity Authority(EIDA), a federal government organization, has already rolled out the first phase and second phase of the national identity card, as part of a comprehensive three year plan to provide National ID cards to three categories: UAE nationals, GCC citizens living in UAE and other UAE residents.

Registration is currently open for UAE nationals, GCC citizens working or residing in the UAE, expatriate government staff and professionals (anyone with a degree) in the private sector. All categories including skilled and unskilled workers can be seen in the calendar provided by EIDA which gives time till 2010 for some categories. For registering your family, you must ensure that your child has his/her own passport. Maids/domestic staff in your household are not included and separate dates will be announced for their registration later.

Criteria & Validity

You must be either a UAE national, a GCC citizen working or residing in the UAE, or a UAE resident and above 15 years of age. The card is valid for lifetime for nationals (with renewal every five years) and validity for other residents depends on the validity of the visa. However, the same card can be used, once the residence visa is renewed.

Steps

• Book an online appointment or visit an EIDA service centre.
• Before going for your appointment, fill up this online application form from EIDA website and take a printout, using only a laser printer. Or download the UAE EIDA Pre-registration Application download (3.5 mb zipped file) and fill it up offline. Another option is to visit any Emirates Post Office, purchase a special envelope for AED 40, fill up the form inside and submit to the post office. See media update
• Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.
• Allow bio-metric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.
• Congratulations. You will have your National ID card sent to you by Empost after 7-14 days.

Documents & fees

• UAE Nationals: Original Family Book & Passport. AED 100
• UAE Residents: Original passport. AED 100 per year of visa validity. Additional charges if purchasing form (AED 40) and for Empost delivery (AED 20)
• Lost or damaged card: AED 300

The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) has been given the responsibility of initiating a system in which all residents, nationals or not, must be in possession of a UAE ID card.

For more information on location of offices and the latest ID card news releases, including deadline updates, visit www.emiratesid.ae.