Emirates national identity card

Citizens and residents inside the UAE must register into the program. Infants born in the UAE are issued a card at birth, though biometrics (including fingerprint and retina scan) are only captured after the card holder turns 15.

The card costs AED 285 for one year validity or AED 385 for two year validity for UAE Citizens. Expatriates are charged AED 100 per year of validity with the maximum years being capped at the expiry of their current visa.[3]

The Emirates ID Status[4] can be checked using the below steps:

1.Visit the Official FAIC Website: The first step is to visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. You can do this by opening your preferred web browser and typing in the official website URL: https://www.ica.gov.ae/en

2.Navigate to the Emirates ID Section: Once you are on the FAIC website, look for the section related to Emirates ID. This section is often prominently displayed on the homepage for easy access. Click on the Emirates ID section to proceed.

3.Select 'ID Card Status' Option: Within the Emirates ID section, you will find various services related to ID cards. Look for an option similar to 'Check Emirates ID Status' or 'ID Card Status.' Click on this option to initiate the status checking process.

4.Enter the Required Information: To check your Emirates ID status, you will typically need to enter certain details such as your application or reference number, passport number, and the correct verification code displayed on the screen. Ensure that you enter the information accurately to avoid any errors.

5.Submit and Wait for Results: After entering the necessary information, click on the 'Submit' or 'Check Status' button. The website will then process your request and display the status of your Emirates ID application. Be patient, as the process might take a few moments.

6.Review the Status: Once the system has processed your request, the website will display the status of your Emirates ID application. The status will indicate whether your ID card is under processing, approved, or if there are any issues that need to be addressed.

7.Follow Up if Necessary: Depending on the status displayed, you might need to take further actions. If your application is approved, you can expect your Emirates ID card to be delivered to your registered address. In case of any issues or if your application is under review, follow the provided instructions or contact the relevant authorities for assistance.

The Emirates ID card is the only identity document, along with passports, accepted by all local and federal government agencies in the UAE. It serves as a digital signature of the holder and is required for entering into telecom, utility and lease agreements.[5] The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates announced that all personal bank accounts in the country will require a valid Emirates ID effective February 2019.

The Emirates ID is also one of the accepted documents for electronic border crossings at all UAE international airports.[6] Smartpass, an electronic identity application developed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) utilizes data from the Emirates ID to verify users' identity across all UAE government entities.[7]