What to Do If You Lose Your Emirates ID in the UAE
Why Losing Your Emirates ID Is a Big Deal
Your Emirates ID is more than just an identification card. It is tied to almost every part of daily life in the UAE — from banking and mobile services to healthcare and border control. Losing it can feel stressful, but the good news is that the replacement process is straightforward if you act quickly.
This guide walks you through every step you need to take, whether you lost your ID in a taxi, at a mall, or somewhere on the street.
Step 1: Don't Panic — Check Common Spots First
Before you start the replacement process, retrace your steps. Most lost Emirates IDs are recovered within 24 hours because someone found them and doesn't know how to return them.
Check these places first:
The last shop, restaurant, or cafe you visited
Your car, gym bag, or jacket pockets
The lost and found counter at the mall or building you were in
RTA lost and found if you were in a taxi or on the metro
You can also search for your ID on Foundly — someone may have already posted it as a found item.
Step 2: Report It on Foundly
Head to Foundly and create a lost item post. Include these details:
Item type: Emirates ID
The area where you lost it (be specific — "Dubai Marina tram station" is better than just "Dubai")
The approximate date and time
Any distinguishing details (card holder color, was it inside a wallet)
Worried about sharing a photo of your Emirates ID publicly? Enable the Sensitive Post option when creating your post. This hides your image from the public and only shows it to verified users during the claim process. Your personal details stay protected while still allowing genuine matches to happen.
Our smart matching system will automatically notify you if someone posts a found Emirates ID that matches your description. Many IDs have been reunited through the platform within hours.
Step 3: File a Police Report
Visit your nearest police station or use the Dubai Police app or Abu Dhabi Police app to file a lost item report. You will receive a report number — keep this safe because you will need it for the replacement application.
In Dubai, you can also report through the Dubai Police website under "Lost and Found Services."
Step 4: Apply for a Replacement
Once you have your police report number, apply for a replacement Emirates ID through one of these channels:
ICP website (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) at icp.gov.ae
ICP Smart App (available on iOS and Android)
Any approved typing center across the UAE
Documents you will need:
Copy of your passport
Copy of your UAE visa (residence permit)
Police report number
A recent passport-sized photo
The replacement fee (typically AED 300, but check for the latest fee)
Processing usually takes 5 to 7 business days. You can request urgent processing for an additional fee.
Step 5: What to Do While You Wait
While your replacement is being processed, keep these things in mind:
Carry a copy of your passport and visa as temporary identification
Notify your bank if your ID was inside a wallet with bank cards
Update any apps or services that may need re-verification once your new ID arrives
Check Foundly regularly — your original ID might still turn up
Where Emirates IDs Are Most Commonly Lost in the UAE
Based on posts on Foundly, these are the top locations where people report losing their Emirates ID:
Dubai Metro stations (especially Mall of the Emirates and Burjuman)
Shopping malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira)
RTA taxis and Careem rides
Coworking spaces and office lobbies
Supermarkets and pharmacies
If you found someone's Emirates ID at any of these locations, you can post it on Foundly to help reunite it with the owner.
How Much Does a Replacement Emirates ID Cost
The standard replacement fee is around AED 300 as of 2026. Urgent processing costs more. Typing center fees are separate and usually range from AED 50 to AED 100 depending on the center.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Emirates ID Again
Use a dedicated card holder or wallet slot just for your ID
Take a photo of both sides and store it securely in your phone
Never hand your original ID to anyone unnecessarily — a copy is usually enough
Set a reminder to check your belongings before leaving a taxi or restaurant
Register on Foundly so you can be matched instantly if it happens again
Found an Emirates ID?
If you found someone's Emirates ID, don't just leave it. Post it on Foundly as a found item. You can enable the Sensitive Post option to keep the ID photo hidden from the public — only the rightful owner will be able to see it during the verification process. This way you are helping someone recover their ID without putting their personal information at risk.
You can also hand it over to the nearest police station. Either way, you could help someone avoid the stress and cost of getting a replacement.
