""" """
Emirates IDHow-to guideUAE

How to update your Emirates ID details online

UAE residents can now update certain Emirates ID details online — no branch visit required. The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP) lets you update your designation, passport details and nationality from the website or the UAEICP app. Here's exactly how, what it costs, and what still needs an in-person visit.

By Al Hutaib10 Aug 20236 min read
In short

The ICP lets UAE residents update three Emirates ID details online — professional designation, passport details and nationality — via icp.gov.ae or the UAEICP app, logging in with UAE Pass. Name, date of birth, gender, photo and phone number still require a branch visit. Fees and timelines can change, so confirm the latest on the ICP portal.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) launched a service that lets residents update their Emirates ID details online — a convenient alternative to visiting a branch office.

What you can update online

Professional designation

Update your job title or designation as your career evolves — so your ID reflects your current professional status.

Passport details

Change your passport number or expiry after renewing or replacing your passport — keeping your ID accurate.

Nationality

Acquired a new citizenship? Update your nationality so your Emirates ID stays legally correct.

Step-by-step: updating online

Go to the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or download the UAEICP smart application
Log in with your UAE Pass, or your username and password
Click “Start Services” and search for “Updating Services”
Select the type of update you want to make
Fill in the required information and submit your application
Pay the application fee online
You'll receive an SMS notification with your application status
Once approved, the changes are reflected on your Emirates ID (the live guidance quoted within ~30 days)

Fees

AED 200 total application fee (as quoted in the original guidance)
  • AED 100 — smart services
  • AED 50 — application processing
  • AED 50 — e-services & federal authority
Please note

Government fees, processing times and the exact list of online-updatable fields can change over time. The figures here reflect the original guidance — always confirm the current fee and requirements on the official ICP portal before you apply.

What you can't update online

Some details still require a visit to an ICP branch office — you can't change these online:

  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your gender
  • Your photograph
  • Your phone number

Tips to avoid your application being rejected

If an application is rejected for incomplete or incorrect documents, fees generally aren't refunded, and repeated rejections for the same reason can end the application — so get it right first time:

  • Have all required documents ready — the ICP lists them on its website
  • Ensure the information is accurate — the ICP cross-checks it against your passport and other records
  • Unsure about anything? Contact ICP customer service before submitting

Verify Emirates IDs in your business?

Our Emirates ID reader software reads and verifies cards in seconds — via OCR scan or a chip reader.

See the reader software

Frequently asked questions

Yes — you can update certain details online through the ICP website or the UAEICP smart app, including your professional designation, passport details and nationality.

Log in to the ICP website or the UAEICP app with your UAE Pass, go to “Start Services” → “Updating Services,” select the update type, fill in the details, submit and pay the fee.

Use the same online platform — log in, select the type of correction needed and follow the process. For details that can't be changed online, you'll need to visit an ICP branch.

You'll receive an SMS notification with the status, and you can also check it through the ICP website or the UAEICP smart application.

Your name, date of birth, gender, photograph and phone number can't be changed online — those require a visit to an ICP branch office.

The live guidance quoted changes being reflected within about 30 days of approval — though current processing times can differ, so check the ICP for the latest.

No — your Emirates ID number stays the same after renewal.

Validity is typically up to 5 years depending on your visa status (a minimum of around 1 year for residents).

Yes — you can access and download a digital copy through the UAEICP smart application.

Related pages

Emirates ID reader software

Read & verify Emirates IDs in seconds.

Beyond updates, Al Hutaib provides Emirates ID reader software for businesses — scan or chip-read cards to capture verified data and speed up onboarding. Contact us for a demo.