The UAE now offers one-step Emirates ID renewal and replacement for citizens under its Zero Bureaucracy Programme, streamlining services nationwide.
ABU DHABI: In a major move to simplify government services, the UAE has launched a one-step process for Emirates ID renewal and replacement exclusively for Emirati citizens. The update, rolled out by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, comes under the second cycle of the country’s Zero Bureaucracy Programme.
The new system eliminates several manual entry fields and condenses the procedure into a single step: citizens need only to submit their application and pay the relevant fees. The smart system then automatically sets the card’s validity based on age — much like the UAE passport process.
For renewals, the Emirates ID will now be valid for 10 years for those aged 21 and above, and for 5 years for applicants under 21. For replacements, the card is issued according to the remaining validity of the existing ID. Applicants cannot alter the validity during this process.
Additional enhancements include the removal of non-essential data fields such as address updates and a simplified one-page ID template for ease of use. All services can now be accessed through the authority’s official website or mobile application, improving both speed and user experience.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to cutting red tape and modernising public services in line with global best practices, offering citizens a smoother and more efficient digital experience.
