Update Emirates ID Details: Name, Passport and the 30-Day Rule
If your personal details change, such as your name, passport or marital status, you must report it to ICP within 30 days. A replacement card carrying the updated data costs AED 150, plus the smart service fee. Miss the 30-day window and the late penalty is AED 20 for each day, capped at AED 1,000.
- Report the change to ICP within 30 days.
- Apply for a replacement card with the updated data.
- Keep the new card details consistent with your passport.
When you must update your Emirates ID details?
This page is for a card that is physically fine but no longer matches your circumstances. If the card itself is lost, stolen or damaged, that is a different route, covered in our guide to replacing a lost Emirates ID.
The obligation covers changes to your personal or civil data, and it applies to every category and age group. In practice these are the changes people run into.
| What changed | Typical trigger |
|---|---|
| Name | Marriage, divorce, or a legal name change |
| Passport details | A renewed passport with a new number |
| Marital status | Marriage or divorce recorded on your file |
| Nationality | A change of citizenship |
| Qualification or job data | Where it is recorded on your civil file |
A new passport is the one that catches most residents out. It feels like a passport matter rather than an ID matter, so the Emirates ID update gets forgotten until something else fails to line up.
The 30-day rule and the penalty
You have 30 days from the date the change happened to report it. That is a different deadline from the seven days you get for a lost card, and mixing the two up is easy.
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal or civil data changed | Report within 30 days |
| Card lost or damaged | Report within 7 days |
| Late reporting penalty | AED 20 per day, capped at AED 1,000 |
The penalty structure is the same one used for late renewal, so it accumulates daily and stops at AED 1,000. Because it is charged per card, a family updating several records late can face more than one. Our Emirates ID fine guide explains how that daily charge behaves.
How to update your Emirates ID data?
The update is handled as a replacement card carrying the corrected data, rather than as an edit to the card you already hold. The card number changes, but your Emirates ID number stays the same.
- Apply through icp.gov.ae, the UAEICP app, or an accredited typing centre.
- Select the replacement service and indicate that personal data has changed.
- Provide the document proving the change, such as your new passport or marriage certificate, plus a recent photo.
- Pay the fees, then attend a centre for biometrics if you are asked to.
Supporting evidence matters here more than in a routine renewal, because ICP is changing what is recorded about you. Bring the official document behind the change, not just a statement that it happened. If prints are requested, our Emirates ID biometrics guide covers that appointment.
What it costs?
A replacement card issued with a data update is cheaper than a replacement for a lost card, which is a useful distinction to know before you apply.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Replacement card with a data update | AED 150 |
| Replacement for a lost or damaged card | AED 300 |
| Smart service fee | AED 100 |
| Urgent service | AED 150 extra |
The new card is issued for the same validity period as the one it replaces, so updating your details does not extend the expiry date. You will still renew on the original schedule, as set out in our Emirates ID renewal guide. For everything else, see our Emirates ID guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the name on my Emirates ID?
Apply for a replacement card with a data update through icp.gov.ae, the UAEICP app, or a typing centre, and provide the document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or updated passport. Report the change within 30 days to avoid the daily late penalty.
How long do I have to report a change of details?
Thirty days from the date the change occurred, for all categories and age groups. This is separate from the seven-day deadline for reporting a lost or damaged card. Late reporting is penalised at AED 20 a day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000.
Do I need a new Emirates ID after renewing my passport?
Yes, if your passport number has changed, because your passport details are part of the data recorded on your file. Report it within 30 days and apply for a replacement card carrying the updated details, which costs AED 150 plus the smart service fee.
Does my Emirates ID number change after an update?
No. Your 15-digit Emirates ID number stays with you across renewals, replacements and data updates. What changes is the card itself, and the card number printed on it. The new card also keeps the same expiry date as the one it replaces.
Last verified: August 2026
Written by Roman Shah ยท Reviewed by the UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
