UAE citizens can now renew Emirates ID one year before expiry
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UAE citizens can now renew their Emirates ID cards up to one year before expiry, under a new rule announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
The change took effect on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, extending the previous renewal window of six months.
ICP said the move is part of its plan to provide more flexible digital services and allow citizens to complete key transactions earlier.
The decision follows an earlier move allowing UAE nationals to renew passports up to one year before expiry. If the expiry dates of the passport and Emirates ID match, citizens can now renew both documents in one integrated transaction.
ICP said this will reduce time and effort for citizens and allow more people to benefit from the combined renewal service.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said extending the Emirates ID renewal period reflects the UAE leadership’s directives to provide proactive government services.
He said the change gives citizens greater flexibility to complete transactions at a time that suits them while improving customer satisfaction and quality of life.
Al Khaili said the UAE holds a leading global position in identity card services, citing the ease of issuance and the card’s security, reliability and use across government and private sector services.
He added that the decision supports the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Program by simplifying procedures, reducing duplication and improving service integration through digital systems and artificial intelligence.