UAE ID card online 35x45 mm icp.gov.ae Application Timeline for AE - Plan Your Application

By AI Assistant 877 words 4 min read

Securing your UAE ID card online has never been easier thanks to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security’s (ICP) intuitive portal at icp.gov.ae. Whether you’re submitting a fresh application or renewing your Emirates ID, all you need is a compliant 35×45 mm photo and a few clicks to upload it securely. From the moment you hit “submit,” you can track every milestone—verification, biometric scheduling, printing, and delivery—through the portal’s real-time status updates. In this guide, we’ll demystify the typical application timeline for residents and citizens (including first-time applicants, renewals, and dependents) and share expert tips to ensure your ID lands in your hands without a hitch.

Requirements

  • Valid Residency Visa: must hold a valid UAE residency visa and upload a clear color copy of the visa page
  • Valid Passport Copy: upload a high-resolution scan of the biographical page ensuring all text and MRZ are legible
  • Digital Photo Specification: submit a 35×45 mm JPEG photo (min. 600×750 px, 300 dpi) on a plain white background with head centered
  • Photo Quality Requirements: no shadows, reflections, eyeglasses glare, headwear (unless for religious reasons), neutral expression, eyes open
  • Biometric Appointment Booking: schedule and attend an appointment via icp.gov.ae/UAEICP to capture official photo and fingerprints
  • Application Fee Payment: pay AED 100 for a 2-year card or AED 200 for a 5-year card online by credit/debit card or UAE bank transfer
  • Additional Documents (Minors): for applicants under 15 years submit birth certificate and guardian’s passport copy; children under 5 exempt from fingerprints
  • Additional Documents (GCC Nationals): upload GCC passport and GCC residency permit; No Objection Certificate generally not required
  • Accurate Contact Information: provide a valid UAE mobile number and email for OTP verification and SMS updates
  • Submission to Initial Approval: application reviewed within 2 working days of complete document upload
  • Biometric Appointment Timeline: attend the booked appointment within 7 days or application is auto-cancelled
  • Emirates ID Production & Delivery: card is printed and couriered to your registered UAE address within 10 working days after biometric capture
  • Status Tracking & Notifications: monitor progress and delivery through the ICP portal or UAEICP mobile app using your application reference number

Step-by-Step Process

Content about UAE ID card online 35x45 mm icp.gov.ae Application Timeline for AE - process

Tips and Best Practices

  • Plan Ahead: Start your online Emirates ID application at least 10 business days before expiry to account for processing time, weekends and holidays and avoid last-minute delays that can push your issuance beyond your travel dates.
  • Photo Compliance: Upload a 35×45 mm ICAO-compliant JPEG (20–200 KB) with a plain white background, no shadows and neutral expression; incorrect dimensions or format lead to instant rejection and reset your processing timeline.
  • Data Accuracy Check: Ensure all personal details exactly match your passport or residence visa—typos, extra spaces or mismatched spellings trigger manual review and can extend processing by days or even weeks.
  • Secure Upload & Payment: Use a stable internet connection to upload your documents and complete the online payment in one session; interrupted uploads or unpaid fees keep your application in “pending” status and unprocessed.
  • Status Monitoring & Response: Regularly check icp.gov.ae and SMS alerts for any “additional document required” notices and respond within 48 hours to avoid automatic cancellation and the need to restart your application.

Conclusion

Conclusion: Applying for your UAE ID card online via icp.gov.ae with a 35×45 mm photo is streamlined, transparent and fast. By adhering to the official photo specifications and following each step—from registration to biometric enrolment—you minimize delays and ensure smooth issuance.

Key Points:

  • Photo requirement: 35×45 mm, white background, no headwear (unless for religious reasons), face covering ≥ 70 % visible
  • Registration & submission: complete your profile on icp.gov.ae, upload your scanned documents and compliant photo in one session
  • Biometric appointment: book online, visit any ICP service centre for fingerprints and facial scan on the same day
  • Processing timeline: standard issue in 2–3 working days, urgent service within 24 hours (additional fee applies)
  • Notification & collection: receive SMS/e-mail when your card is ready, collect in person or opt for home delivery within 1–2 days
  • Tracking & support: monitor status via ICP portal or call the ICP helpline for real-time updates and assistance
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