UAE nationals can now renew their Emirates ID cards up to one year before expiry, following a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) that took effect on July 14, 2026.
The updated policy doubles the previous early-renewal window from six months to 12 months, giving citizens greater flexibility to renew their ID cards in advance. It also aligns with ICP's earlier decision allowing passport renewals up to one year before expiry, enabling eligible citizens to renew both documents in a single integrated transaction when their expiry dates coincide.
ICP said the move is part of its strategy to deliver proactive digital government services, improve customer convenience, and simplify administrative processes. The initiative supports the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by reducing procedures, enhancing service integration, and leveraging advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the decision reflects the UAE leadership's vision of providing flexible, customer-centric services while reinforcing the country's global leadership in secure and efficient identity management.
