![We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai](https://cdnexpatwomanfood.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/urban%20bar%20and%20kitchen%20brunch%20main.png "We Tried [u]bk's Lively Garden Brunch at Mövenpick JLT Dubai")
Does your UAE Emirates ID photo need an update? Here is how you can change it
30 May 2023
| Last updated on 29 April 2024
Image for illustrative purposes only and are not a guideline of how an Emirates ID photo must look.
Note: Changing your Emirates ID photo cannot be done online.
As time passes during our stay as an expat in the UAE, some of our features may not look exactly the same as it used to 2, 5, or 10 years ago. For other residents, their UAE Emirates ID photo may be unrecognisable from the actual person. When this happens, you can change your Emirates ID image to update your current personal photo to your present-day appearance.
SEE ALSO: How to Change the Phone Number on Your UAE Emirates ID
It's important to make sure that your Emirates ID photo represents your current appearance as closely as possible, or this might cause confusion especially since the card is frequently used (accepting deliveries, going through UAE airport immigration, showing proof of your identity to authorities, etc.).
In this guide we explain how to change your Emirates ID including the photo requirements, what documents you need, and other frequently asked questions about updating your Emirates ID's photo.
Emirates ID photo requirements:
To modify your Emirates ID photo to a more recent image, check out the complete list of requirements for a new ID photo below.
- Must be passport-sized (3.5cm width and 4.5cm height), in colour, high quality, and taken not more than six months ago.
- Image resolution should be at least 600 dpi, and must be free of ink traces, shrinkage, rips, or other stains.
- Photo background colour must be white.
- The person in the Emirates ID photo must keep a neutral expression. No heavy editing allowed, the person's features must be as natural as possible to real life.
- Eyes must be open and looking towards photographic lens (coloured contacts are not allowed, the person's natural eyes must show). Eyeglasses are allowed but must not reflect the light nor block the eyes. Sunglasses are prohibited.
- The person's dress must be a blouse, polo, or button-up shirt. Religious head covering is permitted but must not obscure the face.
How to change UAE Emirates ID photo?
Updating your Emirates ID photo cannot be done online. Here is a step-by-step process on how to change your ID card photo:
- Visit any of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) customer happiness centres in the UAE.
- Bring your original passport, original Emirates ID, and the replacement passport-sized ID photos.
- Request for an Emirates ID information-changing application, fill in the form, and submit it to the counter along with your documents and photo.
- Pay the application fee for issuing a new Emirates ID card (AED 150, inclusive of AED 40 knowledge fees).
- Do or confirm your biometrics.
- After successfully submitting your application and paying the fees, you will receive an SMS notifying you when your updated Emirates ID is ready to be collected or delivered.
What should I do if I lose my Emirates ID card?
Your Emirates ID contains important UAE residency information including your visa. If the card is accidentally lost, damaged, or stolen you must report it to ICP immediately and apply for a replacement.
SEE ALSO: How to Get a New UAE Emirates ID in 24 Hours
An e-card can be used while you wait to receive your new ID, however an e-version cannot be used as a full replacement. UAE residents are required to carry a valid, physical Emirates ID card with them.
