You can check your Emirates ID application status online through ICP’s dedicated status page using your PRAN or Emirates ID number, or by calling ICP’s support line. This guide covers both methods, what each status label means, how long processing typically takes (including the Fawri urgent option), tracking your card’s physical delivery, and what to do if your application is rejected.
2 Ways to Check Your Emirates ID Status
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security — commonly known as ICP (formerly ICA) — offers two official channels to check where your Emirates ID application stands.
Method 1: Check Online via the ICP Status Page
- Go to ICP’s ID Card Status page.
- Enter your Application Number (PRAN) if this is a new application, or your Emirates ID Number if you’re renewing or replacing an existing card. A Request Number option is also available if you have one.
- Submit the form to see your current status.
No login is required for this lookup — just the reference number itself.
Method 2: Check by Phone (ICP Call Centre)
- Call 600 522 222 from inside the UAE, or +971 600 522 222 from abroad.
- Choose your preferred language (English or Arabic) when prompted.
- Provide your PRAN or Emirates ID number to the agent once connected.
- The agent will look up and read out your current application status.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
- PRAN (Pre-Registration Application Number) — issued when you first submit an Emirates ID application. Per ICP’s own FAQ, it often starts with 010, though the exact format can vary a little depending on your application channel — treat that as the common pattern rather than a strict rule.
- Emirates ID Number — use this instead of a PRAN if you’re checking the status of a renewal or replacement application rather than a brand-new one.
- Request Number — an alternative reference number, if one was issued for your specific transaction.
If you haven’t applied yet, see our guide on how to apply for your Emirates ID online to get your PRAN in the first place.
What Each Status Means
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pending / Under Review | Your application has been submitted and is being processed. |
| Approved | Your application has been approved and your card is being prepared for printing. |
| Printed | Card printing is complete. |
| Issued / Ready for Collection | Your card is ready — you’ll get an SMS with a delivery or collection notice. |
| Rejected | Your application was not approved — see “My Application Was Rejected” below. |
How Long Does It Take? Standard vs. Fawri (Urgent)
ICP doesn’t publish an exact number of days for how long your status takes to update after you apply. Based on standard processing timelines reported by other UAE resident guides, most applications move from “Pending” to “Approved” within about a week under normal processing.
If you need your Emirates ID faster, ICP’s Fawri service can process an eligible application in as little as 24 hours for an extra AED 150 on top of the standard fees. Eligibility depends on your nationality and the type of transaction:
- UAE and GCC nationals: can use Fawri for first-time issuance, renewal, and replacement.
- Expat residents: can only use Fawri for replacing a lost or damaged card — first-time issuance and renewal are tied to residency visa processing timelines and aren’t eligible for the 24-hour service.
Apply for Fawri in person at an ICP Customer Happiness Center with your documents ready.
Track Your Physical Card Delivery via Emirates Post
Once your card is printed, ICP sends an SMS and email with a tracking number for the physical card’s delivery. You can follow that shipment through Emirates Post’s tracking portal or app — enter the tracking number from your SMS to see the delivery timeline.
While you wait for the physical card, you can also download a digital version of your Emirates ID through UAE Pass or the UAEICP app, which works the same as the physical card for most purposes.
My Application Was Rejected — What Now?
An application can be rejected for several reasons, including incomplete information, photos that don’t meet the required specifications, medical results, or security checks. If your status shows “Rejected”:
- Call ICP support on 600 522 222 to ask for the specific reason, if it isn’t already stated.
- Visit your nearest ICP Customer Happiness Center to correct the issue or resubmit your application.
- If the issue was with your documents or photo, prepare the corrected version before reapplying to avoid a repeat rejection.
FAQs
Can I check my Emirates ID status using my passport number?
Not on ICP’s dedicated ID Card Status page — that lookup only accepts your PRAN, Emirates ID Number, or Request Number. A passport number is used elsewhere in ICP’s Smart Services for general residency-file checks, which is a different lookup from tracking your ID card’s production status.
What is a PRAN?
PRAN stands for Pre-Registration Application Number — the reference number issued when you submit a new Emirates ID application. It commonly starts with “010,” per ICP’s own FAQ, though the format can vary slightly by application channel.
Can expats use the Fawri urgent service for a new Emirates ID?
No — expat residents can only use Fawri to replace a lost or damaged card. First-time issuance and renewal for expats follow the standard residency-visa timeline. UAE and GCC nationals can use Fawri for all three transaction types.
Can I check my status through an app?
Yes — you can log in to the ICP Smart Services portal with your UAE Pass account to view your application status alongside applying or renewing.
What does “Pending” or “Under Review” mean?
Your application is still being processed. If it stays in this state for longer than about a week, call ICP on 600 522 222 to check for any issue.
Where do I collect my Emirates ID once it’s ready?
ICP notifies you by SMS with a collection point or delivery tracking number once your card is printed — see the Emirates Post tracking section above for how to follow its delivery.
