Emirates ID
Emirates Identity Card (UAE national identity card)
Also known as: Emirates ID, Emirates identity card, UAE national ID, Emirates ID number, EID
Emirates ID is the UAE's mandatory national smart-card identity document, issued to every citizen and resident by the ICP. It carries a unique 15-digit lifetime number plus a chip holding encrypted personal data and biometrics, and acts as the foundational credential for nearly all government and private-sector services.
Emirates ID number (Identity Number) format
15 digits, printed as 784-YYYY-NNNNNNN-C
- •Digits 1 to 3: always 784, the ISO 3166 numeric country code for the United Arab Emirates
- •Digits 4 to 7: year of birth
- •Digits 8 to 14: randomly generated sequence
- •Digit 15: check digit
Luhn checksum over the preceding digits. The number is permanent and is reused across UAE PASS and government services.
Mandatory for the entire citizen and resident population
Underpins the national Population Register and serves as the foundational identity for UAE PASS and services across government and the private sector
Privacy and trust
Sensitive chip data is encrypted and access-restricted to authorized authorities, with the centralized Population Register governed by Federal Law No. 9 of 2006.
Identity verification providers
Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.
Emirates ID: frequently asked questions
- Who needs an Emirates ID?
- Every UAE citizen and every resident is legally required to hold one.
- Is the Emirates ID number permanent?
- Yes, the 15-digit identification number stays the same throughout the holder's life.