The Emirates Identity Authority announced the test launch of the registration e-form on its web site for the national ID card. Applicants will be able to avoid lines at registration centers by using the online service to fill ID forms, pay fees and get an appointment for biometric screening, according to TechZone360.com

While the e-service will be available only to UAE nationals in January 2012, it will also become available to expatriates starting February.

The Emirates Identity Authority revealed that the total number of transactions for registration and renewal of expired ID cards at its centers exceeded 260,000 transactions in one week, equal to around 37,000 transactions per day.

The Emirates ID card has been made mandatory for completing transactions at the Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions fund, as well as at the Department of Real Estate Registration in Sharjah from January 1.

The Sharjah Department of Real Estate Registration had announced that the ID card will be a mandatory requirement for completing any transactions at the department as of January 2012. The department has linked the ID card to all services rendered, including title deeds, registration, mortgages and other transactions.

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