If you have misplaced the printed copy or deleted the digital file, here is how to replace a lost police clearance certificate in the UAE without panicking. The good news is that most certificates are issued as digital PDFs with a reference or QR code, so a “lost” certificate usually just means re-downloading it or requesting a fresh copy through the same channel you used the first time.
A police clearance certificate — also called a good conduct certificate — confirms that you have no criminal record in the UAE. Employers, immigration authorities and universities ask for it regularly, so it is worth knowing exactly how to get a replacement quickly when the original goes missing.
Quick Answer
To replace a lost police clearance certificate in the UAE, first check whether you can re-download the original PDF from the channel you applied through (the Dubai Police app/website or the MOI smart services). If the certificate is still valid, a fresh download of the same document works exactly like the original. If you cannot re-download it, or the certificate has expired, you will need to apply again and pay the standard fee. There is no separate “lost certificate” service — a replacement is simply a re-download or a new application.
How to Replace a Lost Police Clearance Certificate Step by Step
The exact steps depend on where your certificate was issued: Dubai Police (for certificates issued in Dubai) or the Ministry of Interior (MOI, for the rest of the UAE). In both cases, start with the cheapest option — re-downloading — before paying for a new application.
Step 1: Check for a saved digital copy
Before anything else, search your email inbox, phone downloads folder and cloud storage for the original PDF. Certificates are emailed to the address you entered on the application, so try searching for terms like “clearance”, “good conduct”, “Dubai Police” or “MOI”. If you find the file, print or forward it — it is every bit as valid as a re-downloaded copy, because the QR code and reference number on it are what authorities check.
Step 2: Re-download from the original channel
If you applied online, log back in to the same portal:
- Dubai Police: log in with your UAE Pass on the Dubai Police website or app and look for the certificate service or your past transactions/requests. A previously issued certificate is often available to download again from your request history.
- MOI (rest of the UAE): log in to the MOI smart services portal or the MOI UAE app with your UAE Pass and check your completed requests or downloads.
If you are not sure how the re-download flow works on your portal, our step-by-step walkthrough on how to download a police clearance certificate covers the menus to look for on each channel.
Step 3: Re-apply if re-download is not possible
If the portal no longer shows your old request — for example, it has been a long time, or you applied through a service centre in person — simply submit a fresh application. The process is identical to applying the first time: enter your details, upload your Emirates ID, passport copy and photo, choose whether the certificate is for use inside or outside the UAE, and pay the fee.
If it has been a while since you last applied, refresh yourself on how to apply for a police clearance certificate so you pick the right issuer and purpose this time around.
Documents you will usually need
A replacement request asks for the same documents as a first application:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Your email address and mobile number
If you are applying from outside the UAE and no longer hold a valid Emirates ID, you may be asked for an attested fingerprint card and a copy of your last UAE residence visa. The full checklist is covered in our guide to police clearance certificate requirements and documents.
Re-download vs Re-apply: Which One Do You Need?
The two routes are not the same, and picking the right one saves you money and time.
| Situation | What to do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lost the printout, but the certificate is still valid | Re-download the PDF — no new application needed | Usually free |
| Deleted the digital file, portal still shows your request | Re-download from request history | Usually free |
| Old request no longer appears on the portal | Submit a fresh application | Standard fee applies |
| Certificate has expired (usually valid 3 months) | Apply again as a new certificate | Standard fee applies |
A key detail: re-downloading gives you the same certificate with the same issue date. If that date is more than about three months old, the receiving authority may reject it as expired even though the file itself is genuine. In that case, do not bother with a replacement — read our guide on how to renew a police clearance certificate instead.
Replacing an Attested Certificate
If your lost certificate had been attested (for example, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use abroad), the attestation stamp does not transfer to a new printout automatically. A re-downloaded PDF carries the same attestation only if the attestation was applied to the digital document itself. In practice:
- If you re-download the identical digital file and the attestation QR/stamp is on it, the copy is fine.
- If you submit a new application, you get a brand-new certificate that must be attested again — which means repeating the UAE document attestation process and its fees.
This is one more reason to try re-downloading first: it preserves any attestation already on the document.
How Much Does a Replacement Cost?
Re-downloading a certificate from your portal history is normally free. A fresh application costs the standard issuance fee, which varies by issuer and by whether the certificate is for use inside or outside the UAE — typically in the range of AED 50 to AED 300, plus small knowledge/innovation service charges. Because fees are updated from time to time, confirm the current amount on the official portal before paying. Our breakdown of police clearance certificate fees explains the differences between Dubai Police and MOI pricing.
Verifying Your Replacement Copy
Whether you re-downloaded or re-applied, it is worth confirming the replacement is genuine before handing it to an employer or embassy. Most certificates carry a QR code or reference number that can be checked on the issuing authority’s portal. Our guide on how to verify a police clearance certificate walks through the check in a couple of minutes.
How to Avoid Losing It Again
A few simple habits will save you repeating this process:
- Save the PDF in two places — for example, your email and a cloud folder — the day it arrives.
- Keep the application reference number in a note; it makes re-downloads much easier.
- Note the expiry date in your calendar so you apply for a fresh one before it lapses, rather than scrambling at the last minute.
- Do not rely only on a printout — authorities increasingly accept or even prefer the digital file with its verifiable QR code.
- If you needed the certificate for a visa or job application, check our overview of the UAE police clearance certificate for related documents you may want to keep organised at the same time.
The UAE government’s official portal also describes the certificate service and its channels on u.ae’s justice eServices page, which is worth bookmarking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a duplicate police clearance certificate if I lost the original?
Yes. UAE certificates are issued digitally, so you can re-download the same PDF from the Dubai Police or MOI portal if your request is still in your history. If it is not, submit a fresh application — the result serves as your replacement.
Is a re-downloaded certificate as valid as the original?
Yes. The validity comes from the QR code and reference number on the document, not from the paper it was printed on. A re-downloaded file is identical to the original and passes verification the same way.
Do I need to file a police report for a lost certificate?
No. A police clearance certificate is not like a lost passport or Emirates ID — it is a printable document tied to a digital record, so there is no requirement to report it lost. Just re-download or re-apply.
What if my lost certificate has expired?
Then a replacement of the old document will not help, because expired certificates are generally not accepted. Apply for a new certificate with a fresh issue date instead.
How long does a replacement take?
A re-download is instant. A fresh application is usually processed within a few hours to a few working days depending on the issuer and your profile — MOI smart-service applications are often issued the same day, while Dubai Police applications can take up to about five working days.
Can someone misuse my lost certificate?
The risk is very low. The certificate only states that you have no criminal record; it is not an identity document and cannot be used to impersonate you for official transactions. Still, keeping your files private is good practice.
The Bottom Line
Replacing a lost police clearance certificate in the UAE is straightforward: re-download the digital file if you can, and re-apply if you cannot. There is no special lost-document procedure and no police report to file. Keep a backup of the PDF and a note of your application reference number, and the next time a copy goes missing, you will have a replacement in minutes.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.