Certificates get lost, damaged, or left behind in a move more often than anyone likes to admit. Whether it is a birth certificate needed for a visa application, a degree certificate required by an employer, or a marriage certificate for a family visa, knowing how to request a duplicate certificate in the UAE saves you weeks of guesswork. The good news is that most certificates can be reissued by the same authority that issued the original, and many can now be requested online.
This guide walks you through exactly how to request a duplicate certificate in the UAE — which authority to approach, what documents you need, whether you need a police report for a lost certificate, and how long it usually takes.
Quick Answer
To request a duplicate certificate in the UAE, apply to the authority that issued the original document — for example, the Ministry of Health and Prevention for birth certificates, the issuing court for marriage certificates, or your university for degree certificates. You can usually apply in person at a service centre or through the authority’s online portal (such as TAMM in Abu Dhabi or the Dubai Courts website in Dubai). Bring your Emirates ID or passport, a copy of the original certificate if you have one, and — if the certificate was lost — a police report or lost-item certificate. Fees are typically modest, and most duplicates are issued within a few working days.
What Counts as a Duplicate Certificate
A duplicate certificate is a reissued copy of an official document, stamped and signed by the issuing authority, that carries the same legal weight as the original. It is not a photocopy and not a new document — it is the authority’s official replacement for something they already issued once.
Common certificates people request duplicates of in the UAE include:
- Birth certificates — issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or the health authority of the emirate where the birth was registered
- Marriage certificates — issued by the court where the marriage was registered (Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, Sharjah courts, etc.)
- Death certificates — issued by the relevant health authority or municipality
- Degree and academic certificates — issued by the university or college, with attestation where needed
- Emirates ID and passports — these are replaced rather than duplicated, through ICP channels
- Trade licences and commercial documents — reissued by the Department of Economic Development of the relevant emirate
- Salary and experience certificates — issued by the employer; see our guide on salary certificates in the UAE
The exact process depends on the document type, because each certificate has its own issuing authority. There is no single “duplicate certificate office” for everything.
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Duplicate Certificate
1. Identify the issuing authority
Start by working out who issued the original. A birth certificate from a Dubai hospital birth is typically issued through MOHAP or Dubai Health channels; a marriage certificate comes from the court that registered the marriage; a degree comes from the awarding institution. If you are unsure, check any old copy, receipt, or email from the original application — it usually names the authority.
2. Check whether you can apply online
Many UAE authorities now offer certificate reissue services through their apps and portals. Examples include:
- Abu Dhabi: the TAMM platform for government services
- Dubai: the Dubai Courts website and app for marriage and related certificates; MOHAP’s website for birth certificates
- Federal services: the official u.ae portal, which links to certificate and document services across emirates
Online applications are usually the fastest route. In-person applications at customer happiness centres or typing centres still work and can be better if your case is complicated — for example, if the original record is decades old.
3. Prepare your documents
While requirements vary by certificate, most applications ask for:
- Your Emirates ID or passport (the applicant is usually the certificate holder or a close relative with a relationship document)
- A copy of the original certificate, if you still have one — even a photo or scan helps the authority locate the record
- A police report or lost-item certificate, if the original was lost or stolen (more on this below)
- Any reference number from the original issuance, such as a certificate number or registration number
If someone is applying on your behalf, they will normally need a power of attorney — our guide to power of attorney in the UAE explains how that works.
4. File a police report if the certificate was lost
For lost documents, many authorities ask for a police report or a lost-and-found certificate before they reissue. In Dubai, you can report a lost document through the Dubai Police website or app; in Abu Dhabi, through the Abu Dhabi Police app. Keep the report reference number — you will attach it to your duplicate request.
This step matters most for identity-linked documents. For a lost degree certificate, universities sometimes accept a written declaration instead, but a police report never hurts.
5. Pay the fee and track the request
Fees are usually modest — many certificate reissues cost between AED 50 and AED 200, though courts and universities may charge more. Most portals accept card payments online, and you will get a reference number to track the application status. Some authorities deliver the duplicate by courier or make it available as a downloadable document; others require in-person collection.
Duplicate Certificates by Document Type
Birth certificates
Birth certificates in the UAE are issued through the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the emirate’s health authority. To get a duplicate, apply through MOHAP’s website or visit a service centre with your ID and any details of the original registration (hospital, date of birth, certificate number). Processing typically takes a few working days, and the fee is usually under AED 100. If the birth was registered long ago, the authority may need extra time to retrieve archived records.
Marriage certificates
Marriage certificates are issued by the court that registered the marriage. In Dubai, apply through Dubai Courts; in Abu Dhabi, through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. You will need the marriage contract details or certificate number, plus IDs of both spouses (or the applicant spouse with supporting documents). Fees and timelines vary by court, so check the court’s website for current figures.
Degree and academic certificates
For university degrees, contact the awarding institution’s registrar or student services office. Universities typically require a written request, a copy of your ID, and sometimes an affidavit of loss. Processing can take one to four weeks depending on the institution, and fees vary widely — some universities charge a nominal fee, others charge several hundred dirhams.
Note that a duplicate degree may need attestation again if you plan to use it for official purposes such as a visa or job application. If your original was attested, ask whether the duplicate needs the same treatment — our guide on replacing a lost attested document covers this scenario in detail.
Commercial and trade documents
Lost or damaged trade licences and commercial registration certificates are reissued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate — for example, Dubai Economy and Tourism in Dubai. Applications can usually be made through the DED’s online portal or an approved service centre, using your trade licence number.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- No copy of the original: provide as much detail as possible — dates, reference numbers, the issuing office. Authorities can search their records, but it takes longer without a certificate number.
- Name mismatches: if the name on the original record differs from your current ID (common after marriage), bring supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.
- Old records: certificates issued decades ago may be archived on paper. Allow extra time, and consider applying in person where staff can help locate the file.
- Applying from abroad: most authorities accept applications through a representative with a power of attorney, or in some cases through UAE embassies. Check the authority’s website for the overseas process.
- Needing the duplicate for use abroad: a reissued certificate often needs fresh attestation before foreign authorities accept it. See what document attestation is and how to attest a document for the full process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a duplicate certificate as valid as the original?
Yes. A duplicate issued by the original authority is an official document with the same legal standing as the first copy. It is stamped and signed by the authority, which is what makes it valid — not whether it was the “first” print.
Do I need a police report to get a duplicate certificate?
It depends on the document and the authority. For lost identity-linked documents, a police report or lost-item certificate is commonly required. For academic certificates, a written declaration of loss is often enough. When in doubt, get the police report — it is quick to obtain through police apps and avoids delays.
How long does it take to get a duplicate certificate in the UAE?
Most straightforward requests are completed within 2–5 working days when applied for online. Court-issued certificates and university degrees can take longer — one to four weeks is typical. Archived or decades-old records may take additional time.
Can someone else collect my duplicate certificate?
Usually yes, with a power of attorney or an authorisation letter plus copies of both parties’ IDs. Some authorities are stricter about personal collection for sensitive documents, so check the specific authority’s rules first.
What if my certificate has an error — do I request a duplicate or a correction?
A duplicate reissues the certificate exactly as it was. If the original contained a mistake, you need a correction, not a duplicate — the process involves submitting evidence of the correct information. Our sibling guide on correcting errors before attestation explains the correction route.
Does a duplicate certificate need attestation again?
If you intend to use it for official purposes abroad or for UAE visa and employment procedures that require attested documents, then generally yes — the new copy needs its own attestation, since attestation stamps were on the lost original. Confirm with the requesting party whether they need the duplicate attested.
The Bottom Line
Requesting a duplicate certificate in the UAE is a routine administrative task, not a bureaucratic ordeal — as long as you approach the right authority with the right paperwork. Identify who issued the original, check their online portal first, gather your ID and any reference details, and file a police report if the document was lost. For most certificates, you will have the replacement in hand within a few working days.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi 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.