How to replace a lost trade license in Dubai
Start by identifying the authority that issued your trade licence and asking it for the current replacement or reprint process. For a Dubai DET-issued licence, check the licence information through Invest in Dubai, then confirm the correct request route, documents, fees and expected processing time before applying. If another authority issued the licence, do not assume DET’s process applies.
Start with the issuing authority
Use the licence details you have to identify the correct record. Invest in Dubai’s licence search lets you search by licence number, Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) number, or the business name in English or Arabic. If you cannot find the record, contact the authority that issued the licence and ask how to verify it and request a replacement copy.
Prepare the information you have
Before contacting the authority, gather the details that can help it identify the licence and your request. This is a preparation list, not a confirmed list of mandatory documents; ask the issuer what it actually requires for your case.
- The company’s registered name and any licence number or DUL number you have.
- A scan, photocopy or older digital copy of the licence, if available.
- Your identification and evidence that you are authorised to make the request, if available.
- A short description of when and how the certificate was lost.
Confirm whether a police certificate is needed
Do not assume that every trade licence replacement requires a police report. Ask the licensing authority whether it needs one for your request before arranging extra paperwork. Dubai Police offers a Report Lost Item service with an option to request a lost-item certificate for use with other official entities; that service alone does not establish that the licensing authority requires the certificate for a licence reprint.
Ask about the application, fee and timing
Before submitting, ask the issuing authority which channel to use, what supporting documents it needs, whether a fee applies, and how it will provide the replacement copy. Do not rely on a generic fee or processing estimate: confirm the current amount and expected timing for your particular licence and request. Keep the application reference and payment confirmation so you can follow up if needed.
When document-clearing help is useful
If you are unsure which authority holds the licence record, what evidence to prepare, or how to coordinate the request, a document-clearing professional can help you organise the submission and follow-up. Learn more about our document-clearing services or contact Final Exit to discuss your situation.
