What to Do if Your NOL Card Is Lost or Stolen?

Did you lose your NOL Card and worry about missing your Dubai Metro ride? Don’t stress! Follow these steps from RTA to block, replace, and secure your card fast.

What to Do if NOL Card Is Lost or Stolen? (Quick Answer)

Lost your NOL Card? Block it on www.rta.ae or call 800 90 90 if registered. Replace it for AED 70, transfer balance, and get a new card in 4 days. For unregistered cards, check RTA lost and found at Al Ghubaiba or buy a new one. Register to avoid future hassle.

What Is a NOL Card?

A NOL Card is a smart card issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). It lets you pay for Dubai Metro, buses, trams, water buses, parking, and over 2,000 retail outlets in Dubai. Losing your card can disrupt your daily travel, but RTA offers solutions to help you recover quickly.

What to Do if NOL Card Is Lost or Stolen? Step by Step

Step 1: Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps

First, don’t panic. Take a moment to think about where you last used your NOL Card. Check your bag, wallet, or pockets. Look at places like your home, office, or a station like Union or BurJuman. Retracing your steps might help you find the card before taking further action.

Step 2: Block Your NOL Card If It’s Registered

If your NOL Card is registered with RTA, you can block it to prevent misuse. A registered card links to your RTA account, offering extra security. Here’s how to block it:

1. Visit the RTA Website: Go to www.rta.ae on your phone or computer.
2. Log In: Use your email and password to access your RTA account.
3. Find NOL Card Services: Look for “NOL Card” options and select “Report Lost or Stolen Card.”
4. Block the Card: Enter your card’s 10-digit tag ID (on the back) and confirm to block it.

You can also call RTA’s helpline at 800 90 90 to block the card if you can’t access the website. Once blocked, no one can use your card, keeping your balance safe.

Step 3: Apply for a Replacement Card

After blocking your registered NOL Card, request a replacement. RTA makes this process simple for registered users. Follow these steps:

1. Log In to Your RTA Account: Return to www.rta.ae and sign in.
2. Request a Replacement: Go to “NOL Card Services” and select “Replace Card.”
3. Enter Details: Provide your card’s 10-digit tag ID and confirm your identity with your Emirates ID.
4. Pay the Fee: The replacement fee is AED 70, which includes AED 50 for the card and AED 20 initial balance.
5. Receive Your New Card: RTA processes the request within 4 days. You’ll get an SMS when the card is ready for pickup at an RTA center like Al Ghubaiba, or it can be delivered to your address within 15 days.

Replacement ensures you get a new card without losing access to public transport.

Step 4: Transfer Your Balance to the New Card

If your lost NOL Card had a remaining balance, you can transfer it to your new card, but only if the old card was registered. Here’s how:

1. Log In to RTA Account: Visit www.rta.ae and sign in.
2. Select Balance Transfer: Go to “NOL Card Services” and choose “Transfer Balance.”
3. Enter Details: Input the 10-digit tag ID of your lost card and the new card.
4. Confirm the Transfer: Follow the prompts to complete the process.

The transfer takes up to 4 days, and RTA sends an SMS confirmation. If your balance is over AED 100, it must transfer to a new registered card. If under AED 100, you can request cash instead.

Step 5: What to Do If Your Card Isn’t Registered

Unregistered NOL Cards lack the same protection as registered ones, making recovery harder. Here’s what to do:

1. Call RTA Helpline: Contact RTA at 800 90 90 to report the loss. They can’t block an unregistered card, but they’ll note the report.
2. Visit Lost and Found: Check RTA Customer Service Centers at stations like Rashidiya or BurJuman. Someone might have turned in your card.
3. Buy a New Card: If the card is gone, purchase a new NOL Card for AED 25 (includes AED 19 balance) at any metro station or online at www.rta.ae.

Without registration, you lose any balance on the card, so always register your NOL Card for safety.

Step 6: Prevent Future Losses

Protect yourself from future stress by taking these steps:

• Register Your Card: Link your NOL Card to your RTA account at www.rta.ae. It takes 2 minutes and secures your balance.
• Use a Cardholder: Keep your card in a wallet or cardholder to avoid misplacing it.
• Save the Card Number: Take a photo of your card’s 10-digit tag ID. This helps when reporting a loss.
• Check Before Leaving: Always ensure you have your NOL Card before leaving home or a station like Deira City Centre.

These habits keep your card safe and reduce the risk of loss.

Additional Information on NOL Card Protection

Registering your NOL Card doesn’t just help with loss or theft. It also lets you join NOL Plus, RTA’s loyalty program, where you earn points on every trip. For example, spending AED 1 on a registered card earns 1 point, which you can redeem at Carrefour or Burger King. Over 500,000 users have registered their cards with RTA as of 2024, showing how valuable this step is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I get a refund for a lost NOL Card?

Only registered cards qualify for refunds. Block the card, request a replacement, and transfer the balance to your new card.

Q. How long does a replacement take?

RTA processes replacement requests in 4 days. You can pick up the new card at an RTA center or have it delivered within 15 days.

Q. Is there a fee to replace a lost NOL Card?

Yes, the fee is AED 70, covering the new card cost and initial balance.

Q. What if I find someone else’s NOL Card?

Take it to an RTA Customer Service Center at stations like Al Ghubaiba. RTA’s lost and found service will try to return it to the owner.

Summary

If your NOL Card is lost or stolen, stay calm and retrace your steps. Block a registered card on www.rta.ae or by calling 800 90 90. Replace it for AED 70, transfer your balance, and get a new card within 4 days. For unregistered cards, visit RTA lost and found or buy a new one. Register your card to avoid future issues and travel smoothly on Dubai Metro.