To get a driving licence in the UAE is quite simple and straightforward, but one needs to take driving lessons and clear a test. However, if you have a US driving licence, you can convert it to a UAE driving licence without a hassle. You can easily convert a US driving licence to a UAE licence without a driving test.
To make matters easier for you, we have compiled a complete guide on how you can apply for US driving licence conversion, its process and required documents.
How to Convert US Driving Licence to UAE Driving Licence
If you are a US passport holder, you can convert your driving licence to Dubai and other emirates without taking the test. However, people with a US driving licence who aren’t US citizens can also convert their driving licence to the UAE after clearing the road test, yard test and theory test.
Clear the Eye Test
The applicant must clear the vision test to proceed with the American driving licence conversion. You need to pick a certified optician from the concerned medical authorities of the emirate. The eye test lasts for three years from the date of issuance and costs AED 140.
Documents Required to Convert US Driving Licence to UAE
You need the following documents in order to convert a US driving licence to UAE.
- Original and Copy of passport
- Copy of residence visa
- Copy and original US driving licence
- Valid and original Emirates ID
- Electronic eye test with two passport-sized photographs
- No Objection Certificate
- A complete form for the transfer of the licence
- Legalised translation of the driving licence if it is not translated in Arabic or English
It is important to note that if you are living in Abu Dhabi then you can get the eye test done directly from the Traffic and Licensing Department in Mushrif.
Also, 66 professionals don’t need NOC to convert the US driving licence to UAE. These include judges, lawyers, military personnel, doctors, writers and engineers. You can find the complete list of exempted professions on the RTA website.
The Process to Convert American Driving Licence in the UAE
Once you get all the documents along with the eye tests results, you are required to visit the traffic authority of the concerned Emirate. There you will be required to follow the below-mentioned process:
- You need to take the required documents to the service centre, where your driving licence data will be verified.
- Once your data is verified, a traffic file will be opened if you are applying for the first time.
- Now, you are required to settle down the fees at the centre.
- You can get an electronic copy of the receipt via registered email. Also, you will get a text message on your registered phone number where you can download a copy of a transaction receipt by clicking on the given link.
- After the completion of the process, the licence will be issued and printed for the applicant.
If you live in Dubai, you can convert US driving licence by visiting the following Customer Happiness Centres or the RTA Dubai office.
- Customer Happiness Centre at Umm Ramool
- Customer Happiness Centre at Al Barsha
- Customer Happiness Centre at Al Manarah
- Customer Happiness Centre at Al Kifaf
- Customer Happiness Centre at Al Twar
- Customer Happiness Centre at Deira
However, those who want to apply for a US driving licence conversion in Abu Dhabi can get it from the Drivers’ Licensing Department in Mushrif. The process of driving licence conversion can take a little longer in Abu Dhabi; whereas, in Dubai, it only takes 5 minutes to complete the whole process.
US Driving Licence Conversion Fees
The fee of the driving licence conversion in the UAE is under AED 1,000 if you don’t have to take any test. However, the policy is subject to change with time. Here is the cost to convert your American international driving licence to UAE:
- File opening: AED 200
- Licence issuance charges: AED 600
- Handbook manual: AED 50
- Knowledge and innovation fees: AED 20
Validity of US Converted Driving Licence to UAE
The validity of the UAE driving licence based on exchanging licences is one year for people below the age of 21. However, if you age above 21 years then the validity of the licence is 2 years.
FAQs
Can I drive in the UAE with a US licence?
Yes, the US driving licence is among the few licences that are considered valid in the UAE. All you need is a bit of documentation along with photographs and visit the concerned traffic authority of the Emirate you are residing in.
How to renew my driving licence online in Dubai?
The RTA online renewal of driving licence is based on a very simple and straight forward process. It can be carried out via the website or the RTA app.
With this, we wrap up our guide on how to convert a US driving licence to UAE. Getting a driving licence in the UAE is quite hassle-free. Also, if you don’t own a car and looking for some affordable options, then browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
If you have a UK driving licence, then check out our guide on how to convert UK driving licence to UAE.
You can check our UAE driving licence guide for further information. Also, you need to be aware of the traffic rules of the UAE.
Visit the UAE’s popular car blog for more information on traffic regulations and laws in the UAE.
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