Foreign nationals can exchange their home country’s driving licence for a UAE one in Dubai. While the process is straightforward, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations is essential. From the necessary documentation to understanding various terms and conditions, there are several important factors to consider when converting a foreign driving licence in Dubai.
Driving Licence Exchange in Dubai
Converting a foreign driving licence into a UAE one through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The licence can be obtained by visiting the Customer Happiness Centre or vehicle registration and inspection centres, or through the website.
Through Website
Exchanging a driving licence for a Dubai one involves the following steps:
- Step 1: Log in to the official RTA portal
- Step 2: Navigate to ‘Exchange Licence’ and then ‘New Driving Licence’
- Step 3: Enter all the required information and upload the documents
- Step 4: Complete the information and receive a ‘Reference Number’
- Step 5: Now, add details of the existing driving licence
- Step 6: Upload ‘Existing Driving Licence (Copy)’ along with its legalised translation (if required)
- Step 7: Submit the application and receive another reference number
- Step 8: Complete the eye test at an RTA-approved eye test centre
- Step 9: Surrender your original driving licence (if necessary) and pay the fee
- Step 10: Receive the digital or physical licence
Please note that receiving the physical driving licence incurs a fee: AED 20 for standard delivery, AED 35 for same-day delivery, AED 50 for delivery within two days and AED 50 for international delivery.
Through the Customer Happiness Centre or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre
To apply for a UAE driving licence in exchange for a foreign licence at the Customer Happiness Centre or the vehicle registration and inspection centres, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the nearest centre and provide all the documents required
- Step 2: Verify the Driving Licence Data
- Step 3: Open a ‘Traffic File‘ if one has not already been created
- Step 4: Pay the fees and receive the receipt through SMS
- Step 5: Receive the new UAE driving licence
Documents Required for RTA Driving Licence Conversion
The documents required to convert an existing driving licence into a Dubai one vary depending on the type of visa the resident holds. The specific documentation needed for each visa type is outlined below:
Resident With a Dubai Visa
For residents holding a Dubai visa, the required documents are as follows:
- Emirates ID
- Electronic Eye Test
- Driving Licence (Original)
Resident With Visa Issues in Another Emirate
Residents with visa issues in another Emirate must provide the following documents:
- Emirates ID
- Electronic Eye Test
- Driving Licence (Original)
- Trade Licence (Copy)
- Employment Verification Letter
Resident With Diplomat Visa
For Diplomat visa holders, the following documents are required:
- Diplomatic Passport (Original and Copy)
- Driving Licence (Original)
- Electronic Eye Test
- Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Diplomatic Card
Resident With a Licence From an Exception Country
The documents required for residents holding a licence from an exception country are as follows:
- Knowledge Test Results
- Results of Road Test
Service Fees for Driving Licence Exchange in Dubai
The service fee for converting a driving licence in Dubai is AED 1,050, payable by cash or card. The breakdown of the driving licence fee is as follows:
- AED 200 for a traffic file
- AED 600 for a driving licence
- AED 50 for the handbook manual
- AED 180 for an electronic eye test
- AED 20 for knowledge and innovation
Important Things to Know When Converting a Driving Licence in Dubai
When exchanging a driving licence in Dubai, applicants should be aware of the following important points.
- Only a valid driving licence can be exchanged
- Aside from RTA-approved eye test centres, the test is also available in all driving institutes of Dubai and Customer Happiness Centres.
- The service fee for an eye test varies from centre to centre, ranging from AED 140 to AED 180.
- If the driving licence does not have a security sign, the applicant must provide a certificate from the relevant consulate or embassy of the country to verify the validity of the data.
- If a new category needs to be added when exchanging a licence, applicants must be present in person during the application process.
- For applicants holding a visa from another emirate, proof of residency, study, or investment must be provided when adding a new category to the licence exchange.
- Driving licences issued in Guam Island, Jersey Island, Liechtenstein, Monaco, North Mariana, Puerto Rico and Andorra can not be exchanged.
- Diplomats must apply through the Customer Happiness Centre to fulfil the relevant requirements.
- Diplomats must ensure that the letter provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying.
- If submitting a licence from an exception country after opening a training file in Dubai, a Clearance Certificate and a certificate from the consulate or embassy verifying the licence data are required to apply for the exchange.
- GCC nationals must possess a valid GCC driving licence and surrender it to complete the exchange.
- GCC passport and licence holders from the same country or an exception country can exchange their licence in Dubai, regardless of where their Emirates ID was issued.
- A driving licence issued in Turkey requires a Driving Licence Data Certificate from the consulate or embassy, certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the approved format.
List of Eligible Countries
The list of 20 countries eligible to exchange their driving licences in Dubai includes:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Britain
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United States of America
FAQs
Who is eligible to exchange their foreign driving licence in Dubai?
Foreign nationals holding a driving licence issued in an eligible country are eligible to exchange.
Do I need to take a driving test when exchanging my foreign driving licence in Dubai?
In most cases, a driving test is not required if the foreign licence is from an eligible country. However, an eye test is mandatory.
How long does it take to process the exchange of a foreign driving licence in Dubai?
The exchanged licence is typically provided instantly, unless an issue arises during the process.
What is the cost of exchanging a driving licence in Dubai?
The cost of exchanging a driving licence in Dubai is a total of AED 1,050.
This is how to convert a driving licence in Dubai with an existing one issued in another country. The ability for foreigners to exchange their licences ensures legal compliance with local regulations. Whether planning to buy a used car in Dubai or renting a vehicle for shorter period, owning a valid driving licence is necessary.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn more about traffic authority procedures in the UAE.
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