How to Transfer a Foreign Driving License in the UAE: Fees, Procedure, and More?

/ Uncategorized / By

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to transfer a foreign driving license to a UAE driving license:

1. Eligible Countries
2. Required Documents
3. Procedure
4. Fees
5. Key Points

1. Eligible Countries

The following countries are eligible for driving license exchange in the UAE:

  • GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar
  • Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom
  • North America: United States, Canada
  • Asia and Pacific: Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, China, Singapore, South Korea
  • Africa: South Africa

2. Required Documents

To exchange a foreign driving license, submit the following documents:

  • Emirates/Resident ID
  • Passport with residence visa (original and copy)
  • Current valid driving license
  • Eye test certificate from an approved optician
  • 2 passport photos

3. Procedure

  • Get an eye test from a clinic approved by the health authority of your emirate (e.g. DHA for Dubai). Inform them it’s for a driving license exchange.
  • Visit the RTA Driving License Centre or relevant authority in your emirate with the required documents. Fill out the application form and submit it.
  • Wait while your application is verified and a new file is opened with your information. Pay the required fees at the cashier.
  • Your photo will be taken, and within a few minutes, your UAE driving license will be issued.

4. Fees

The total fees to exchange a foreign driving license in Dubai are:

  • AED 200 for opening a traffic file
  • AED 600 for license issuance
  • AED 50 for the manual
  • AED 20 for knowledge and innovation fees

5. Key Points

  • Your new UAE driving license will initially be valid for 2 years, and then renewable for 5 years thereafter.
  • You will no longer have your previous foreign driving license after the transfer.
  • The transfer process and fees may vary slightly between different emirates in the UAE.
  • If your country is not on the eligible list, you will need to undergo the full driving test process to obtain a UAE license.
×