For new residents in the UAE who hold a driving licence from their home country, there is good news. They may be eligible to directly exchange their existing driving licence for a UAE driving licence, without the need for driving classes or tests. The process and requirements vary depending on the emirate you reside in, so here is a breakdown of the steps and necessary documents for each.
Dubai:
Road and Transport Authority (RTA) If you hold a driving licence from a country approved by Dubai’s RTA, you can apply for a UAE driving licence. Here are the steps and documents required:
Step 1: Apply Online
- Visit the RTA website and select the “Apply Now” option.
- Choose your driving licence origin country and category.
- Enter the issue date, expiry date, and possession status of your original licence.
- Provide your nationality and select your driving licence category (light vehicle automatic, light vehicle manual, motorcycle, or heavy vehicle).
- Submit the application, along with a copy of your original driving licence and any required translations.
- Pay the fees electronically using a debit/credit card.
Step 2:
Undergo an Eye Test Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre to complete the eye test.
Step 3:
Receive Your Licence Visit an RTA customer happiness centre, present your application reference number, eye test result, and original driving licence, and your UAE driving licence will be issued.
Costs:
The fees include Dh200 for opening a file, Dh600 for issuing the licence, Dh50 for the handbook manual, and Dh20 for Knowledge and Innovation fees.
Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi Police Abu Dhabi Police’s traffic and licensing department accepts driving licences from 44 countries for direct exchange. Here are the required documents and steps:
Step 1: Start the Online Application
- Log in to the Abu Dhabi government’s official online platform using UAE PASS.
- Visit the provided link and enter the country that issued your licence and your driving licence number.
- Upload the Arabic translated version of your driving licence.
- Make the necessary payment.
Step 2:
Undergo an Eye Test After submitting the application, undergo an eye test.
Step 3:
Get Your Licence Issued Visit the traffic licensing department of Abu Dhabi Police with your reference number. Abu Dhabi Police will issue your new UAE driving licence.
Cost:
The fees include Dh100 for the eye test and Dh600 for the driving licence.
Northern Emirates:
Ministry of Interior (MOI) If you reside in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you need to follow the process provided by the Ministry of Interior. Here are the steps and documents required:
Step 1: Start the Online Service
- Visit the provided link and log in using UAE Pass.
- Enter the country that issued your licence and your driving licence number.
- Upload the required documents.
- Provide your Emirate, address, and mobile number.
- Make the payment online.
Step 2: Present the Receipt and Receive Your Licence Visit the traffic licensing department in your respective Emirate and present the receipt. Your driving licence will then be issued.
Cost: The cost for replacing a foreign driving licence is Dh600, and an eye test costs Dh100.
By following these steps and meeting the requirements, new residents in the UAE can easily exchange their foreign driving licences for UAE driving licences, allowing them to legally drive in the country without undergoing additional driving classes or tests.
