How to convert an existing Driving License in Dubai

Table of Contents

• Countries with Reciprocal Driving License Agreements with Dubai
• Transferring your license in just 3 simple steps
• What is the Cost of the entire Process? 
• FAQ's
• Conclusion

Find out how to exchange your non-Emirates Driving License for an Emirates License:

To find out if you are permitted to drive in Dubai on your existing license, Here is a list of countries in which Dubai has reciprocal agreements:

Countries with Reciprocal Driving License Agreements with Dubai

• Australia

• Austria

• Bahrain

• Belgium

• Canada

• Denmark

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Ireland

• Italy

• Japan

• South Korea

• Kuwait

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Oman

• Poland

• Portugal

• Qatar

• Romania

• Saudi Arabia

• South Africa

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Turkey

• United Kingdom

• The United States.

NOTE: Please call RTA at 8009090 for any changes to this list

To exchange your license, you must meet the following conditions:

• Your old, foreign license must still be valid.
• You have to be a citizen of the country mentioned above with current resident status in UAE. This means that former residents of these countries who may be holding permanent driver's licenses are not eligible and you will have to follow all the steps to get a new license.
• If you are from CANADA then you need to provide A letter from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai to verify that the license is genuine.
• Driving license holders from Greece, Canada, Cyprus, Poland, Turkey, Japan & South Korea will require a translation of their driving license from their respective consulates.

If you are eligible and want to exchange your previous driver’s license for an Emirate one, you need to submit the documents listed below to the Dubai Traffic Department.

• Passport for residents (original & copy),
• Residence permit copy,
• Current driving license (original & copy),
• Translation of driving license (for some countries as mentioned above),
• Consulate letter (for Canadians),
• 1 passport-size photograph,
• Eye test certificate,
• No-objection letter from your sponsor,
• AED 360 for the transfer fee and opening a driving file.

*Fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Transferring your Driving License in just 3 Simple Steps

STEP NO:1

Get an eye test done. This can be done at any hospital or clinic. Give them 2 passport-size photos and mention that, it is for a driving license. 

STEP NO:2

• Go to Dubai Traffic Department Driving License Section,  from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm on a working day.
• Ladies can go to the Ladies' Section, where the work is even quicker.
• Fill up the application form & submit all documents to the officer.
• Take signed documents from the officer & pay fee to the cashier.
  
  

STEP NO: 3

• Submit all documents at the data  Entry Counter.
• Your name will be called out and your photograph was taken.

And that’s it, a few minutes later, you will receive your license.

This process is generally fast and painless and can be completed in as little as 20 minutes.

If you  don’t have an existing driving license and want to know how to get a driving license in Dubai, just tap on the link How to get a Driving License in Dubai

What is the Cost of  To Converting Dubai Driving Licence? 

• File Opening Fee: AED 200

• Knowledge and Innovation Fees: AED 20

• Eye Test Fee: Approximately AED 170 (varies by location)

• Driving License Issuance Fee: AED 600

• Knowledge Test Fee: AED 220

• Road Test Fee: AED 220

• International Driving License Fee: AED 220 (if applicable)

• Parking Test Fee: AED 220 (if applicable)

Additional costs might include

• Translation and attestation of documents: If required, the fees can vary depending on the service provider.
• Additional lessons or tests: If the applicant needs extra driving lessons or has to retake any tests.

To ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to check with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai or visit their official website. 

The RTA periodically updates the fee structure and requirements, so direct verification is always recommended.

FAQ's

Q1: What documents are required to transfer my driving license to a Dubai driving license?

A: You need your passport (original & copy), residence permit copy, current driving license (original & copy), translation of driving license (if required), consulate letter (for Canadians), 1 passport-size photograph, eye test certificate, and a no-objection letter from your sponsor.

Q2: Do I need to take a driving test to convert my license?

A: No, if you are from a country with a reciprocal agreement, you only need to submit the required documents and pay the fees. No driving test is required.

Q3: How long does it take to convert my driving license in Dubai?

A: The process is usually fast and can be completed in as little as 20 minutes, provided all documents are in order and the fees are paid.

Q4: Are there any specific requirements for Canadian license holders?

A5: Yes, Canadian license holders need to provide a letter from the Canadian Consulate in Dubai verifying the authenticity of the license.

Conclusion

Converting your driving license to a Dubai driving license is a straightforward process if you are from a country with a reciprocal agreement. 

By ensuring you have the necessary documents, completing an eye test, and paying the required fees, you can easily transfer your license and be ready to drive in Dubai in no time. 

The entire procedure is designed to be quick and efficient, allowing you to complete it in just a few steps. Make sure to verify any recent changes in requirements or fees by contacting the RTA at 8009090.