eZhire Blog

How To Renew Your Dubai Driving License in 2025 (+Cost)

Written by Tamsila Ali | Nov 8, 2024

Table of contents 


In Dubai, keeping your driving license valid and up-to-date is a crucial obligation for all drivers. Avoiding any fines or legal consequences linked with driving with an expired license is a must. Dubai's driving licenses must be renewed every ten years, with some categories of drivers requiring more frequent renewal. It costs AED 320 to renew your driving license in Dubai if you are over 21. If you are under 21, it's AED 120. Renewal costs can vary depending on various factors.

As of November 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced several enhancements on how to renew driving license in Dubai, Here’s a list of the updates:

Update Description
Integration with UAE Pass The RTA has now linked its online services with the UAE Pass, allowing drivers to renew their licenses using a single, secure login. This streamlines the renewal process and boosts security.
Expanded Optical Centers More authorized optical centers are now available across Dubai, making the mandatory eye test more accessible and reducing waiting times.
Enhanced RTA Dubai App The app has been updated for a better user experience, offering real-time status tracking, notifications, and access to digital copies of the driving license.
24/7 Smart Kiosks Smart kiosks have been installed throughout Dubai, allowing users to renew licenses, pay fines, and access other services at any time of day. This is perfect for residents with busy schedules.
Digital Driving Licence After renewal, users receive an instantly available digital license in the RTA app, which is recognized throughout the UAE, promoting eco-friendly practices.

Follow the steps outlined above to renew your driving license easily and stay on top of the renewal process. Here you can review UAE Traffic Fines.

Real-Life Dubai Driving License Renewal Experiences In 2025

Renewing your driver's license in Dubai isn't just about filling out forms. It's crucial to ensure you can drive legally and safely. Let's hear about the experiences of three people who renewed their licenses in 2024:

Example 1: Easy Online Renewal

David, a Dubai local, turned 21 and needed to renew his license. He used the RTA website. With a few clicks, he entered his info, uploaded documents, and paid online. In less than an hour, he got his renewed license delivered.

Example 2: Fatima's Traditional Renewal

Fatima, living in Dubai as an expat, liked the old-fashioned way. She went to the RTA service center with her documents. Despite the crowd, she managed well. With the help of RTA staff, she filled out forms, submitted documents, and paid. She got a temporary license while waiting for the new one.

Example 3: Ali's Renewal Via Driving School

Ali, a senior citizen in Dubai, renewed through a driving school. Due to his age, he needed a medical test. He took a refresher course and passed the test. He gave documents and paid through the school.

They handled everything, making it easy for Ali. These examples show different ways to renew a license in Dubai. Online, in-person, or through driving schools, you can do it easily while following rules and keeping your driving privileges.

Importance Of Renewing Your Driving License On Time

Renewing your driver's license on time is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is a legal requirement in Dubai to have a valid driving license while operating a motor vehicle. Secondly, renewing your driving license on time ensures that you stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to driving laws and regulations, which can help you stay safe on the roads. 

Finally, failing to renew your driving license on time can result in fines and legal consequences, which can be costly and time-consuming to deal with.

 

Steps Involved In Renewing Your Dubai Driving License

Renewing your Dubai driving license is a straightforward process that involves several steps. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

  • Enter your personal information, including your Emirates ID and driving license number

  • Choose a renewal period (either 5 or 10 years)

  • Pay the renewal fee online

  • Schedule an appointment at an RTA licensing center to complete the renewal process

  • Attend the appointment and bring all required documents (including your current driving license, Emirates ID, and passport)

  • Complete any necessary tests or medical exams (if required)

  • Receive your renewed driving license

In conclusion, renewing your Dubai driving license is an essential process that all drivers must go through to ensure that their license is valid and up-to-date.

By following the steps outlined above, you can renew your driving license easily and avoid any fines or legal consequences associated with driving with an expired license.

Section 1: Eligibility Criteria For Dubai Driving License Renewal

In Dubai, driving licenses need to be renewed every 10 years for UAE nationals and every 5 years for expatriates. However, drivers over 65 years old need to renew their licenses every 3 years.

To be eligible for a Dubai driving license renewal, the driver must be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of one year of driving experience.

The required documents for the renewal process include the original Emirates ID, the current driving license, and a passport-sized photograph. An eye test is also required for the renewal process.

The cost of renewing a Dubai driving license is 320 AED for customers aged 21 and older and the process takes approximately 30 minutes. For customers under 21, it's 120 AED.

If a driver fails to renew their license before it expires, they will be subject to a penalty of AED 10 per day for the first 30 days, followed by AED 20 per day thereafter.

Additionally, if a driver's license has expired for more than a year, they will need to retake the driving test before being able to renew their license.

Section 2: Dubai Driving License Renewal Process Step-By-Step Guide

Renewing your Dubai driving license is a straightforward process that can be done online, in person, or through a driving school. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process for each method of renewal.

Method 1: Renewing Online

Renewing your Dubai driving license online is the easiest and most convenient way to do it. 

Here are the steps Involved

Step 1: Visit the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website and log in to your account.

Step 2: Click on the "Renew Driving License" option.

Step 3: Follow the instructions and fill out the required information, such as your Emirates ID and driving license number.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, including a passport-sized photo, Emirates ID copy, and eye test certificate.

Step 5: Pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card.

Step 6: Wait for the RTA to process your application. You can track the status of your application online.

Step 7: Once your application is approved, your renewed driving license will be sent to your registered address.

Method 2: Renewing In Person

Renewing your Dubai driving license in person is a good option if you prefer to do things face-to-face. Here are the steps involved:

Step 1: Visit a Dubai RTA customer service center or approved typing center.

Step 2: Fill out the renewal form and provide the required documents, such as your Emirates ID, current driving license, and eye test certificate.

Step 3: Pay the renewal fee in person using cash or a credit/debit card.

Step 4: Wait for the RTA to process your application.

Step 5: Once your application is approved, you will be issued a temporary driving license until your renewed driving license is sent to your registered address.

Note: Rent a car in Dubai through a company such as eZhire and happen to receive a traffic fine? Please note that the rental company will be notified by the appropriate authority and will handle payment of the fine on your behalf. You will be then charged for the fine.

Method 3: Renewing Through A Driving School

Renewing your Dubai driving license through a driving school is a good option if you need to take a refresher course or want to improve your driving skills. Here are the steps involved:

  • Step 1: Choose a driving school that offers license renewal services.

  • Step 2: Attend the refresher course or driving lessons as required.

  • Step 3: Take the mandatory eye test.

  • Step 4: Provide the driving school with the required documents, such as your Emirates ID and current driving license.

  • Step 5: Pay the renewal fee to the driving school.

  • Step 6: Wait for the RTA to process your application.

  • Step 7: Once your application is approved, your renewed driving license will be sent to your registered address.

In conclusion, renewing your Dubai driving license can be done easily online, in person, or through a driving school. Whatever method you choose, make sure to follow the steps carefully and provide all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free renewal process.

 

FAQ's

 

Q.1 How long does it take to renew a driving license in Dubai?

A. The renewal process for a driving license in Dubai typically takes about 30 minutes at a Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) office. However, if your license has expired or if you need to undergo any medical tests or driving classes, the process may take longer.

 

Q. 2 How much does it cost to renew a driving license in Dubai?

 The cost of renewing a driving license in Dubai in 2023 is subject to potential changes in fees, regulations, and processes.

However, based on current rates, the standard Dubai Driving licence renewal fees are AED 320 if you are over 21 years old and AED 120 if you are under 21. It is essential to stay informed about any updates from the RTA to ensure an accurate understanding of the renewal costs at that time.

 

Q3. What should I do if my driving license is lost or stolen?

If your driving license has been lost or stolen, you should report the loss to the police and obtain a police report. You will then need to apply for a replacement license at a Dubai RTA office. 

Replacing a lost or stolen driving license in Dubai involves a fee ranging from AED 110 to AED 210, depending on the urgency of your need.

Always keep your driving license secure and consider acquiring a digital version through the RTA Dubai app as a backup.

Q.4 Do I need to undergo a medical test to renew my driving license in Dubai?

If you are 65 years of age or older, you will need to undergo a medical test to renew your driving license. 

Additionally, if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive, you may be required to undergo a medical test before your license can be renewed.

 

Q.5 Do I need to take driving classes to renew my driving license in Dubai?

If your driving license has expired for more than two years, you may need to take driving classes before your license can be renewed.

Additionally, if you have accumulated a certain number of black points on your license, you may also be required to take driving classes. 

The number of classes required will depend on the number of black points on your license.

Conclusion

The blog emphasizes the importance of renewing your driving license on time to avoid any legal and financial consequences. 

It highlights the need to renew your license before it expires and avoid driving with an expired license. 

The blog provides a step-by-step guide for the renewal process, including the documents required, the fees, and the application process. 

Following these steps can help make the renewal process hassle-free and ensure that you have a valid license to drive safely and legally. Now that you have learned more about renewing a driving license, why not explore more of our guides, such as everything you need to know about traffic fines in Dubai?