How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence for a Dubai Licence

Dubai: Expats relocating to Dubai can often bypass the lengthy process of obtaining a driving licence from scratch—thanks to a streamlined licence exchange programme offered by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Eligible residents can swap their foreign driving licences for a Dubai licence, saving both time and hassle.

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Here’s everything you need to know:

Required Documents

• For Dubai residents holding a licence from an exception country:
  • Valid Emirates ID
  • Electronic eye test
  • Original driving licence issued in the exception country
• Singapore licence holders:
  • Knowledge test result
• Licence from an exception country but nationality from a non-exception country:
  • Knowledge test result
  • Road test result

Fees Breakdown

Service Component	Fee (AED)
Opening a file	200
Issuing the licence	600
Handbook manual	50
Eye test (at approved centres)	140–180
Knowledge & Innovation fees	20

Singapore licence exchange (special case):

• Opening a training file: 200
• Issuing learning application: 100
• Handbook manual: 50
• Instant knowledge test: 400
• Issuing the driving licence: 300
• Knowledge & Innovation fees: 20

Where to Apply

• Online via RTA website:
  1. Log in using Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass.
  2. Provide required information and upload documents.
  3. Submit, receive a tracking reference number.
  4. Complete the eye test at an accredited centre.
  5. Submit the original licence at a Customer Happiness Centre.
  6. Await SMS to pay fees.
  7. Pay online and choose delivery method (digital copy or physical via self-service, standard, same-day, or 2-hour delivery—fees apply).
• In person at Customer Happiness Centres such as:
  • Umm RamoolAl ManarahAl TwarDeiraAl BarshaAl Kifaf
  Alternatively, applicants may approach any RTA-accredited driving institute, including:
  • Al Ahli Driving Centre
  • Belhasa Driving Centre
  • Dubai Driving Centre
  • Drive Dubai (Dubai International Driving Centre)
  • Galadari Motor Driving Centre
  • Emirates Driving Institute
  • Emirates Transport Driving Institute
  • Excellence Driving Centre
  • Bin Yaber Driving Centre
  • Eco-Drive Driving Institute

Licence Validity & Conditions

• Licences are valid for:
  • 1 year for drivers under 21
  • 2 years for those aged 21 and above
• Additional Requirements:
  • Licence must be valid.
  • Eye tests must take place at RTA-authorised centres.
  • If the licence lacks security features, a consulate or embassy certificate verifying validity is required.
  • Licences from certain areas (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam, Monaco, Jersey, Andorra, Liechtenstein) cannot be exchanged.
• Special note for Singapore licence holders:
  • A knowledge test is mandatory, even if other documents are complete.

Eligible Countries (Exception List)

Residents holding valid licences from the following 20+ countries may exchange them directly:

• Romania, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, France, Britain, Norway, USA, Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa.

Exchanging your foreign driving licence in Dubai is a convenient alternative for many expats—provided your licence and nationality meet RTA’s criteria.

By preparing the right documents, completing the required tests, and selecting the appropriate application channel (online or in person), you can acquire a Dubai driving licence swiftly and efficiently.

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