If you’ve new resident of Dubai or another part of the UAE and already hold a valid international driving license, you may be able to exchange it for a UAE driving license—without having to take any driving lessons or tests. If you’re eligible for this direct exchange, visit the official Dubai RTA website at www.rta.ae. There, you’ll find the full list of approved countries and steps to apply.
Who Can Exchange Their License?
You can only exchange your international license if it’s from a country approved by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). If your license is from one of the countries listed below, you can apply for a UAE driving license directly.
If you are a national of the following countries, and have a driving license issued by the country, you are eligible to swap your license for a UAE driving license: 1. GCC Countries 2. Lithuania 3. Portugal 4. Hungary 5. Bulgaria 6. Latvia 7. Serbia 8. Luxembourg 9. Iceland 10. Estonia 11. Cyprus 12. Slovakia 13. Malta 14. Albania 15. Romania 16. Germany 17. Italy 18. Switzerland 19. Poland 20. Finland 21. Spain 22. Holland 23. Greece 24. Sweden 25. Belgium 26. Ireland 27. Turkey 28. Denmark 29. Austria 30. France 31. Britain 32. Norway 33. The Republic of Montenegro 34. United States of America 35. Canada 36. Japan 37. South Korea 38. Hong Kong 39. People’s Republic of China 40. Australia 41. New Zealand 42. Singapore 43. South Africa
According to the RTA website, to exchange a Singapore driving license, the customer must take a Knowledge Test in one of the registered driving institutes.
The website also states that driving licenses issued from the following countries cannot be used for this service: • Puerto Rico (USA) • North Mariana (USA) • Guam island (USA) • Liechtenstein island (Switzerland) • Monaco island (France) • Jersey island (Britain).
Documents Required to Apply for a UAE Driving License:
- Original driving license from an RTA-approved country
- Valid Emirates ID (original)
- Eye test report from an RTA-approved optical center
- Official translation of your license (if not in English or Arabic)
Steps to Convert Your Foreign License for a UAE Driving License
If you’re eligible to convert your international driving license into a UAE driving license, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Apply Online for a UAE Driving License
- Go to this link: Apply Now – RTA Website
- Click on ‘Apply Now’.
- Choose the country where your current driving license was issued.
- Select the type of licence (e.g. car, motorcycle, heavy vehicle).
- Enter the issue and expiry dates of your current license.
- Indicate whether you have the original licence with you.
- select your nationality.
- Select your driving category – such as light vehicle automatic, manual, motorcycle, or heavy vehicle.
- If you qualify, the system will show you a list of required documents.
- Click ‘Apply Now’ again.
- Enter your Emirates ID details.
- Fill in your personal details – name, mobile number, date of birth, and address.
- Upload a copy of your original driving licence (and a translated copy if it’s not in English or Arabic).
- Submit the application and pay the fee online using a debit or credit card.
- You’ll receive a reference number – save it, as you’ll need it for the next steps.
Step 2: Take an Eye Test
After your application, you must do an eye test.
You can take the test at any RTA-approved optical center or at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre.
Step 3: Get Your UAE Driving License
- Go to an RTA Customer Happiness Centre.
- Get a token number for the licence service.
- Provide your application reference number, eye test result, and your home country driving license to the officer.
- If everything is in order, your UAE driving license will be printed and handed to you.
Fees for UAE Driving License Conversion
- AED 200 – File opening fee
- AED 600 – Licence issuance fee
- AED 50 – Handbook manual
- AED 20 – Knowledge and innovation fees
