How to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence for a Dubai Licence

Moving to Dubai often means needing a local driving licence. If you already hold a valid licence from certain countries, you may not need to start from scratch. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows residents to exchange eligible foreign licences for a driving licence in Dubai. This saves time and effort while letting you drive legally.

Why Exchange Your Licence

Exchanging a foreign licence has clear benefits:

• Avoid lengthy driving lessons and road tests.
  
• Begin driving legally as soon as you complete the process.
  
• Ensure compliance with Dubai’s traffic laws.
  

It is important to note that only licences from certain countries are eligible for direct exchange. Others may require knowledge and road tests.

Required Documents

To exchange your foreign licence, you will need:

• A valid Emirates ID.
  
• Original driving licence issued in an eligible country.
  
• Electronic eye test certificate from an RTA-approved centre.
  

For some cases, you may also need:

• Knowledge test result (for Singapore and certain other licences).
  
• Road test result (for licences outside the exception countries).
  

If your licence lacks official security features, a certificate from your country’s consulate or embassy may be required to confirm validity.

Eligible Countries

The RTA maintains a list of countries whose licences are eligible for direct exchange. Some of the main countries include:

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

Licences from regions like Puerto Rico, Guam, Monaco, Andorra, Jersey, or Liechtenstein cannot be exchanged. Full details are available on the RTA website.

Process to Exchange Your Licence

Online Process:

1. Log in to the RTA website using Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass.
   
2. Enter your details and upload required documents.
   
3. Provide your foreign licence information and select the licence category.
   
4. Submit the application and receive a reference number.
   
5. Complete the eye test at an accredited centre.
   
6. Visit a Customer Happiness Centre with your original licence for verification.
   
7. Settle the fees online or at the centre.
   
8. Receive a digital copy of your licence or request a physical copy.
   

In-Person Process:

1. Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or accredited driving institute.
   
2. Submit the required documents.
   
3. A traffic file will be opened if applying for the first time.
   
4. Pay the applicable fees.
   
5. Receive a printed licence after verification.
   

Fees

The cost varies depending on your licence category:

• General exchange: Dh200 file opening, Dh600 licence issuance, Dh50 manual, Dh140–180 eye test, Dh20 knowledge fees.
  
• Singapore licence holders: Dh200 file opening, Dh100 learning application, Dh50 manual, Dh400 knowledge test, Dh300 licence issuance, Dh20 knowledge fees.
  

Additional fees apply for delivery if choosing a physical copy. Standard delivery is Dh20, same-day Dh35, two-hour delivery Dh50, and international delivery Dh50.

Validity

• Under 21 years: 1-year validity.
  
• 21 years and above: 2-year validity.
  

The licence can be renewed according to standard RTA procedures.

Important Rules and Conditions

• Your foreign licence must be valid at the time of exchange.
  
• Eye tests must be done at RTA-authorised optical stores, centres, or institutes.
  
• GCC licence holders can exchange their licence regardless of Emirates ID issuance.
  
• Singapore licence holders require a Knowledge Test.
  
• Licences from non-exception countries may need both knowledge and road tests.
  

Where to Apply

You can submit your application through:

Customer Happiness Centres: Umm Ramool, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Kifaf

RTA-Accredited Driving Institutes: Al Ahli, Belhasa, Dubai Driving Centre, Drive Dubai, Galadari, Emirates Driving Institute, Eco-Drive, Bin Yaber, Excellence

Tips for a Smooth Exchange

1. Prepare all documents in advance to avoid delays.
   
2. Book your eye test online to save time.
   
3. Check the latest list of eligible countries before applying.
   
4. Keep both digital and original copies of your foreign licence.
   
5. Track your application online using the reference number.
   

Conclusion

Exchanging a foreign licence for a driving licence in Dubai is straightforward if you meet the eligibility requirements. Residents from exception countries can bypass the full training and testing process, saving both time and money. By completing the necessary documents, paying the fees, and following RTA guidelines, you can start driving legally in Dubai without unnecessary delays.