For new residents in the UAE who hold a driving licence from their home country, there is good news. They may be eligible to directly exchange their existing driving licence for a UAE driving licence, without the need for driving classes or tests. The process and requirements vary depending on the emirate you reside in, so here is a breakdown of the steps and necessary documents for each.
Dubai: Exchange through Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
Step 1: Apply Online To begin the process, visit the RTA website and select the “Apply Now” option. From there, choose your driving licence origin country and category. Enter the issue date, expiry date, and possession status of your original licence. Also, provide your nationality and select your driving licence category (light vehicle automatic, light vehicle manual, motorcycle, or heavy vehicle). Once you’ve filled in the required details, submit the application along with a copy of your original driving licence and any required translations. The fees for the exchange can be paid electronically using a debit or credit card.
Step 2: Undergo an Eye Test After submitting your application, you will need to visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre to complete an eye test.
Step 3: Receive Your Licence Once you have successfully completed the eye test, visit an RTA customer happiness centre, present your application reference number, eye test result, and original driving licence. Your UAE driving licence will be issued to you upon completion.
Costs: The fees for converting your driving licence in Dubai include Dh200 for opening a file, Dh600 for issuing the licence, Dh50 for the handbook manual, and Dh20 for Knowledge and Innovation fees.
Abu Dhabi: Exchange through Abu Dhabi Police
Step 1: Start the Online Application To initiate the process in Abu Dhabi, log in to the Abu Dhabi government’s official online platform using UAE PASS. Enter the country that issued your licence and your driving licence number. Additionally, upload the Arabic translated version of your driving licence and make the necessary payment.
Step 2: Undergo an Eye Test Once you’ve submitted the online application, you will need to undergo an eye test.
Step 3: Get Your Licence Issued Visit the traffic licensing department of Abu Dhabi Police with your reference number. Abu Dhabi Police will issue your new UAE driving licence after verification.
Cost: The fees for converting your driving licence in Abu Dhabi include Dh100 for the eye test and Dh600 for the driving licence.
Northern Emirates: Exchange through Ministry of Interior (MOI)
Step 1: Start the Online Service If you reside in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you need to follow the process provided by the Ministry of Interior. Visit the provided link and log in using UAE Pass. Enter the country that issued your licence and your driving licence number. Upload the required documents, provide your Emirate, address, and mobile number, and make the payment online.
Step 2: Present the Receipt and Receive Your Licence After completing the online process, visit the traffic licensing department in your respective Emirate and present the receipt. Your driving licence will then be issued to you.
Cost: The cost for replacing a foreign driving licence in the Northern Emirates is Dh600, and an eye test costs Dh100.
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By following these steps and meeting the requirements, new residents in the UAE can easily exchange their foreign driving licences for UAE driving licences, allowing them to legally drive in the country without undergoing additional driving classes or tests. It’s essential to remember that the specific requirements and eligible countries for exchange may change over time, so always check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
