Renew UAE Dubai Driving License- Easy Steps in 2023
UAE & Dubai Driving License Renewal: Renewal Process, Required Documents, and Fees
Driving is an essential part of life in the UAE and Dubai. It is essential to have a valid driving license to drive legally on the roads. A driving license is valid for a limited period, and it is important to renew it before it expires. In this article, we will discuss the process of renewing a driving license in the UAE and Dubai and provide you with everything you need to know to make the renewal process as smooth as possible.
A. Explanation of the UAE Driving License Renewal
A driving license is a legal document that permits individuals to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. In the UAE and Dubai, driving licenses are issued by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police, respectively. A driving license is valid for ten years for Emiratis and five years for expatriates.
B. Importance of Renewing the Driving License
Renewing your driving license is crucial to ensure that you can continue driving legally in the UAE and Dubai. Driving with an expired license can result in fines and penalties. Additionally, it is essential to renew your driving license to maintain your driving record and to ensure that your insurance coverage remains valid.
Understanding the Renewal Process
Renewing your driving license is a straightforward process. The following are the requirements and steps you need to follow to renew your driving license.
A. Requirements for Renewal
To renew your driving license, you need to meet the following requirements:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A valid residence visa
- A copy of your current driving license
- An eye test report
B. Renewal Period and Grace Period
You can renew your driving license up to six months before its expiry date. The grace period for renewing a driving license is one month from the expiry date. If you fail to renew your driving license during the grace period, you will need to pay a fine to renew it.
C. Renewal Procedure
The renewal process for driving licenses in the UAE and Dubai is straightforward. You can renew your driving license online or by visiting a RTA customer happiness center. or a police station.
A. Online Renewal Procedure To renew your UAE Dubai driving license online, follow these steps:
- Visit the RTA website
- Enter your Emirates ID number and driving license number
- Pay the renewal fees
- Complete the eye test
B. Renewal Procedure through RTA Customer Happiness Centers To renew your UAE driving license at an RTA customer happiness center, follow these steps:
- Visit an RTA customer happiness center
- Provide the required documents
- Pay the renewal fees
- Complete the eye test
Below is the List for RTA Happiness Centers
- Customer Happiness Centre – Umm Ramool
- Customer Happiness Centre – Deira
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Barsha
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Manarah
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Twar
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Kifaf
- Tasjeel Al Tawar
- Barsha Tasjeel
- Muhaisna Shamil
- Tamam Vehicle Testing
- Al Qusais Tasjeel
- Wasel Vehicle Testing – Al Jaddaf
C. Renew Via Eye Testing Centers
- The customer takes the eye test at the centre.
- The customer settles all the due fines.
- The customer receives a temporary driving licence by email while waiting for the original renewed licence, which can be delivered through 2 channels:
List of Eye Test Centers in UAE which are approved by RTA
| Prime Medical Center – Dubai International Airport – Terminal 1, Departures Hall – First Floor |
| Dubai Optical |
| Yateem Optician |
| Malak Typing – Photocopying & Optical |
| Emirates Driving Institute – Eye Test |
| Salik Optical |
| Barakat Optical |
| Belhasa Driving Centre – Eye Test |
| Al Jaber Optical |
| Executive Optics |
| Apple International Optical |
| Leen Optics |
| Grand Optics |
| Rivoli EyeZone |
| Magrabi Optical |
D. Applying through RTA Smart Apps
- The customer takes an electronic eye test at one of the Eye Test Centres.
- The customer selects Apply for Renewing a Driving Licence service from the Smart App.
- The RTA smart App is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- The customer scans the QR code from the driving licence, or enters the following information: driving licence number, issue date, birth year and traffic code number.
- The customer settles the fines.
- The customer settles the required fees by credit card.
- The customer receives a temporary driving licence by email while waiting for the original renewed licence, which can be delivered through 2 channels:
What is the Validity of the License After Renewing ?
- Below 21 years old: 1 Year
- 21 years old and above: 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens and 5 years for residents.
How much time does it take to get License Renewed?
After the Dubai RTA has reviewed your application and all the necessary documents, you will receive your renewed driving license. The processing time for renewing your driving license may vary depending on the type of license and your nationality.
In general, it takes around three to seven working days to renew your driving license. If you have an urgent need for your driving license, you can opt for an express service to get it renewed within one working day.
Important Things to Bear in Mind When Renewing your UAE Dubai Driving License
- The validity of the medical test is 6 months from the date of its issuance.
- All fines on the driving licence must be paid.
- If the customer was 21 years old and above, the driving licence can be renewed 1 year before its expiry date.
- If the customer was less than 21 years old, the licence can be renewed 1 month before its expiry date.
- The driving licence to be renewed must be valid and with its owner.
- Temporary or interim driving licences cannot be renewed.
- The customer’s photograph is retrieved from the Emirates ID scanner.
- Marsoom holders with an expired passport can renew their driving licence for a maximum period of 1 year.
- Diplomats, people without a family book (Marsoom), and sons of Emirati women must visit the Customer Happiness Centers Umm Ramool, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Deira, Al Barsha or Al Kifaf to apply for the service in order to fulfill the requirements for their exceptions.
- The customer can request the mobile truck service for the eye test and licence renewal.
- If the driving licence was expired for more than 10 years, its renewal requires an evaluation test.
- The renewal will be calculated from the transaction date for all customers.
Renewing your Dubai driving license is a straightforward process that can be completed online or in-person. The process involves four simple steps, including preparing the necessary documents, completing the online application form, submitting the application and necessary documents, and receiving your renewed license.
By following these steps, you can avoid any delays or complications in renewing your driving license and ensure that you are legally permitted to drive in the UAE. Remember to renew your license before it expires to avoid any fines or legal issues that may arise.
Can I renew my Dubai driving license online?
Yes, you can renew your Dubai driving license online by visiting the Dubai RTA website and completing the online application form.
What documents are required for renewing my Dubai driving license?
The required documents for renewing your Dubai driving license include a valid Emirates ID, your current driving license, and a recent eye test certificate.
How long does it take to renew my Dubai driving license?
In general, it takes around three to seven working days to renew your Dubai driving license. However, you can opt for an express service to get it renewed within one working day.
What is the renewal fee for a Dubai driving license?
The renewal fee for a Dubai driving license varies depending on the type of license you hold and your nationality. You can check the Dubai RTA website for the updated fee structure.
What happens if I don't renew my Dubai driving license on time?
If you fail to renew your Dubai driving license before it expires, you may be subject to fines and legal issues, and you will not be permitted to legally drive in the UAE.
If the customer is on a visit visa, can he renew his expired driving licence?
No, the customer must have a valid Emirates ID.
If the driving licence is issued in Dubai and the visa is from another emirate, can the customer renew the driving licence online?
Yes, the customer can renew the licence online after making sure that all the details of the traffic file are updated on the traffic system according to the new residence visa.
If the customer submits the photo to the eye test centre and does the renewal online, which photo will appear on the new driving licence?
As per the policy, only the Emirates ID photo is used. However, if the said photo was not extracted for a certain reason, it is substituted with a photo from the system of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, or from the camera, or the scanner.
What is the procedure in case there is missing information?
If the customer applies for the licence online with missing information or documents, RTA team sends him an SMS to provide the details.
SMS Content: Dear customer, kindly provide us with your passport copy including your valid visa to complete your transaction. Email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Thank you from RTA.
What is the procedure in case the Police cancels or suspends a driving licence after reaching 24 black points?
The customer must go to Dubai Police to request an NOC letter to apply for an Evaluation test, so that RTA can open a new training file.
Is it possible to renew or add a category to a military driving licence?
No, the customer must visit the concerned authority to add a category or renew the military licence.
What is the procedure in case the customer’s driving licence was confiscated by Dubai Police for a reason, and the customer was asked to refer to the authority to solve the problem?
The customer is sent to Barsha Licensing Centre or Deira Licensing Centre.
How much is the RTA driving license renewal fee?
The renewal fee for a Dubai driving license is AED 300 for 10 years of validity for Emiratis and 5 Years for Residents. The cost may vary depending on the type of license and the duration of validity.
What is the grace period for RTA driving license renewal?
The grace period for Dubai driving license renewal is 1 month from the expiry date of the license. After the grace period, a late renewal fee of AED 10 per day will be added to the renewal fee.
What are the new rules for license renewal in Dubai?
In Dubai, the new rules for license renewal include the requirement of passing an eye test, a medical fitness test for drivers over the age of 65, and attending a lecture on traffic rules and regulations.
What is the grace period for expired driving license in Dubai?
The grace period for an expired driving license in Dubai is 1 month from the expiry date. During this period, the driver is allowed to renew their license without paying any fines.
Is eye test required for license renewal in Dubai?
Yes, an eye test is required for license renewal in Dubai. The eye test should be conducted at any RTA-approved optical center.
Is eye test mandatory for driving license renewal?
Yes, the eye test is mandatory for driving license renewal in Dubai. It is required to ensure the driver's visual acuity meets the required standard for safe driving.
What is the fine for driving with expired license in UAE?
Driving with an expired license in UAE can result in a fine of AED 500 and 4 black points on the driver's license.
How much is the eye test for driving license in Dubai?
The eye test for driving license renewal in Dubai typically costs around AED 100. The cost may vary depending on the optical center where the test is conducted.
What is the validity of UAE driving license?
The validity of a UAE driving license depends on the type of license and the age of the driver. Generally, a driving license is valid for 10 years for drivers under the age of 21, and for 5 years for drivers over the age of 21.
What is the total cost for Dubai driving license?
The total cost for obtaining a Dubai driving license can vary depending on the type of license, driving school fees, and other associated costs. However, on average, the total cost can range from AED 4,500 to AED 7,000.
Can I renew my Dubai driving license without residence visa?
No, you cannot renew your Dubai driving license without a residence visa. This is because the residency visa is required for the renewal process as it serves as an important document for identification and verification purposes. Additionally, it also confirms the validity of your stay in Dubai and ensures that you meet the required criteria for obtaining or renewing a driving license. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your residency visa is valid and up-to-date before applying for a renewal of your Dubai driving license.
