Renew Driving License in Dubai - Complete Guide

Renewing your Dubai driving license is crucial to ensure you remain legally compliant and avoid hefty fines. A valid driving license allows you to drive safely and confidently on Dubai's busy roads. The renewal process is straightforward: gather necessary documents, then apply online through the RTA website or visit an authorized centre. ...read more

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Renewing your license on time not only keeps you legally protected but also maintains your driving record in good standing. Read the following sections to know about how to renew your driving license in Dubai. 

Dubai Driving License Renewal Procedures

It is mandatory in Dubai to renew your driving license every year. For your convenience the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has come up with several ways for driving licence renewal in Dubai. The ways include -

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Driving Licence Renewal 

If you are a Dubai resident and 18 years or older, you can get a driving license. That's exciting, right? A driving license gives you the freedom to explore Dubai roads. However, residents aged 18-21 will receive a probationary license. This serves as a stepping stone to your full driving license later, allowing you to start driving early and gain valuable experience on the road.

Documents Required for Driving License Renewal in Dubai

The following is the list of documents required for renewing your driving licence in Dubai -

For Applicants Under the Age of 21 Years -

  • Valid Emirates ID

For Applicants of Age 21 Years and More -

  • Valid Emirates ID
  • Eye Examination Report

For Diplomats -

  • A letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • A copy of diplomatic card for international organisations, consulates, and embassies
  • Emirates ID card (if applicable)

For People of Determination -

  • Doctor’s referral certificate by the licensing institution
  • Medical check-up at Rashid Hospital

For Passport Holders without a Family Book (Certified Holders) -

  • A valid copy of passport 
  • A valid decree paper copy

For Children of Female Emarati Citizens -

  • Valid passport copy
  • A letter from General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, validating the client’s relationship as a child of a female national
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RTA-Approved Eye Test Centres in Dubai

The  following are the major RTA-approved eye test centres in Dubai for driving licence renewal -

Centre Address Contact Number
Dubai Optical Dubai Optical Group, 402, Apricot Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis +971 4 397 6549
Yateem Optician Yateem Optician Dubai Office, Yateem Group, Al Quoz 4, Dubai +971 4 5066000
Malak Typing - Photocopying and Optical Shaikh Zayed Road Al Quoz Industrial Area 2, Dubai N/A
Emirates Driving Institute - Eye Test Facility Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), P.O. Box- 20948, Al Qusais +971 4 263 1100
Salik Optical  66 18 C St, Al Safa 2, Dubai N/A
Barakat Optical Dubai-Al Ain Road (E 66 Road), Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai +971 4 425 9816
Belhasa Driving Centre N/A 800 2354272
Prime Medical Centre First Floor, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1, Departure Hall +971 4 707 0999

How to Renew a Driving License in Dubai?

The following are the waus to renew your driving license in Dubai -

 

RTA Dubai Official Website -

 

Renewing your Dubai driving license gets easy with RTA official website. Whether you're getting a new license or renewing an existing one, just follow these simple steps:

  • Step1- First, visit one of the eye test centers for a quick vision check.
  • Step2- Go to the RTA official website and click on Driver and Car Owner Services.
  • Step3- Find Driving Licence Services to explore renewal options.
  • Step4- Enter your Emirates ID or driving license details to access your information.
  • Step5- Upload all required documents to complete the process smoothly.
  • Step6- Make sure to settle any fees or fines if applicable.
  • Step7- You’ll receive a temporary driver's license to use while waiting for the original one.
  • Step8- The temporary license is valid for 5 to 15 working days.
  • Step9- Once ready, collect your new driver's license from Happiness Centres in Al Barsha or Deira.
  • Step10- Alternatively, get it delivered to your doorstep by paying an additional AED 25 for shipping.

 

Dubai Driver App -

 

  • Step1- Go to your phone’s app store, search for “RTA Dubai Drive App,” and download it.
  • Step2- Open the app, sign in if you have an account or create a new one. You might need to provide personal details and verify your identity.
  • Step3- After signing in, find the “Driver’s License Renewal” section on the main menu or home screen.
  • Step4- Make sure you meet all renewal requirements like having a valid Emirates ID and no outstanding fines.
  • Step5- Upload required documents such as your Emirates ID and a recent passport-sized photo.
  • Step6- The app will show your renewal fee. Pay securely using available payment methods.
  • Step7- If required, schedule a visit to the RTA office through the app.
  • Step8- Once approved, you’ll get a confirmation. Your renewed license will be available as an e-license on the app.
  • Step9- Save a digital copy of your renewed license on your phone—it’s valid for driving until your physical license arrives.
  • Step10- If you opt for a physical card, it will be mailed to your address. Once it arrives, you can legally drive in Dubai.

 

Customer Happiness Centres and Service Centres -

 

The following are the Customer Happiness Centes for your driving license renewal in Dubai -

  • Umm Ramool
  • Al Towar
  • Al Barsha
  • Al Manarah
  • Deira
  • Al Kifaf Tasjeel
  • Al Aweer

Some other service centres are -

  • Tamam Vehicle Testing
  • Al Qusais Tasjeel
  • WasJaddaf
  • Muhaisna Shamil
  • Barsha Tasjeel
  • Wasel Belhasa

 

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Mahboub Chatbot -

 

You can renew your Dubai license online using the Mahboub Chatbot on the RTA website. Here’s how:

  • Open the Mahboub chat window and type “Renew Driving Licence.”
  • Enter your traffic file number, license issuance date (YYYY format), birth year (YYYY format), and driver’s license number when prompted.
  • Choose “Electronic document sent to the customer’s registered email” as your delivery method. Additional charges of AED 20 to AED 50 may apply based on your preference.

 

RTA Call Centre -

 

If your driving license is nearing expiration, you can renew it easily by contacting the RTA Dubai call center at 8009090. Here's how it works:

  • Provide your driving license number to the call center representative.
  • Pay the fees using your credit card.
  • You’ll receive a temporary driving license via email while your original license is being processed.
  • The temporary license is valid for 5 to 15 days, depending on your specific case.
  • Once your original license is ready, you can collect it from Customer Happiness Centers in Deira or Al Barsha.
  • Alternatively, you can opt for delivery by courier for an additional AED 25.

Important Articles of RTA Pages

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Sharjah Transfer Car Registration

Charges Associated with Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

The following are the charges related to renewal of Dubai driving license -

Services  Amount
Dubai driving license renewal (under 21 years old)  AED 100
Dubai driving license renewal (21 years old and above)  AED 300
To open a learning file fee AED 200
Charge for a learning form AED 100
Handy safe driving guide AED 50
RTA examination fee AED 200
Delay in Dubai driving license renewal fine AED 500
Driving licence renewal AED 300

Note - With every service, there is a innovation and knowledge fee of AED 20. 

Fines for Delaying Driving License Renewal in Dubai

Renewing a driving license in Dubai is mandatory to drive the vehicle on the road peacefully and avoid any penalties. In case there is a dely, you would need to pay fines for any of the following -

  • If you renew within ten years after expiry, there’s a small AED 10 fee per month of delay.
  • The maximum late fee is AED 500, so it’s best to renew promptly. 
  • If your license has been expired for more than ten years, you must take a mandatory road test before renewing. Once you pass the test, you can renew your license for AED 1,370.

 

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Processing Time and Validity for Driving License Renewal in Dubai

You should renew your Dubai driving license a year before it expires if you are 21 or older. For those under 21, it can only be renewed one month before expiration. The renewal process takes about 3 to 5 working days.

Note that the license must be valid and with the owner at the time of renewal. Temporary driving licenses cannot be renewed.

For those under 21, the license is valid for one year. For citizens over 21, it's valid for 10 years. For residents and GCC citizens, it's valid for 5 years.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Renewing Your Driving License in Dubai

Here are some key points to remember before renewing your Dubai driving license -

  • Settle all fines on the driving license.
  • If you're 21 or older, you can renew your license up to 1 year before it expires.
  • If you're under 21, you can renew it up to 1 month before expiration.
  • Temporary driving licenses cannot be renewed.
  • Marsoom holders with expired passports must renew their driving license within 1 year.
  • If your license has expired for over 10 years, you need to get an eye test done.
  • You must have a valid driving license at the time of renewal.
  • Diplomats, Marsoom holders, and sons of Emirati women need to visit specific Customer Happiness Centres to apply.
  • The renewal duration is calculated from the date of the transaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to renew your driving License in Dubai?

Your License gets renewed almost immediately once you pay your traffic fines. However, note that this duration is exclusive of the time needed for eye tests and biometric data capture.

Can you renew your Dubai driving License from any other country?

No, you can renew your Dubai driving License only in Dubai. 

Can you renew your Dubai driving License in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, you can renew your Dubai driving License in Abu Dhabi online. With that said, make sure that the traffic system has all the traffic files according to the Abu Dhabi residence visa.

What documents do expatriates need to renew their driving License?

If you are an expat, you would need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from your employer as per the company’s policy. It is advisable to check with your HR regarding the same. 

What is the validity of your renewed driving License in Dubai?

The validity period varies from 5 years to 10 years based on your preference and eligibility. 

 

Can I get a Dubai driving license renewed without holding a residence visa?

No, you cannot renew your driving license renewed in Dubai if you do not hold a UAE residence visa. 

Can I renew your driving license online?

You can renew your Dubai driving license online via RTA’s official website or Dubai Driver app. 

Can you renew your driving license in Dubai without an eye test?

An eye examination is a mandatory requirement to renew your driving license in Dubai. 

What is the penalty for not renewing your driving license in Dubai?

If you renew within ten years after the expiry date, there's a small fee of AED 10 per month of delay. The maximum late fee is AED 500.

What is the grace period to renew your driving license in Dubai?

The grace period of 30 days before your driving license expires.

For how many years a Dubai driving license is valid?

Driving licenses can be renewed in 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens and 5 years for residents.

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