How Expats Can Exchange Their Foreign Driving Licence for a Dubai Licence Without Starting from Scratch

For many expats moving to Dubai, one of the first priorities is securing the right to drive. If you already hold a driving licence from an authorised country, you may be able to exchange it directly for a Dubai licence through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), avoiding the need for fresh training and testing. The process is straightforward if you meet the requirements, and involves submitting documents, paying the prescribed fees, and undergoing an eye test.

 

Documents Required

Applicants with a residence visa issued in Dubai must provide a valid Emirates ID, the results of an electronic eye test, and the original licence issued in an exception country. Holders of a Singapore licence need to submit a Knowledge Test result in addition to these requirements. If your licence is from one of the exception countries but your nationality does not fall under the approved list, you must pass both a Knowledge Test and a Road Test.

 

Fees

For a standard licence exchange, the fees include Dh200 for opening a file, Dh600 for issuing the licence, Dh50 for the handbook manual, Dh140 to Dh180 for the eye test at authorised centres, and Dh20 for Knowledge and Innovation fees. For Singaporean licence holders, the structure differs slightly, with Dh200 for opening a training file, Dh100 for a learning application, Dh400 for the instant knowledge test, Dh300 for issuing the licence, along with the handbook fee and Knowledge and Innovation charges.

 

Where to Apply

Applications can be completed online through the RTA website or in person at Customer Happiness Centres such as Umm Ramool, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Deira, Al Barsha, and Al Kifaf. RTA-accredited driving institutes including Al Ahli, Belhasa, Dubai Driving Centre, Drive Dubai, Galadari, Emirates Driving Institute, Excellence Driving Centre, and several others also handle applications.

 

Process

Online applicants log in through Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass, upload the required documents, and provide details of the existing licence. Once the category is selected, the application is submitted and tracked using a reference number. An eye test must be completed at an RTA-accredited centre, and the original licence submitted for verification. Once fees are settled, the licence is issued as a digital copy, with options for physical delivery through self-service kiosks or courier services. Delivery charges range from Dh20 for standard service to Dh50 for express or international delivery.

 

Those applying through Customer Happiness Centres need to submit the documents directly, after which the licence data is verified and a traffic file opened if necessary. Fees are then paid at the centre, and the printed licence is handed over on the spot.

 

Validity

Dubai driving licences are valid for one year if the applicant is under 21, and for two years if 21 or older.

 

Terms and Conditions

The foreign licence must be valid at the time of exchange. Eye tests can be taken at any RTA-authorised optical centre, institute, or Customer Happiness Centre. In cases where the original licence does not carry security features, a certificate from the issuing country’s embassy or consulate must confirm its authenticity. Certain regions, such as Puerto Rico, North Mariana, Guam (all USA territories), Liechtenstein, Monaco, Jersey, and Andorra, are excluded from the exchange programme.

 

Applicants who have opened a training file in Dubai based on a licence from a non-authorised country but later present a licence from an exception country must also provide a clearance certificate and a consulate-issued verification certificate.

 

Eligible Countries

According to RTA, countries eligible for exchange include Romania, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, France, Britain, Norway, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Africa, among others listed on the official RTA website. GCC nationals can also exchange their valid home-country licences, and GCC passport holders may do so irrespective of their Emirates ID place of issuance.

 

Special Rules for Singapore

Applicants holding a Singapore licence must complete a Knowledge Test at one of the authorised driving institutes before the exchange can be processed.

 

For expats, this system offers an efficient way to drive legally in Dubai. By preparing the correct documents, completing the eye test, and paying the required fees, eligible applicants can obtain a Dubai driving licence quickly -- without undergoing the full training and testing process.

 

 

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