How to apply for new driving licence based on exchanging licences in Dubai?

This service enables you to obtain a new driving licence based on exchanging licences from other countries to Dubai, according to the list of authorised countries.

Eligibility Criteria to apply for new driving licence based on exchanging licences in Dubai

Individual customers, citizens and residents, are eligible to apply for this service.

Documents Required to apply for new driving licence based on exchanging licences in Dubai

1. Original driving licence from the exception countries (Holders of paper driving licences must submit a letter from the consulate)

2. Electronic eye test

3. Original valid Emirates ID

4. Legalised translation of the licence if it was not in English or Arabic (check the table in terms and conditions)

For residents with a visa issued in another emirate (the company has a branch in Dubai and the customer works there)

1. Original valid Emirates ID

2. Electronic eye test

3. Trade licence copy of both branches (Dubai and other Emirate branches)

4. Letter from the company certifying that the customer works in Dubai branch

For exchanging Singapore driving licence

1. Knowledge Test result

Customers with diplomatic passport

1. Diplomatic passport + copy

2. Original driving licence

3. Electronic eye test

4. Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affaires valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission

5. Diplomatic card for embassies, consulates and international organisations instead of the Emirates ID.

Customers having a licence from exception countries but their nationality is not from the listed countries

1. Knowledge test result

2. Road test result.

How to apply for new driving licence based on exchanging licences in Dubai?

Through Website

• The customer accesses RTA website.

• The customer specifies his nationality and the source of his driving licence and attaches a copy of it.

• The customer submits the application and receives a reference number to follow up.

• The customer undergoes the eye test at one of the Eye Test Centers accredited by RTA.

• The customer brings his original driving licence to the Customer Happiness Centre to verify it or withdraw it based on the nationality.

• The driving licence is printed and submitted to the customer.

Through Customer Happiness Centres

• The customer submits the required documents at the service centre.

• The driving licence data is verified.

• A traffic file is opened if the customer is applying for the first time.

• The customer settles the required fees at the centre.

• The customer receives an electronic copy of the receipt to the e-mail registered in the system, and a text message to the registered phone number with a link to download a copy of the transaction receipt.

• The driving licence is printed and submitted to the customer.

Through Driving Institutes (for Singaporeans)

• The customer presents the required documents at the institute.

• The driving licence data is verified.

• A traffic file is opened if the customer is applying for the first time.

• The customer books an appointment for the Knowledge test.

• The customer settles the required fees at the centre.

• The customer receives an electronic copy of the receipt to the e-mail registered in the system, and a text message to the registered phone number with a link to download a copy of the transaction receipt.

• After passing the Knowledge test, the driving licence is printed and submitted to the customer.

Fees Required

• 200 AED for opening a file

• 600 AED for issuing a licence

• 50 AED for the handbook manual

• +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees.

For Singaporean licence holders

• 200 AED for opening a training file

• 100 AED for issuing a learning application

• 50 AED for the handbook manual

• 400 AED for instant knowledge test

• 300 AED for issuing the driving licence

• +20 AED Knowledge and Innovation Fees.

Time Required

• 5 minutes.

Validity

• 1 year for customers below the age of 21

• 2 years for customers 21 years and above.

Terms and Conditions

• The driving licence to be exchanged must be valid.

• Customer Happiness Centers where eye test is available: Customer Happiness Centre - Umm Ramool, Customer Happiness Centre - Al Manarah, Customer Happiness Centre - Al Twar, Customer Happiness Centre - Deira, Customer Happiness Centre - Al Barsha, Customer Happiness Centre - Al Kifaf.

• The eye test is available in all Driving Institutes.

• Diplomats must visit the Customer Happiness Centers to apply for the service in order to fulfill the requirements of their related exceptions.

• The customer or his legal representative must be present in person.

• Driving licences cannot be replaced for holders of dual passports if they were residents of an unauthorised country and it shows on one of their passports.

• Driving licences issued from GCC for GCC citizens must be valid upon their replacement. Original licences are withdrawn from their holders.

• GCC passport holders, who have a valid driver's licence from the same country or from one of the exception countries, can exchange the driving licence in Dubai regardless of the Emirates ID place of issuance.

• To exchange a Singapore driving licence, the customer must take a Knowledge Test in one of the driving institutes mentioned in the 'ways to apply' list.

• Driving licences issued from the below countries cannot be replaced:

  • Puerto Rico (USA)

  • North Mariana (USA)

  • Guam island (USA)

  • Liechtenstein island (Switzerland)

  • Monaco island (France)

  • Jersey island (Britain).

• Exception countries: