Convert Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai: 57 Countries

Who This Guide Is For: Newly arrived expatriate residents in Dubai holding an Emirates ID and a recognized foreign licence.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Follow these verified steps in chronological sequence to avoid common administrative delays or fines:

Step 1: Check Country Eligibility & Translation Requirements

Verify that your licence was issued by one of the 57 eligible countries recognized by the RTA. If the physical licence is in a language other than English or Arabic (e.g. Japanese, German, Greek), obtain a certified legal translation from an approved UAE translation bureau.

Step 2: Take the Mandatory RTA Electronic Eye Test

Visit any RTA-approved optical shop (Yateem Optician, Rivoli EyeZone, Grand Optics, Magrabi). Present your Emirates ID, pass the eye exam (AED 140–180), and the optician uploads the medical result directly to your RTA traffic profile.

Step 3: Submit Exchange Application Online or at Center

Log into rta.ae or RTA Dubai App using UAE Pass. Select 'Apply for a New Driving Licence Based on Exchanging Licence'. Upload high-res scans of your Emirates ID, foreign licence, and legal translation. Alternatively, visit an RTA Customer Happiness Center (Umm Ramool, Al Barsha, Deira).

Step 4: Pay Fees & Collect Physical UAE Licence

Pay the total issuance fee (approx. AED 870–900). Your digital UAE driving licence appears immediately in your Apple Wallet and RTA app. The physical card can be printed instantly at self-service kiosks or delivered via courier (AED 20).

Required Documents Checklist

Ensure you have the following credentials ready before initiating this service:

Original Emirates ID (with valid Dubai residency visa)

Original valid foreign driving licence

Certified legal translation (if foreign licence is not in English or Arabic)

RTA Eye Test Certificate (electronic)

Consulate verification letter (required only for specific nationalities)

Official Fees Breakdown

The following figures reflect official government tariffs verified at publication time with zero markups:

Fee Component	Amount (AED)	Notes & Validity
Electronic Eye Test	AED 140.00 - 180.00	Paid to accredited optician
RTA File Opening Fee	AED 200.00	Official file opening
Driving Licence Issuance Fee	AED 600.00	Standard licence issuance fee
Handbook / Knowledge Fee	AED 50.00	RTA driver guide
Knowledge & Innovation Fees	AED 20.00	Municipal service fees
Total Estimated Conversion Cost	AED 1010.00 - 1050.00	Excludes courier delivery (AED 20)

Expected Processing Timeline

In-person at RTA center: 20 minutes. Online submission: 2 to 3 business days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Critical Pitfalls & Fine Risks

Attempting to convert temporary, provisional, or learner permits from foreign countries — only full permanent licences are eligible.
Assuming tourists can convert their licence: you MUST have an active UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID to exchange your licence.
Failing to note that Singapore licence holders are required by RTA bilateral agreements to pass a brief Knowledge Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are eligible for direct licence exchange in Dubai?

The RTA recognizes 57 countries, including: GCC (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar); North America (USA, Canada); Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, etc.); Oceania (Australia, New Zealand); Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore); and South Africa.

Do I have to surrender my foreign driving licence?

In most cases, the RTA inspects and verifies your original foreign licence and hands it back to you. However, certain countries require surrender under reciprocal diplomatic agreements.

What if my passport nationality does not match my driving licence issuing country?

Under RTA regulations, if your nationality differs from the country that issued your driving licence, you may be requested to present an official letter of authenticity from your issuing country's consulate or take an RTA Road Test.

How long is my newly converted Dubai driving licence valid?

For expat residents, the converted licence is valid for 2 years initially, and renewable for 5 years thereafter. For UAE and GCC citizens, it is valid for 10 years.

Can I drive in other Emirates with my converted Dubai licence?

Yes. A Dubai UAE driving licence grants full, unrestricted legal driving privileges across all 7 Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ).

Official Sources & Verification References

Every procedure, tariff, and fine in this guide was directly verified on the following official portals:

https://www.rta.ae (Official Portal)
https://u.ae (Official Portal)

How to Convert a Foreign Driving Licence to a UAE Licence in Dubai