Exchange a foreign driving licence in Dubai: eligible countries, fees and steps

If you live in Dubai and hold a valid licence from one of the 60 countries and territories on RTA’s exchange list, you can swap it for a Dubai driving licence without driving lessons or a road test: apply online, take an eye test, and pay AED 1,050 in RTA fees. If your country is not on the list, you need to open a traffic file with a driving institute and pass the tests.

Check your country first

Being on the list is not always enough: for many countries only that country’s own nationals can exchange, some licences need a legalised translation, some are kept by RTA, and some exchange only the light-vehicle category. This is RTA’s table as published on its service page:

Singapore has its own track: its licence holders book and pass the Knowledge Test through a Dubai driving institute before receiving the licence. Emiratis can exchange licences issued by any of the countries on the list.

Fees (exchanging a licence)

Payment by cash or card. The original licence card can be delivered for AED 20 (standard), AED 35 (same day) or AED 50 (within 2 hours, or international), or collected from a self-service machine; a digital licence is issued in the RTA Dubai app.

What you need

• A valid Emirates ID
• A valid electronic eye test
• Your original foreign driving licence, and its legalised translation if your country requires one

Steps

1. Start the service on the RTA website with your Emirates ID, passport or UAE Pass, and enter the code sent to your phone.
2. Enter your personal details and upload the documents, then enter your existing licence’s details and upload a copy (and its translation, if needed).
3. Take the eye test at an accredited eye test centre.
4. Present your original licence at an RTA Customer Happiness Centre and hand it over if your country’s row says RTA keeps it.
5. Pay when you receive the SMS, and choose how to receive the licence.

The new licence is valid for 2 years if you are 21 or older, or 1 year if you are younger. On renewal, expatriate residents over 21 get 5 years, those under 21 get 1 year, and UAE and GCC citizens get 10 years; traffic fines must be paid before renewal.

Common situations (from RTA’s FAQ)

• Visa from another emirate but living in Dubai: you can exchange in Dubai if you have a Dubai tenancy contract and your company has a branch in Dubai. With personal sponsorship, you exchange in the emirate that issued your residence.
• On a visit visa: you can drive light vehicles and motorcycles in Dubai with a licence from a GCC or eligible country. Once you are a resident, you must exchange it; a US citizen on an investment visa, for example, cannot keep driving on the US licence.
• Two passports: if you entered on the passport of a country not on the list, you cannot exchange; you must open a new traffic file and apply for a new licence.
• Heavy vehicles: truck and heavy equipment licences are exchangeable only from countries whose row says all categories.

Minimum ages in the UAE

17 for motorcycles, 18 for cars and light vehicles, 20 for heavy vehicles and tractors, and 21 for buses. The minimum age to exchange a foreign licence is 18.

More guides and calculators for residents are in our tools for residents.

Checked against the RTA Dubai service page (last updated by RTA on 11 September 2026) and the UAE government portal on 26 September 2026. Fees and the country list change; confirm on the RTA page before you apply. See our editorial policy.