How to Convert a Foreign Driving Licence to a UAE Licence: Latest Guide

You can convert your foreign driving licence to a UAE licence without taking driving lessons or road tests if your licence was issued by one of the 57 eligible countries recognised by the UAE authorities. 

The process involves passing an eye test at an RTA-approved centre, submitting your original licence (which must be surrendered), paying the applicable fees (approximately AED 1,010–1,050 in Dubai), and applying online via the RTA website or in person at a Customer Happiness Centre. Last year alone, 58,082 licences from 57 countries were successfully exchanged in Dubai. 

If your country is not on the list, you must follow the standard route: enrol at a driving institute, complete lessons, and pass theory and road tests.

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Licence Recognition vs Licence Exchange: What's the Difference?

The UAE draws a clear legal distinction between licence recognition and licence exchange , confusing the two causes problems.

Important: Once your residence visa is stamped and your Emirates ID is issued, visitor recognition ends. You are legally required to hold a valid UAE driving licence. A common misconception is that an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be converted into a UAE licence; it cannot. 

Residents who continue driving on a foreign licence or IDP after obtaining residency risk fines that can exceed AED 5,000 and vehicle impoundment.

57 Countries Eligible for Direct Licence Exchange (2026 Updated List)

In January 2026, Dubai's RTA confirmed that driving licences from 57 countries are currently eligible for replacement with UAE licences, with new countries added through bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding. The list is verified from the official RTA and Ministry of Interior sources.

Recent additions include Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the State of Texas (USA), and Croatia.

Complete List of Eligible Countries

Important Note for US Licence Holders: The State of Texas is now treated separately from the rest of the United States. Texas licence holders can exchange directly, while other US states follow the same process but may have slightly different requirements. The list continues to expand as the UAE signs new bilateral agreements.

Who Is Eligible for Licence Exchange?

To be able to convert your home country driving licence to a UAE driving licence, you need to fulfil the following requirements:

Important: The UAE splits every applicant into one of two completely different processes:

1. Direct exchange: no test required (eligible countries only)
2. Full driving school programme lessons, theory test, and road test required (if your country is not on the list)

Nationality vs Issuing Country: Someone holds a UK licence but an Indian passport, or a US licence earned while on a student visa from a country that isn't on the exchange list, may find that the fast exchange route isn't available. The RTA may check both the country of issue AND your nationality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Your Licence in Dubai

Step 1: Get an Eye Test

You will need to visit an optical centre approved by the RTA. Most optical shops have stickers on their doors stating they are RTA-approved, so they are easy to identify.

Note: Eye tests are available at RTA-accredited centres and driving institutes. Booking online can save time.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will need to provide the following documents:

Important: Licences lacking security signs require certification from the consulate.

Online Driving Licence Renewal in UAE - Dubai

Step 3: Submit the Application

You can submit the application online via the RTA website or in person at a Customer Happiness Centre.

Online Application Steps:

Note: If you have logged in using your UAE PASS, your details will already be filled in.

Step 4: Verification and Payment

• Visit the Customer Happiness Centre for verification (if required)
• Receive an SMS to settle fees → pay online
• Download your digital licence or opt for a physical copy (delivery fees: AED 20–50)

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Fees for Converting a Foreign Licence

Note: Fees may vary slightly between emirates. For Singapore licence holders, the fees are different.

Dubai Driving Licence Medical Test: RTA Requirements

Where to Apply

Online Application

• RTA Website: www.rta.ae
• Dubai Drive App: Available on iOS and Android

Customer Happiness Centres

• Umm Ramool
• Al Manarah
• Al Twar
• Deira
• Al Barsha
• Al Kifaf

RTA-Accredited Driving Institutes

• Al Ahli Driving Centre
• Belhasa Driving Centre
• Dubai Driving Centre
• Drive Dubai – Dubai International Driving Centre
• Galadari Motor Driving Centre
• Emirates Driving Institute
• Excellence Driving Centre
• Eco-Drive Driving Institute

Abu Dhabi Residents

If you live in Abu Dhabi, you can apply through the TAMM platform.

Sharjah and Northern Emirates

Apply through the Ministry of Interior's MuroorKhous portal.

Licence Validity

FAQ 

1. How many countries can exchange their driving licence?

Currently, 57 countries are eligible for direct licence exchange without road tests. The list is updated periodically as the UAE signs new bilateral agreements.

2. Can I convert my foreign driving licence to a UAE licence?

Yes, if your licence is from one of the 57 eligible countries. You only need to pass an eye test, submit your documents, and pay the fees.

3. Difference between licence recognition and licence exchange?

Recognition allows tourists and visitors to drive using their foreign licence during temporary stays. Exchange requires residents to replace their foreign licence with a UAE licence.

4. Can I drive with my foreign licence after getting my Emirates ID?

No. Once you become a resident, you must exchange your foreign licence for a UAE licence. There is no meaningful grace period; start the conversion process as soon as your Emirates ID comes through.

5. How much does it cost to convert a foreign licence in Dubai?

The total cost is approximately AED 1,010 – 1,050, including the eye test, traffic file, licence issuance, handbook, and Knowledge/Innovation fees.

6. Can I convert my International Driving Permit (IDP) to a UAE licence?

No. An IDP is a translation document valid for one year and carries no standalone authority. It cannot be converted into a UAE licence.

7. Is the UAE driving licence valid in other countries?

Yes. UAE citizens can drive in 34 countries using their UAE licence. The list includes the UK, China, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Finland, and the US state of Texas.

8. If I drive without a UAE licence after becoming a resident?

You risk fines that can exceed AED 5,000 and vehicle impoundment.

9. How long does the licence exchange process take?

The process can be completed in as little as a single visit in Dubai. Online applications are typically processed quickly.

10. What countries were recently added to the eligible list?

Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the State of Texas (USA), and Croatia were among the most recent additions.

11. Do I need to surrender my original foreign licence?

Yes. In most cases, the original licence must be surrendered upon exchange.

12. Do I need an Arabic translation of my foreign licence?

Yes, if your licence is not in English or Arabic. You will need a legal Arabic translation from an approved translation service.