Dubai: If you’ve just arrived in the UAE, one of the first things to do is to get your UAE driving licence, which makes it easier to move around the country. However, while most expatriates are required to enrol in a driving school and pass theory and road tests, residents from several countries may be able to skip the process altogether.Under the UAE's driving licence exchange system, eligible residents can convert their existing driving licence into a UAE licence without taking driving lessons, theory exams or road tests, provided they meet the requirements set by the relevant licensing authority.The service is available through the Ministry of Interior's 'Markhoos' initiative and local licensing authorities, such as Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).Who can exchange their driving licence?To be able to convert your home country driving licence to a UAE driving licence, you need to fulfil the following requirements:Hold a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates IDHold a valid driving licence issued by an approved countryMeet the minimum age requirement for the vehicle categoryPass an eye test conducted by an approved optical centreProvide any additional documents required for your nationalityList of countries eligible for direct licence exchangeIn January 2026, Dubai's RTA confirmed that driving licences from 57 countries are currently eligible for replacement with UAE licences, with new countries added to the list through bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding.The list of countries includes:GCC CountriesAlbaniaAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBritainBulgariaCanadaCyprusDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHollandHong KongHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyJapanLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNew ZealandNorwayPeople's Republic of ChinaPolandPortugalRomaniaSerbiaSingaporeSlovakiaSouth AfricaSouth KoreaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandThe Republic of MontenegroTurkeyUnited States of AmericaHow to exchange your licence in DubaiIf you live in Dubai, you can apply online through RTA channels or visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre.Step 1: Get an eye testYou 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.Once your eye test is completed, the results will be uploaded into the RTA system.Cost: This can vary slightly, depending on the outlet, but normally costs between AED 100-150.Step 2: Prepare your documentsYou will need to provide your:Emirates IDPassport copyValid residence visaOriginal driving licenceLegal Arabic translation of the licence, if requiredEye test certificate (uploaded electronically in most cases)Passport-sized photograph, if requested.Step 3: Submit the applicationYou can submit the application at an RTA customer happiness centre or through the website, by following these steps:Visit https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=121Click on ‘Start service’ and enter your Emirates ID, Passport, or UAE PASS details.Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.If you have logged in using your UAE PASS, your details will already be filled in. If they aren’t, enter your details like your full name, email address and mobile number.Upload the required documents and submit the application.You will receive the reference number once the application is submitted. Once your application is approved, you will receive an SMS to pay the licence fees through the RTA website.Log in to your account on the website once again and click on ‘Licensing Services’, then on ‘Driving Licence’.Click Pay Now and select a delivery method to receive the licence. You can also choose to only keep a digital copy of your driving licence, if you don’t want a physical card. If you wish to receive a physical card, you can choose one of the following options:- Self-service machines (you can find a list of all the locations here: https://www.rta.ae/eservices/rtagisfindus/?lang=en&id=1&layerName=Smart%20Kiosk%20Machines)- Standard delivery: AED 20- Same day delivery: AED 35- Delivery within 2 hours: AED 50- International delivery: AED 50Click Next and pay the fees.Once the application is approved, your UAE driving licence will be issued and delivered to you as per your request.Abu Dhabi and other emiratesResidents of Abu Dhabi can apply through the Abu Dhabi Mobility platform – https://admobility.gov.ae/en/home – or the Abu Dhabi Government Services platform – tamm.abudhabi.For other emirates, you can apply for the service through the Ministry of Interior website here - https://portal.moi.gov.ae/eservices/TrafficServices/Drivers/IssuanceDrivingLicense.aspx?SC=2 or through the ‘MOI UAE’ app.The basic requirements remain largely similar across the UAE.
