Check before you act. Fees, rules and dates change. Confirm the details with the official authority before you pay or apply.
At a glance
- Who can exchange
- Residents aged 18 or over with a valid licence from an approved country
- Test needed?
- Not for eligible countries, but an eye test is required
- Typical countries
- The UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, the US, Japan, South Africa and many EU countries. RTA publishes the full, current list
- Estimated fees
- Roughly AED 1,010 to 1,050 for the components reported by Gulf News
Who is eligible?
To exchange a foreign licence for a Dubai licence you generally need to be at least 18, hold a valid Emirates ID, and have a valid original driving licence from a country that RTA recognises for exchange. The approved list is long and changes, so check it on the RTA website before you start. If your country is not on the list, you will need to take lessons and tests through a driving school instead.
Steps to convert your licence
- Confirm your country is eligible. Check the current RTA list.
- Get an eye test. Take an electronic eye test at an authorised centre. The result is sent to RTA.
- Gather your documents. See the checklist below. If your licence is not in Arabic or English, ask RTA whether you need a certified translation.
- Apply with RTA. Use the RTA channel shown for licence exchange and open the file.
- Pay the fees. The fee components are in the estimator.
- Collect your Dubai licence. You will be told how the new licence is issued.
Documents checklist
Licence exchange fee estimator
Add up the fee components reported for a Dubai licence exchange. Edit them if RTA's fees have changed.
If your country is not on the list
You will go through the standard route: register with a licensed driving school, complete the training, and pass the theory and road tests. It takes longer and costs more than an exchange. Ask the school for a full price before you sign up.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every country is eligible because a friend's licence was accepted.
- Letting your home licence expire before you apply.
- Skipping the eye test appointment until the last day.
- Paying an agent for something you can do through RTA directly.
Frequently asked questions
Not if your licence comes from an eligible country. You still need an eye test.
The list includes the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, the US, Japan, South Africa and many other countries. Check the RTA list for yours.
The exchange is for residents with an Emirates ID. Visitors should check RTA's guidance on driving with a foreign licence.
Reported fee components add up to roughly AED 1,010 to 1,050. Use the estimator and confirm with RTA.