You can renew your Dubai driving licence through the RTA website, RTA Dubai app or DubaiNow after completing the required eye test and clearing fines. New drivers must apply through RTA, choose a driving institute, complete the required training and pass the relevant tests before receiving a licence.
RTA explains both journeys through its official Renew Driving Licence and New Driving Licence pages.
Which Driving Licence Service Do You Need?
Your current licence status determines the correct application route.
Your Dubai licence is approaching expiry or recently expired
Your route: Apply for renewal
Your Dubai licence expired more than 10 years ago
Your route: Follow the Evaluation Test renewal route, unless exempt
You have never held a driving licence
Your route: Apply for a new licence through a driving institute
You need permission to drive another vehicle category
Your route: Apply to add a category
Your licence is lost or damaged
Your route: Use the replacement service
You hold a foreign driving licence
Your route: Check exchange eligibility before choosing a training package
The service to replace a lost or damaged driving licence in Dubai is separate from renewal. Your replacement application should follow the relevant option under RTA’s driving licence services.
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Dubai
Driving Licence Renewal Documents and Requirements in Dubai
You need a valid Emirates ID, a valid eye test and payment of all fines on your licence. Professional drivers also need a medical fitness test.
Emirates ID
What you need: A valid Emirates ID
Eye test
What you need: A valid result from an authorised eye test centre
Outstanding fines
What you need: Payment of all fines on your driving licence
Professional driver medical test
What you need: A comprehensive medical fitness test at an RTA-accredited hospital
Registered phone number
What you need: Access to receive the OTP during the relevant online journey
Visit-visa holders cannot renew through the standard resident process because renewal requires a valid Emirates ID. Dubai also cannot renew a driving licence issued in another emirate.
Your licence renewal application and vehicle registration renewal are separate transactions. Your application should use the driving licence service.
When Can You Renew Your Dubai Driving Licence?
RTA allows drivers aged 21 or older to renew up to six months before expiry. Drivers younger than 21 can renew up to three months before expiry.
Your renewed licence period starts from your application submission date. An early application therefore affects the start date of your renewed licence.
The Dubai driving licence renewal fine for late renewal is AED 10 per month from the expiry date. RTA caps the late renewal fine at AED 500.
Your application should account for any outstanding traffic fines as well as the late renewal charge.
Dubai Driving Licence Eye Test
Your Dubai driving licence eye test must come from an authorised centre. RTA lists eye test validity as three years.
A valid result may already be recorded against your file. Your renewal journey asks you to confirm the eye test information before continuing.
Professional drivers must also meet the medical fitness requirement. RTA lists medical test validity as 11 months.
Your eye test and medical fitness test serve different requirements. Your professional driver application may require both results.
Dubai Driving Licence Renewal Online - Step by Step
The RTA website lets eligible drivers complete the renewal transaction online.
Step 1 - You complete the required eye test.
You take an eye test at an authorised centre if you do not already have a valid result. Your renewal application needs valid eye test information.
Step 2 - You log in to RTA
You log in through the available Emirates ID, passport or UAE Pass option. You enter the OTP sent to your registered phone number.
Step 3 - You select the renewal service
You choose “Renewing a Driving Licence” from the Drivers Licensing Services list.
Step 4 - You confirm your licence details
You review your driving licence information before issuance. Your details should match the licence you intend to renew.
Step 5 - You choose how to receive your licence
You select the digital licence, printing through a self-service machine or an available delivery option.
Step 6 - You pay the fines and fees
You pay all outstanding fines and the applicable renewal charges. Your selected delivery method may add a delivery fee.
Step 7 - You receive your digital licence
You access your renewed licence in the RTA Dubai app under “My Docs”. You can also add the licence to a supported Apple or Samsung Wallet.
How Does Renewal Work in the RTA Dubai App?
The RTA Dubai app offers a separate renewal journey.
- You complete the required eye test.
- You select “Renewing a Driving Licence”.
- You scan your licence QR code or enter the requested licence and traffic file details.
- You pay all fines and applicable fees.
- You receive your digital licence and use your selected printing or delivery option.
Your app journey may request your licence number, issuance date, birth year and traffic file number.
What Other Renewal Channels Are Available?
Dubai now lets you renew through UAE Pass. You open “Services”, select “Transport” and choose “Manage my Licence” under Vehicle and Driver Services. You then select your licence, review fines and black points, confirm the details and complete payment.
Mahboub also supports renewal through RTA’s website and smart apps. The chatbot guides you through identity checks, eye test confirmation, delivery selection and payment.
Self-service machines and participating eye test centres provide other renewal options.
RTA also lists a mobile eye-test truck operated by Al Jaber Optical. You can contact Al Jaber Optical on 04 522 0000 to arrange the service. The truck is a third-party service listed by RTA.
How Long Is a Renewed Dubai Driving Licence Valid?
Your age and residency or citizenship status determine renewal validity.
Drivers younger than 21
Renewed licence validity: 1 year
Residents aged 21 or older
Renewed licence validity: 5 years
UAE and GCC citizens aged 21 or older
Renewed licence validity: 10 years
Your digital licence is available through the RTA Dubai app. Your physical licence can be printed through an available self-service machine or received through delivery.
Standard delivery
Published fee: AED 20
Same-day delivery
Published fee: AED 35
Delivery within two hours
Published fee: AED 50
International delivery to GCC countries
Published fee: AED 50
International delivery is limited to GCC countries. Your application shows the available delivery choices.
RTA Driving Licence Renewal Fees
RTA publishes separate licence, eye test and delivery charges. Your payable amount depends on your age, fines, medical requirements and selected services.
Licence renewal for drivers younger than 21
Published fee: AED 100
Licence renewal for drivers aged 21 or older
Published fee: AED 300
Knowledge and Innovation fee
Published fee: AED 20
Eye test at an eye test centre
Published fee: AED 140-180
Professional driver medical test
Published fee: According to the hospital
Late renewal fine
Published fee: AED 10 per month, capped at AED 500
Optional delivery
Published fee: AED 20-50, depending on the option
Optional Al Jaber Optical mobile truck eye test only
Published fee: AED 500
Optional mobile truck eye test, renewal and delivery package
Published fee: AED 1,000
The mobile truck charges describe optional service choices. Your application should use the charges for your selected route without treating every table row as an additional fee.
What Happens When Your Licence Expired More Than 10 Years Ago?
Drivers seeking to renew an expired driving licence in Dubai after more than 10 years normally need an Evaluation Test.
You select renewal through RTA, receive the Evaluation Test notification, choose an institute, book the test, and pay the applicable fees. You must pass the evaluation before completing renewal.
Training file
Published fee: AED 200
Learning application
Published fee: AED 100
Handbook
Published fee: AED 50
Evaluation Test
Published fee: AED 200
Late renewal fine
Published fee: AED 500
Driving licence
Published fee: AED 300
Knowledge and Innovation fee
Published fee: AED 20
RTA provides an Evaluation Test exemption for holders of licences from exception countries. Your eligibility should be confirmed through RTA.
A licence with several categories requires one light-vehicle evaluation test under RTA’s stated rule. A successful result allows the existing categories to be included.
Fines and Black Points Before Renewal
RTA requires payment of all fines on your driving licence before renewal. Pending fines can prevent you from completing the transaction.
DubaiNow allows you to review fines and black points during the renewal journey. Your application also includes payment of payable fines.
Our guide, How to Check and Pay RTA Dubai Traffic Fines, explains the separate fine-checking process.
A licence affected by 24 black points needs further action through Dubai Police. RTA’s FAQ describes obtaining a Dubai Police NOC for a rehabilitation test and opening a new training file. Fine payment alone does not resolve a suspension.
How to Get a Driving Licence in Dubai
New Driving Licence Eligibility and Requirements
New applicants must meet the age and medical requirements for their vehicle category. The standard application requires a valid Emirates ID and a valid eye test.
Residents with a visa issued in another emirate need additional supporting documents.
Standard identification
Relevant document or condition: Valid Emirates ID
Eyesight requirement
Relevant document or condition: Valid eye test
Existing overseas licence
Relevant document or condition: Front and back copies when requested
Residence visa from another emirate
Relevant document or condition: Accepted proof of Dubai residence, work or study
Medical circumstances
Relevant document or condition: Additional reports where RTA requires them
Accepted supporting documents can include an Ejari-approved tenancy contract, title deed, qualifying employment documents or official proof of current study in Dubai. Your selected document must match RTA’s conditions for your situation.
Dubai Learning Permit Age Requirement
RTA lists different age requirements for different vehicle categories.
Light vehicle
Published age requirement: Traffic file from 17 years and 6 months. Licence issuance after passing the required tests and turning 18
Motorcycle
Published age requirement: 17 years
Heavy vehicle
Published age requirement: 20 years
Light or heavy bus
Published age requirement: 21 years
Tractors and equipment
Published age requirement: 20 years
Your light-vehicle traffic file opening date does not determine licence issuance eligibility. Your application must also meet the test and issuance-age requirements.
New Dubai Driving Licence - Step by Step
Step 1: You start your RTA application
You log in using an available identity option. You enter your registered phone number and the OTP.
Your application asks for an existing driving licence copy when applicable.
Step 2: You choose a driving institute
You select an institute through the application. Your institute manages the training package and required training stages.
Step 3: You choose a payment option
RTA lists payment options for the full package, an initial payment of 20% or payment at the institute.
Your selected institute contacts you within three working days to agree on the training package.
Step 4: You receive your learning permit
You receive your digital learning permit through SMS and email. Your permit allows you to begin the relevant training process.
Step 5: You complete training and the eye test
You complete the training requirements through your institute. You also complete the required eye test at an accredited centre.
Your institute confirms the requirements for your category and application route.
Step 6: You take the required tests
The standard Dubai driving test steps cover the Knowledge, Yard and Road tests, subject to your route and category.
You book each required test after completing the relevant training stage. Your institute confirms the tests that apply to your application.
Step 7: You pay the licence issuance fee
You receive an SMS after passing the final test. You log in to RTA, select the driving licence payment option, review the charges and choose delivery.
Step 8: You receive your licence
You receive your digital licence through the RTA Dubai app. RTA also provides a seven-day temporary licence by email after the Road Test.
RTA’s new-licence page lists initial validity as one year for drivers younger than 21 and two years for drivers aged 21 or older. The longer five-year and ten-year periods apply to renewal categories.
Dubai Driving Licence Cost for New Learners
RTA’s published application fees do not represent a complete driving institute package. Your training package and required test bookings affect your overall spending.
Traffic file
Published fee: AED 200
Light vehicle or motorcycle learning permit
Published fee: AED 100
Heavy vehicle, bus, or equipment learning permit
Published fee: AED 200
Handbook
Published fee: AED 50
Eye test
Published fee: AED 140–180
Knowledge and Innovation fee
Published fee: AED 20 at the relevant transaction stage
Licence issuance for drivers younger than 21
Published fee: AED 100
Licence issuance for drivers aged 21 or older
Published fee: AED 300
Your institute should explain the training package before payment. Your package quotation should make the included training and test charges clear.
RTA lists category addition and file-related services separately. Your category addition or file reactivation application should use the relevant fee schedule rather than the standard new learner table.
Complete the Right RTA Journey
Your renewal starts with a valid eye test, cleared fines and the correct RTA application. Your new licence journey starts with the relevant eligibility checks and a driving institute.
The official RTA renewal page and new driving licence page provide the application requirements.
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FAQ
How do I renew my driving licence in Dubai?
You renew through the RTA website, RTA Dubai app or DubaiNow after completing the required eye test. You confirm your licence details, choose the available delivery option and pay all fines and fees. Your renewed digital licence becomes available through the RTA Dubai app.
How much does it cost to renew a Dubai driving licence?
RTA lists a licence fee of AED 300 for drivers aged 21 or older and AED 100 for younger drivers. The Knowledge and Innovation fee is AED 20. An eye test costs AED 140-180. Delivery, outstanding fines and any required medical test affect your payable amount.
How early can I renew my Dubai driving licence?
Drivers aged 21 or older can renew up to six months before expiry. Younger drivers can renew up to three months before expiry. The renewal period starts from the application submission date. Late renewal attracts AED 10 per month from expiry, with a maximum fine of AED 500.
How long is a Dubai driving licence valid for?
A renewed Dubai driving licence lasts one year for drivers younger than 21. Residents aged 21 or older receive five-year renewal validity. UAE and GCC citizens aged 21 or older receive ten-year renewal validity. A first licence has a separate validity period under RTA’s new-licence service.
Do I need an eye test to renew my licence?
You need a valid eye test from an authorized centre before renewing your Dubai driving licence. RTA lists eye test validity as three years. Professional drivers also need a medical fitness test at an RTA-accredited hospital. Your application must meet the relevant eye test and medical requirements.
Do I have to pay fines before renewing my licence?
You must pay all fines on your driving licence before renewal. DubaiNow lets you review fines and black points during the application and pay payable fines. A suspended licence requires the relevant clearance process as well. Your fine payment does not automatically remove a suspension.
What if my Dubai driving licence expired more than 10 years ago?
You normally need to pass an Evaluation Test before renewal. RTA lists separate application, evaluation, licence and late renewal charges. Holders of licences from exception countries can qualify for an exemption. Drivers with several categories need one light-vehicle evaluation under RTA’s published rule.
How do I get a new driving licence in Dubai?
You apply through RTA, choose a driving institute and arrange payment. You receive a learning permit, complete the required training and eye test, and pass the relevant Knowledge, Yard and Road tests. You then pay the issuance fee and receive your digital driving licence.
What age can I get a driving licence in Dubai?
A light-vehicle applicant can open a traffic file at 17 years and six months. Licence issuance requires passing the required tests and turning 18. RTA lists 17 for motorcycles, 20 for heavy vehicles and 21 for buses. Your application must meet the requirement for your category.
Can Overseas Licence Holders Reduce Training?
RTA lists reduced training requirements according to the age of an overseas licence.
More than five years
Listed training requirement: 20 sessions
Two to five years
Listed training requirement: 30 sessions
Less than two years
Listed training requirement: 40 sessions
Golden Visa holders with a valid driving licence can qualify for a route without training courses. RTA also lists same-day Theory and Road Test scheduling benefits.
The one-time “golden chance” route lets eligible holders of previous unexchangeable licences take Knowledge and Road tests without training hours. A failed Road Test means training becomes necessary according to previous experience. RTA verifies eligibility through the application.
Can You Convert a Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai?
Eligible foreign licence holders should check RTA’s exchange service before purchasing training. Your licence and personal eligibility determine the available route.
RTA provides the relevant exchange option through its official driving licence service.
When Does a Driving Training File Become Suspended?
- RTA suspends a file when no official test is taken within six months of the last scheduled appointment.
- A file suspended for less than four years can be reactivated. Continuing from the previous stage depends on valid test results.
- The Knowledge Test result must be less than two years old. The yard test result must be less than one year old. Expired results require the relevant tests again.
- A suspension longer than four years requires the applicant to restart training and tests as a new learner.