Driving is one of the fascinating things to do and an easy way to commute anywhere in Dubai. To receive a valid license in the UAE, learning from a valid agency and completing the prescribed tests is a popular method. However, citizens belonging to specific countries can exchange their existing driving licenses for a UAE one. This can help you save time and make use of your home country driving license in the UAE easily and quickly. Before delving deeper into the criteria and procedures, the first step is to know if you belong to the country enlisted as eligible to transfer driving licenses. As per the latest updates, the licenses of all categories from specific countries and licenses of only specific categories such as motorcycle and light vehicle from few other countries can be transferred to a valid UAE license. The complete list of these countries and new updates can be accessed from the RTA online site.
Eligibility Conditions and Essential Documents
The criteria prescribed under the UAE law is mentioned below:
- You should have a valid license
- You must have existing citizenship of your origin country along with UAE residence proof
Here is a list of documents needed:
For regular passport holders
- Original document and copy of an Emirates ID card
- The original driving license and a copy
- Report of their electronic eye test performed at any DHA approved clinic or optician
- A legally translated copy of the license in a foreign language other than English or Arabic
- NOC issued by your sponsor company. (certain professions mentioned are exempted)
For residents with a diplomatic passport
- Their original passport along with a copy of it
- Driving license along with a copy
- Electronic eye test report
- A valid letter issued by MOFA valid for a minimum of six months after your submission
- A diplomatic card issued by an international organization, consulate, or embassy
The procedure ahead is simple. Visit any RTA customer center nearby to submit your application along with all the documents and make the payment. The authorities will verify your submission and approve your application. You will then be called for capturing a picture and finally receive a driving license that can be used in the UAE.