Is your Dubai driving license about to run out? Ok, it’s not as hard as you might think to renew. You can avoid the AED 500 fine and car confiscation that come with having an expired license in Dubai thanks to its current systems.
The process is quick and easy, and most of the time it takes less than 10 minutes to finish. Dubai has many updated options to fit your lifestyle, whether you’d rather do things in person or online. There are a few easy ways to keep your license current.
- RTA Website
- Dubai Drive App
- Customer Happiness Centers
- Self-Service Kiosks
- Mahboub Chatbot
Who Is Eligible To Renew a Driving License in Dubai?
Not everyone can renew a driving license in Dubai, and you need to meet certain requirements first.
Anyone seeking to renew a Dubai driving license must have:
- A valid residence visa for the UAE
- An Emirates ID that hasn’t expired
- A current driving license (even if it’s about to expire)
It’s not possible to begin the renewal process without these basic papers. So, if your residence visa has run out, you need to renew it first before you can renew your driver’s license.
Different Groups of Eligible People To Renew a Driving License in Dubai
Let’s see who is really eligible to renew their driving license in Dubai
UAE Citizens and Residents
Both citizens and legal residents of Dubai can renew their driving licenses.
| Group | Can Renew? | License Validity |
| UAE Citizens | Yes | 10 years |
| GCC Citizens | Yes | 10 years |
| Other Residents | Yes | 5 years |
Age Requirements
Your age affects what kind of license you can renew:
- Under 21: You can only get a one-year temporary license renewed. In this case, you’ll have to update your license every year until you turn 21 if you’re 19 years old.
- 21 years or older: You can renew a regular license that covers 5 to 10 years, depending on your citizenship.
Keep in mind that if you are younger than 21, you can only begin the renewal process one month before your present license ends. Plus, you can renew up to one year before it expires if you are at least 21 years old.
Who Cannot Renew Their License?
Some people cannot renew their Dubai driving license:
- Tourists or visitors on tourist visas
- People with residence visas from other emirates (they must renew in their own emirate)
- Anyone whose license expired more than 10 years ago without first taking a road test
Remember, if you’re eligible to renew your license, do it on time to avoid fines and problems.
What Documents Do You Need to Renew a Driving License in Dubai?
Different people might need different documents depending on their situation.
Basic Documents Everyone Needs
No matter who you are, you’ll need these basic documents to renew your license:
- Original Emirates ID: Not a copy! You must bring the actual card
- Your current driving license: Even if it’s about to expire
- Eye test certificate: For people 21 years and older
Important tip: Keep your Emirates ID safe and with you at all times. Without it, you cannot renew your license in Dubai.
About the Eye Test
The eye test is very important and must be:
- Done at an RTA-approved center
- Not older than 2 years when you apply
- Electronically submitted to RTA by the testing center
For example, if you did an eye test 1 year and 10 months ago, you can still use it. But if it was done 2 years and 1 month ago, you’ll need a new test.
Documents for Different Situations
Depending on who you are, you might need extra documents:
For Professional Drivers:
If driving is your job (like taxi drivers or delivery drivers), you also need:
- Medical fitness certificate from an RTA-approved hospital
- It checks your overall health
- Costs around AED 250-300
For Diplomats:
If you work at an embassy or international organization:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter (official letter with stamp)
- Diplomatic card
- Emirates ID (if you have one)
For People with Disabilities:
If you have a physical disability:
- A certificate of transfer to your doctor from the licensing agency
- Medical assessment results, usually from Rashid Hospital
- Documents explaining any special vehicle modifications you need
For UAE Nationals without a Family Book:
- Original valid passport
- Valid Marsoom copy (a special government document)
For Sons of Emirati Women
If your mother is Emirati but you’re not a citizen yourself:
- Valid passport copy
- Official letter from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs stating that your mother is an Emirati citizen
Document Format Requirements
When submitting documents online:
- Files should be in JPG, PNG, or PDF format
- The maximum file size is usually 2MB per document
- Photos should be clear, and all text must be readable
Where Can You Get an Eye Test for License Renewal?
Anyone over 21 who wants to update their Dubai driver’s license has to get an eye exam. You can get this test done in a lot of places, such as:
| Center Name | Location | Contact Number | Special Features |
| Prime Medical Center | Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1, First Floor | +971-4-707-0999 | Open 24/7, quick service |
| Dubai Optical | Dubai Silicon Oasis, Apricot Tower, 402 | +971-4-397-6549 | Spacious facility, short waiting times |
| Emirates Driving Institute | Al Qusais (also branches in Al Quoz and Port Rashid) | +971-4-263-1100 | Can do test and license renewal in one visit |
| Yateem Optician | Al Quoz 4, Yateem Group | +971-4-5066000 | Multiple branches across Dubai |
| Barakat Optical | Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai-Al Ain Road | +971-4-425-9816 | Weekend availability |
| Magrabi Optical | Multiple mall locations | Check website | Luxury environment, multiple languages |
There are many other approved centers too, like:
- Belhasa Driving Centre – Eye Test
- Salik Optical
- Rivoli EyeZone
- Al Jaber Optical
- Executive Optics
- Grand Optics
Mobile Eye Test Services
Don’t have time to visit a center? Some companies offer mobile eye testing services that come to you:
Al Jaber Optical Mobile Service:
- Call: +971-55-600-2116
- Cost: Regular test fee + AED 500 mobile service fee
- Available: 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm
- They come to your home or office
RTA Mobile Eye Test Truck:
- Available for large companies or residential compounds
- Minimum 50 people required
- Bookable through the RTA website
What Are the Different Ways to Renew Your Dubai Driving License?
You can choose the right way to renew your driving license in Dubai based on your schedule, location, and preferences.
1. Renew a Driving License in Dubai Through the RTA Website
Renewing online is the fastest option, and you need to follow these steps:
1- Complete your eye test first at an approved center
2- Visit the RTA website
3- Go to: Drivers & Car Owners → Driving Licensening→ Renewal→ Click on Apply Now
4- Log in using your UAE Pass or create an RTA account if you don’t have one. Then enter your OTP.
5- Enter your details:
- Emirates ID number
- Traffic file number
- Driving license number
- Date of birth
6- Upload documents:
- If you had an eye exam at an approved place, the system will get your data immediately.
- You can share a digital picture if asked to (the website will clarify if this is necessary).
7- Pay the renewal fee:
- Choose from credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay
- AED 300 for those 21+ or AED 100 for those under 21
- Plus AED 20 for knowledge and innovation fee
8- Choose delivery method:
- Collect from an RTA center (free)
- Standard delivery to your address (AED 20)
- Same-day delivery (AED 35)
- Express delivery within 2 hours (AED 50)
- International delivery if you’re abroad (AED 50)
9- Receive confirmation by SMS and email
10- Get a temporary digital license immediately via email (valid for 5-15 days)
2. Use the Dubai Drive Mobile App
The Dubai Drive app offers the same services as the website but in a more mobile-friendly format.
1- Download the app:
- Search for “Dubai Drive” on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store
- Look for the official RTA app with the red icon
2- Set up your account:
- Register using your UAE Pass (easiest method)
- Or create an account with your Emirates ID and mobile number
Renewal Steps in the App
- Complete your eye test before starting
- Open the app and log in
- Tap on “Driving License Services”
- Select “Renew Driving License”
- Enter the required details or scan your license using the app’s camera
- Verify your information on the screen
- Pay the renewal fee using the in-app payment system
- Choose delivery preference (same options as website)
- Receive a digital license instantly in the app
Special App Benefits
- Apple Wallet integration: Add your digital license to Apple Wallet (for iPhone users)
- Push notifications: Get reminders before your license expires
- Track delivery status in real-time
- Save multiple profiles for family members
- Offline access to your digital license when needed
3. Visit RTA Customer Happiness Centers
For some, renewing in person is the best way to do it. Choose this if you need help quickly or don’t feel comfortable with technology.
Main customer happiness center locations include:
| Center | Location | Working Hours | Special Features |
| Al Barsha | Near Mall of the Emirates | 8 am-8 pm (Sat-Thu) | Eye test available on-site |
| Deira | Near Gold Souk | 8 am-8 pm (Sat-Thu) | Multilingual staff |
| Umm Ramool | Near Dubai Airport | 7:30am-2:30pm (Sat-Thu) | Less crowded than other centers |
Other centers include Al Manarah, Al Twar, and Al Kifaf.
In-Person Renewal Process
- You can go to any RTA Customer Happiness Center without making an appointment.
- Get a number for the line at the front desk.
- Give your documents to the customer service agent.
- Pay the fee to renew (you can pay with cash, a credit card, or your phone).
- Print out your new card immediately (usually in 15 to 20 minutes).
4. Go For Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service kiosks are great if you like to do things on your own and don’t want to wait in line at a customer service desk.
| Location Type | Areas |
| Shopping Malls | Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, City Centre Deira, Ibn Battuta Mall |
| Customer Happiness Centers | Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Al Kifaf |
| Vehicle Testing Centers | Tasjeel Al Tawar, Barsha Tasjeel, Al Qusais Tasjeel, Wasel Vehicle Testing – Al Jaddaf |
| Other Locations | Muhaisna Shamil, Tamam Vehicle Testing, Quick Cars Testing |
Tip: You can usually use mall kiosks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., which gives you more options than service centers that are only open during office hours.
How to Use a Self-Service Kiosk?
1- Touch the screen to start and select your language (Arabic or English)
2- Choose “Driving License Services” from the main menu
3- Select “Renew Driving License” from the options
4- Identify yourself by:
- Inserting your Emirates ID into the card reader, OR
- Scanning the barcode on your current driving license, OR
- Manually entering your traffic file number and date of birth
5- Verify your information on the screen: The system will display your name, license details, and eye test status
6- Pay the renewal fees:
- AED 300 (if 21+) or AED 100 (if under 21)
- Plus AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee
7- Choose how to get your new license:
- Print a temporary license at the kiosk immediately
- Have the permanent license delivered to your address (extra fee)
- Collect from the Customer Happiness Center later
8- Complete payment and take your receipt
5. Use Mahboub Chatbot
Mahboub is RTA’s smart chatbot assistant that can help you renew your license through a simple conversation.
There are two easy ways to chat with Mahboub:
1-RTA Website:
- Visit RTA
- Scroll down to see the chat icon in the bottom left corner
- Click to open the chat window
2- WhatsApp:
- Add Mahboub’s number: +971 58 800 9090
- Start a new chat
- Send “Hi” or “Hello” to begin
Renewal Steps with Mahboub
1- Start the conversation by typing “Renew Driving License” or clicking the option if it appears
2- Provide your information when Mahboub asks for it:
- Traffic file number
- License issuance date (just the year, like “2020”)
- Birth year (just the year, like “1985”)
- Driving license number
3- Verify your identity:
- Mahboub might send a verification code to your registered mobile number
- Enter this code in the chat when prompted
Confirm your details:
- Mahboub will show your license information
- Type “Yes” if everything is correct
Choose delivery method:
- Type “1” for the electronic document (sent to your email)
- Type “2” for physical delivery (additional charges apply)
- Type “3” to collect from a Customer Happiness Center
Make payment:
- Mahboub will send you a secure payment link
- Complete the payment on the linked page
- Return to the chat after payment
Get confirmation:
- Mahboub will confirm your successful renewal
- You’ll receive your temporary license by email immediately
- Your permanent license will be delivered as per your chosen method
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Driving License in Dubai?
Here’s a simple breakdown of all costs.
Basic Renewal Fees
The main cost of renewal depends on your age group. Everyone must pay both the basic fee and the knowledge fee.
| Age Group | Basic Fee | Knowledge Fee | Total |
| Under 21 years | AED 100 | AED 20 | AED 120 |
| 21 years and above | AED 300 | AED 20 | AED 320 |
Eye Test Costs
Before renewing, people 21 and older need an eye test.
| Test Type | Cost |
| Standard eye test | AED 140-180 |
| Express service | Regular + AED 50 |
| Home service | Regular + AED 100-150 |
Delivery Options
After renewal, you can choose how to receive your new license. The faster you want it, the more it costs.
| Delivery Method | Cost | Timing |
| RTA center pickup | Free | Any time |
| Standard delivery | AED 20 | 3-5 days |
| Same-day | AED 35 | By the end of the day |
| 2-hour express | AED 50 | Within 2 hours |
| International | AED 50 | 7-14 days |
Penalty Fees
If you don’t renew your license on time, you’ll have to pay extra.
| Situation | Fee |
| Monthly late fee | AED 10/month |
| Maximum late fee | AED 500 |
| Expired over 10 years | Road test + AED 1,370 |
Special Services
Dubai offers several optional services that make renewal more convenient.
| Service | Additional Cost |
| Mobile truck service | AED 500 |
| Urgent processing | AED 100 |
| Replace the damaged license | AED 300 |
| Extra plastic copies | AED 50 each |
Payment Methods
Dubai offers multiple ways to pay your renewal fees, and you can pay using:
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash (at centers only)
- Apple Pay/Samsung Pay
- NoL cards (at kiosks)
What Is the Processing Time To Renew a Driving License in Dubai?
After you apply for renewal, it doesn’t take long to get your new license. The RTA is very efficient.
| Renewal Method | Processing Time |
| Online/App/Kiosk | Instant approval (digital license) |
| In-person at the RTA center | 15-30 minutes |
| Physical card delivery | 3-5 working days |
Also, while you wait for your physical card, you’ll get a temporary digital license right away. This means you can start driving immediately after renewal.
Temporary License Validity
You’ll get a temporary license while you wait for your permanent card, and with this temporary card, you can legally drive.
| Type | Validity Period | Format |
| Temporary license | 5-15 days | Digital (email or app) |
You can print this temporary license or keep it on your phone, and police will accept it during the period it’s valid.
Full License Validity Periods
Your age and nationality affect how long your license will be valid.
| Person Category | Validity Period |
| Under 21 years old | 1 year only |
| UAE citizens (21+) | 10 years |
| GCC citizens (21+) | 10 years |
| Other residents (21+) | 5 years |
For example, if you’re 19 years old, you’ll need to renew every year until you turn 21. But if you’re a 35-year-old UAE citizen, your license will last for 10 full years.
Special Cases
Some special situations impact how long your license lasts:
| Special Case | Validity Period |
| Professional drivers | 5 years maximum |
| People over 65 | 3 years maximum |
Plus, if you’re renewing from outside the UAE, the longest validity you can get is 5 years, even if you’re a citizen.
What Happens If You Delay Your License Renewal?
If you’re late renewing your Dubai driving license, you’ll face penalties:
- Monthly fine: AED 10 for each month after expiry
- Maximum fine: AED 500 (no matter how many months late)
- Example: 3 months late = AED 30 extra
For licenses expired over 10 years:
- You must retake the road test
- Total cost rises to about AED 1,370
- The process takes 1-2 weeks to complete
The good news is that you can still renew your license even if it expired long ago.
Can You Renew Your Dubai License from Another Emirate?
Yes, you can renew your Dubai license while in another emirate (like Abu Dhabi):
- Get your eye test done in your current emirate
- Use the RTA website or the Dubai Drive app to renew online
- Choose delivery to any UAE address
Requirements:
- Valid Emirates ID and residence visa
- Payment of any outstanding Dubai traffic fines
- For licenses that have expired for over 10 years, you must return to Dubai for the road test
FAQs About Renewing a Driving License in Dubai
No, you need a valid residence visa and Emirates ID to renew your license.
No, you must pay all traffic fines before renewal, since the system won’t let you proceed until all fines are cleared.
Don’t worry! Your temporary digital license (sent by email) is valid for driving until your physical card arrives. If it’s delayed too long, call RTA at 800-9090.
There’s a 30-day extra period, but only for renewal, not for driving. So you shouldn’t drive with an expired license even during these 30 days.
If you’re 21+, you can renew up to 1 year before expiry. If under 21, only 1 month before. Your new license period still starts from when the old one expires.
