by Al Khail Real Estate Broker 
People who call Dubai home are well aware of how important a vehicle is to day-to-day activities. Nowadays, having the ability to drive a vehicle is essential for obtaining transportation, and some professions even need a valid driver’s license as a prerequisite for employment. As a result, you must educate yourself on the procedure for renewing your driving license in Dubai.
It’s possible that you learned how to drive at an institution such as the Emirates Driving School in Dubai, which is widely regarded as one of the most reputable driving schools in the United Arab Emirates. Hence, without further ado, we will show you the whole information on driving license renewal in Dubai and the many steps involved.
What Documents Are Required to Renew a Drivers Licence in Dubai?
In order to get started on the process of renewing your driver’s license, you are required to bring all of the necessary documents with you. Anyone younger than 21 years old is required to present a valid, original identity document issued by the Emirates.
Applicants who are over the age of 21 are required, in accordance with the regulations set forth by the RTA, to present an authentic Emirates identity document and undergo an eye exam, the specifics of which are determined by the category for which they are applying. The license is valid for a period of five years for residents and other nationals of the GCC.
- Residents who are under the age of 21 may also submit an application for a provisional driver’s license.
- You are eligible to apply for a driving test after you have had your very own learner’s permit for the first time for a period of six months.
Verify your eligibility for the license renewal
The first and most important step is checking your qualifications to keep the license current. Only after your driver’s license has reached its expiration date will you be able to renew it in Dubai. You may be able to renew your license even before it expires; if this is the case, you will need to submit an application for a re-examination well before the deadline.
Depending on how old you are, either your driver’s license or your permission to drive will become invalid after a certain number of years. The regulations change depending on the age category of the person being referred to.
- People below the age of 18 years will have to renew their licenses after three years. People above the age of 18 years will have to renew their licenses after five years.
How Can I Schedule an Eye Exam to Renew My Dubai Driver’s License?
When you apply for a driver’s license in any country, you are required to go through an eye exam. In Dubai, the process of renewing your driving license also requires you to go through an eye exam. Following the completion of the eye exam, the optical shop will modify your individual information within the software so that you can proceed to the subsequent stage.
Top features of scheduling eye exam
It is significant and noteworthy to be aware that there are certain scenarios in which you do not require an eye exam. For example, if an eye exam has been performed, the results are good for up to three years from the date of the exam.
Therefore, if you are moving to Dubai from Pakistan and want to renew your driver’s license for the first time, which is done after an interval of two years, you will not be required to take any kind of eye test to do so. Before applying for the renewal of your driver’s license at the optician, you need to ensure that all fines and fees have been paid.
Eye test for driving license renewal in Dubai
The processing of a request to renew a driver’s license typically takes between three and five working days on average. You will be sent a provisional driver’s license as soon as the renewal costs have been paid and you have paid any outstanding penalties in full.
While you wait for the real copy of your driver’s license to arrive in the mail, you may take a printout of this temporary license to provide as evidence that you have renewed your license. You can pick it up personally from a customer delight center to save the extra cost of 25 AED that is associated with having it couriered to you.
The following is a list of the many eye test centers that can be found in Dubai:
- Dubai Optical
- Yateem Optician
- Malak Typing – Photocopying & Optical
- Emirates Driving Institute in Dubai– Eye Test
- Salik Optical
- Barakat Optical
- Belhasa Driving Centre – Eye Test
- Al Jaber Optical Centre
- Executive Optical Centre
- International Optical
- Leen Optics
- Grand Optics
- Rivoli Eye Zone
Renewal of your driver’s license in person
Follow these processes for the renewal of your driver’s license in person:
- You should begin by going to the RTA branch in the emirate where you currently hold your license.
- The next step is to provide both your driver’s license and the original of your Emirates ID card or any other kind of valid identity card.
- If you are beyond the age of 18, you will have to have a vision test, a blood test, and have your driving abilities reevaluated before you can get your license.
- Suppose you are less than 18 years old. In that case, you will need to present a medical report from your doctor and your Emirates ID, license, and the original copy of each of these documents to finish the renewal procedure.
- Depending on how busy the agency is when you go to renew your license, the procedure might take anywhere from one to two hours.
- When you have successfully completed the renewal process, you will be issued a new license with a date of expiration subsequent to the day your prior license expires.
Processing your license renewal via the post
Follow these processes for the renewal of your driver’s license via the post:
- To begin, visit the RTA website to get the renewal form, which you will then complete.
- The next step is to complete the form by including a photocopy of your Emirates identification card, driver’s license, and a stamped and addressed envelope.
- Mail it in no later than thirty days before your license will no longer be valid to the address shown on the renewal form.
- The RTA will process your application; if approved, a new license will be sent to you.
- After submitting an application, your license will be sent to you within three to four weeks.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Dubai
The application procedure may be completed in a short amount of time. Having said that, this may be accomplished in a variety of ways. They include customer joy centers, service centers, RTA smart kiosks, the Dubai Drive smartphone app, and the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) website.
Before going through driving license renewal in Dubai, you need to know the Dubai driving license guide. In each case, we will take you through the process in its entirety, step by step.
RTA Web site for driving license renewal in Dubai
When it comes to renewing a driver’s license online in Dubai, the official website of the RTA provides an excellent and straightforward application. Be careful to complete these procedures in order, regardless of whether you want to apply for a new license or just renew the one you already have:
Before the customer may turn in their application to renew their driver’s license, they are required to have their eyes checked beforehand. The applicant is required to go to an eye testing establishment that has been given authorization. If the penalties were calculated based on the consumer’s previous license, then they are the consumer’s responsibility to pay. The consumer submits their request to have their driver’s license renewed.
The process of driving license renewal in Dubai via the RTA Web site
After then, it is the customer’s responsibility to make any required payments. Clients under 21 years old are obliged to pay an additional 20 AED for knowledge and innovation on top of the standard 100 AED fee. Nevertheless, the price increases to 300 AED for those who are older than 21 and includes an additional 20 AED for experience and creativity.
You can get a temporary driving license by email, which you can print off and carry while waiting for your permanent license to arrive. The temporary licence may only be utilised between 5 and 15 working days throughout its validity period. You may get it by either going to a customer satisfaction center in Al Barsha or Deira or by having it delivered by a courier; however, the latter option will cost you an extra 25 AED.
Mobile application for driving in Dubai
The application procedure for using the mobile app for Dubai Drive is exactly the same as the one for using the internet. The only thing you need to ensure is that you, the driver, have a mobile phone initially. Nothing else is required. After that, you only need to follow the app’s instructions to renew your driver’s license successfully.
The RTA Dubai Drive App makes it simple for you to update your driver’s license information. The software is accessible on mobile devices running either Android or iOS.
Call Center for driving license renewal in Dubai
You may talk with an agent concerning the renewal of your driver’s license by calling the RTA contact center, which can be reached at 8009090.
- When requested, provide the agent with the driver’s number associated with your RTA card.
- After that, you’ll need to use a credit card to pay any applicable penalties or fees in order to acquire a temporary license by email.
- The temporary license may only be used for between 5 and 15 working days at a time.
- Your license can be obtained from a Happiness Center in either Al Barsha or Deira.
- Paying the shipping charges of AED 25 will ensure that your license is delivered to you.
RTA Smart Kiosks for driving license renewal in Dubai
A significant number of transactions have been recorded relating to the growing usage of smart kiosks, also referred to as the self-service smart machine. Most ex-pats in Dubai are renewing their driver’s licenses by using the RTA website, calling the contact center, or downloading smartphone applications. But, there have also been a huge number of transactions involving the use of smart kiosks.
List of the kiosks in Dubai
There is no difference between renewing a license at a Service Center or using a self-service kiosk since the procedure is exactly the same. The following is a list of the kiosks in Dubai that are used to renew driver’s licenses:
- Customer Happiness Centre in Umm Ramool
- Customer Happiness Centre in Deira
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Barsha
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Manarah
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Towar
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Aweer
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Kifaf
- Speed Fit
- Muhaisna Shamil
- Tasjeel Al Tawar
- Barsha Tasjeel
- Tamam Vehicle Testing
- Al Qusais Tasjeel
- Wasel Belhasa
The Testing Cars for driving license renewal in Dubai
To be able to renew their driver’s license at an RTA smart self-service kiosk, the holder of the driver’s license must first go to any RTA kiosk and follow the steps that are outlined below:
- Choose the e-service option to locate the License Renewal option.
- After that, you will need to enter your driver’s number.
The transaction fees, as well as any fines that may be applicable, must be paid. After that, a brand new original copy of your driver’s license will be printed out by the same kiosk that you are utilizing right now.
Quick overview on driving license renewal in Dubai
Your driver’s license in Dubai can be renewed at any optician that the RTA has approved. Simply follow the instructions that are provided below to renew your RTA driver’s license at the eye doctor:
- To begin, you must perform well on an eye exam.
- Then, please provide a copy of both your passport and visa.
- After that, you are required to present your Emirates identification card.
- Then, please submit a photo of yourself in passport size.
- You are also required to make a cash payment for the license renewal fee.
- The final step is to collect your provisional driver’s license within a reasonable amount of time (normally 5 to 15 work days)
You will get a temporary license through email that you may print out while waiting for your original license to arrive in the mail. It can be sent through courier for a one-time price of just 25 AED, or it may be collected at a customer joy center in either Al Barsha or Deira, or both.
What are the consequences of being late for driving licenses in Dubai?
If you wait more than ten years between renewals of your Dubai driver’s license, you will be charged an additional AED 10 each month. If the license renewal procedure is delayed, the highest possible punishment is 500 AED. If you have not actively used your driver’s license for more than ten years, you cannot renew it unless you have successfully completed the mandatory road test.
When will I get my license, and how long will it be valid for?
The processing period for renewing a driver’s license in Dubai typically takes between three and five working days on average. For candidates who are less than 21 years old, the driver’s license is only valid for one year. The validity period for driver’s licenses issued to Emirati and GCC residents is ten years for those aged 21 and older. For those of other nationalities, the license is good for a period of five years.
Please keep in mind that operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license or operating a vehicle with an expired license may result in legal difficulties and monetary penalties. The following is a list we’ve compiled of all the traffic penalties in Dubai.
Conclusion on the driving license renewal in Dubai
We hope you found this information on the driving license renewal in Dubai to be helpful. As can be seen, the processes described in this article were both easy to understand and not very complicated. We didn’t want to limit ourselves to explaining just one process since the United Arab Emirates has implemented a number of cutting-edge options for acquiring a new driver’s license or even just renewing an existing one in order to put its citizens’ minds at rest.
Those who travel often or who have a Dubai work visa and permit issued by the Emirate of Dubai are also strongly encouraged to get an international driver’s license (IDL). Also, Dubai is a wonderful city to love. We suggest you buy a house in Dubai to experience a good life. AlKhail Real Estate is here to help you in this regard.
FAQs about driving license renewal in Dubai
Let’s provide answers to frequently asked questions on the renewal of driving licenses in Dubai.
How often are licenses supposed to be renewed?
Even if your license is in good standing, the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA) recommends that you update it every five years.
What steps should you take in the event that your driver’s license is misplaced or stolen?
You are required to notify the police and have the occurrence documented in the general notebook if your license has been lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised in any way. When you have completed this step, you are obligated to report this occurrence to the RTA of Dubai. This may be done by entering the RTA website, which is also where you can renew your license in an electronic format.
Is it possible for ex-pat minors to renew their license to drive in Dubai?
In Dubai, expat minors can renew their driver’s licenses.
What happens if you don’t pass the renewal test the second time around?
In the event that you are unable to pass the re-examination, you will be required to submit an application for a permit to learn how to drive.
How long does it take to renew a Dubai commercial driver’s license?
In addition to renewing their standard driver’s licenses, commercial drivers are required to go to the RTA and have their licenses renewed. This can only be done in person; sending it through the mail is not an option.
What does it take to have a driver’s license renewed in Dubai?
Your current license type and the emirate you are applying from will both play a role in determining how much it will cost you to renew your driver’s license in Dubai.
How difficult is it to update information on a Dubai driver’s license?
Visit the RTA in person to submit an application for a change in your driver’s license if you have recently changed either your name or residence.
How do I go about applying for my first license in Dubai?
If this is your first time applying for a license in Dubai, you must make a personal appearance at the RTA to finish the application procedure.
What are the prerequisites needed to get a driver’s license in Dubai?
In Dubai, you must be at least 18 years old and have an unblemished driving license to be eligible for a driver’s license.
What paperwork is needed to get a driving license in Dubai?
In order to get a license to drive in Dubai, you will need a valid UAE ID, a valid passport, a certificate of good conduct, a health report, and a certificate of eyesight. In addition, you will need to pass a medical exam.
