Ultimate Guide To Renewing Your Driving Licence In Dubai

Owning a car in Dubai is convenient, but ensuring your driving licence remains valid is crucial. With over 1.8 million registered vehicles and more than 2.5 million driving licences, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) enforces strict regulations for timely renewals to enhance road safety.

Driving with an expired licence is illegal and attracts fines. This guide covers everything you need to know about renewing your driving licence in Dubai, including eligibility, required documents, costs, and available renewal channels. Here is a detailed guide on converting your driving licence in the UAE.

Who Can Apply for Driving Licence Renewal in Dubai?

Renewing a driving licence in Dubai is available for:

• UAE Citizens
• Residents with a valid Emirates ID
• Individual applicants meeting the RTA criteria

Documents Required For Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

To renew your driving licence, ensure you have the following:

• Emirates ID (required for all applicants)
• Eye test report (mandatory for applicants aged 21 and above)

Recently, RTA announced the minimum age to get a driving licence in Dubai.

RTA-Approved Eye Test Centres In Dubai

All applicants aged 21+ years must undergo an eye test at an RTA-approved centre. Charges range from AED 150 to AED 170. Here are some recommended locations:

• Dubai Optical – Dubai Silicon Oasis (+971 4 397 6549)
• Yateem Optician – Al Quoz 4 (+971-4-5066000)
• Malak Typing & Optical – Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 2
• Emirates Driving Institute – Eye Test Facility – Al Qusais (+971 4 263 1100)
• Barakat Optical – Dubai Outlet Mall (+971 4 425 9816)
• Belhasa Driving Centre – (+971 800 2354272)

Other approved centres include Al Jaber Optical, Executive Optical Centre, International Optical, Leen Optics, Grand Optics, Rivoli Eye Zone, and Magrabi Optical.

How To Renew Your Driving Licence In Dubai | Step-by-Step Guide

You can renew your driving licence through multiple RTA channels. Ensure all outstanding traffic fines are settled before proceeding.

1. RTA Call Centre (8009090)

• Provide your driving licence number.
• Pay the renewal fee via credit card.
• Receive a temporary licence via email (valid for 5–15 days).
• Collect your original licence from Customer Happiness Centres or request courier delivery (AED 25 charge).

2. Customer Happiness & Service Centres

Visit one of the following centres that offer both eye tests and licence renewals:

• Umm Ramool
• Al Manarah
• Al Towar
• Deira
• Al Barsha
• Al Kifaf

Here is the complete process at the centre:

• Complete your eye test
• Pay any outstanding fines
• Submit a renewal application
• Pay renewal fees
• Print your renewed driving licence

3. Online Via RTA Website

• Visit RTA Official Website.
• Navigate to ‘Services’ → ‘Drivers and Car Owners’.
• Click ‘Driving Licence Renewal Request’.
• Complete the online application & payment.
• Receive a temporary licence via email.
• Collect the original licence or opt for courier delivery (AED 25 fee).

4. RTA Dubai Mobile App

The RTA Dubai mobile app offers a hassle-free way to renew your driving licence without visiting a service centre.

Steps to renew via the RTA Dubai App:

• Download the RTA Dubai app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Complete an eye test at an RTA-approved centre before starting the renewal process.
• Log into the app and navigate to the driving licence renewal section.
• Enter the required details, pay the renewal fees, and settle any outstanding fines.
• Receive a temporary driving licence via email while the original is processed.
• Collect the original licence or opt for courier delivery (AED 25 fee).

This method is convenient, allowing drivers to renew their licences from anywhere in Dubai.

• Visit RTA Official Website.
• Navigate to ‘Services’ → ‘Drivers and Car Owners’.
• Click ‘Driving Licence Renewal Request’.
• Complete the online application & payment.
• Receive a temporary licence via email.
• Collect the original licence or opt for courier delivery (AED 25 fee).

5. Self-Service Kiosks (RTA Kiosks)

Self-service kiosks allow quick renewals without visiting service centres. Find them at:

• Customer Happiness Centres (Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, etc.)
• Tasjeel & Shamil Testing Centres
• Muhaisna, Tamam, Al Qusais, Wasel Belhasa

Driving Licence Renewal Fees In Dubai

Renewal fees depend on the applicant’s age:

• Under 21 years → AED 100 + AED 20 (knowledge & innovation fee)
• Above 21 years → AED 300 + AED 20 (knowledge & innovation fee)
• Mobile truck service for eye test & renewal: AED 500 (optional).

Visit the official RTA website to know the complete fees and charges related to licence renewal.

Fines For Late Driving Licence Renewal

If you fail to renew your driving licence on time, fines apply:

• AED 10 per month (up to 10 years)
• Maximum fine: AED 500

Here is a detailed guide on all the traffic fines and penalties in Dubai.

Processing Time & Licence Validity

• Processing Time: 3 to 5 working days
• Early Renewal: Available 1 year before expiry (for applicants above 21 years)
• Temporary licences cannot be renewed

Driving Licence Validity Period in Dubai

• Below 21 years: 1-year validity
• UAE citizens (21+ years): 10-year validity
• Residents & GCC citizens (21+ years): 5-year validity

Latest Updates & RTA Announcements

• Smart Kiosks & AI Integration: AI-powered kiosks now offer an automated renewal process, including eye tests.
• Biometric Verification: The RTA is testing a new facial recognition system for secure online renewals.
• Express Renewal Service: Selected premium RTA centres now offer same-day licence renewals (with an additional fee).
• Flexible Fine Payment: The RTA allows instalment-based payment plans for outstanding fines, easing financial burdens for drivers.

Renewing your Dubai driving licence is now easier than ever with multiple convenient options. Whether renewing online, via call centre, self-service kiosks, or visiting an RTA centre, timely renewal ensures you stay compliant and avoid fines.

Stay updated with RTA guidelines to renew your driving licence in Dubai hassle-free.

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