How to Renew A Driving License in Dubai?

Renewing your driving license in Dubai may seem a little complex, but with the right information and preparation, it can be smooth and hassle-free. Whether you're a resident or an expatriate, renewing your driving license is a legal requirement to continue driving in the UAE. In this article, we will walk you through the steps, requirements, and the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) associated with renewing your driving license in Dubai.

Understanding the Renewal Process

Driving licenses can be renewed for a period of up to 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens, whereas residents are eligible for a maximum of 5-year renewal only. It's important to note that all outstanding traffic fines must be cleared before renewing your license. Additionally, there is a monthly penalty of 10 AED for those who delay their license renewal by more than one month. The Road and Transport Authority, (RTA) Dubai is the designated organization to facilitate driving license renewals in Dubai. The process of driving license renewal in Dubai involves several key steps. Here's a breakdown of the whole process for your easy perusal:

How to Renew A Driving License in Dubai Online with the RTA?

You can follow the below steps on the website to get your driving license renewed in Dubai.

First, take an electronic eye test at one of the authorized Eye Test Centres.
Then, enter your Emirates ID or driving license details on the website, and the system automatically retrieves your information.
To verify your identity, the system sends a one-time password (OTP) to your registered phone number.
After that, you can apply to renew your driving license.
At this stage, the system checks the status of your traffic file to validate it.
You need to review and confirm your driving license details before it gets issued.
To complete the process, you can use your credit card to pay all required fees and fines.
While you’re waiting for your renewed license, you’ll be issued a temporary driving license via email.
For license delivery, you have two options:

- Collect it from the Customer Happiness Centers in Deira or Al Barsha.

- Or, you can opt for delivery with the following fees:

Standard delivery: 20 AED

Same day delivery: 35 AED

Delivery within 2 hours: 50 AED

International delivery: 50 AED

If you have an Apple device, you can also receive the electronic license through the Apple Wallet using the RTA Dubai App.

Alternatively, you can directly visit an RTA Happiness center and get your renewed license printed in ‘just three minutes’ by entering some basic information such as - license number, birth year, traffic code number and license source.

Some additional Useful Information for License Renewal in Dubai

Overview	Details
Eligibility	Individual customers, citizens and residents, are eligible to apply for this service.
Documents Required	For all nationalities For customers younger than 21 years old Original valid Emirates ID. For customers 21 years and above Original valid Emirates ID. Eye test according to the required category. For diplomats A letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Original Emirates ID, if any. A diplomatic card for Embassies, Consulates and International Organizations instead of the Emirates ID. From People of Determination (suffering from physical disabilities that may prevent them from driving vehicles) Copy of the certificate of transfer to the doctor issued by the Licensing Agency. Note: The customer should refer to Rashid Hospital for the medical test. For Emirati passport holders without a family book (Marsoom holders) Copy of the valid passport. Copy of the valid Marsoom. For Emirati passport holders, sons of Emirati women Copy of the valid passport. Copy of a letter from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs stating that the customer's mother is Emirati.
Service fees	For customers younger than 21 years old 100 AED driver license renewal fees. + 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. 500 AED additional fees when requesting the mobile truck service for the eye test and license renewal. For customers 21 years and older 300 AED driver license renewal fees. + 20 AED Knowledge and Innovation fees. 500 AED additional fees when requesting the mobile truck service for the eye test and license renewal. Note: The delay fine (10 AED) is calculated monthly from the expiration date of the license, with a maximum of 500 AED.

Online and Offline Channels to Apply for Driving License Renewal in Dubai

Website	RTA Website
RTA Smart Apps	Dubai Drive RTA Dubai
RTA Partner Apps	Dubai Now (Google play - App store)
Mahboub Chatbot	Mahboub Chatbot on RTA Website Mahboub Chatbot on RTA Smart Apps
Self Service Machines	Customer Happiness Centre - Umm Ramool Customer Happiness Centre - Deira Customer Happiness Centre - Al Barsha Customer Happiness Centre - Al Manarah Customer Happiness Centre - Al Twar Customer Happiness Centre - Al Kifaf Tasjeel Al Tawar Barsha Tasjeel Muhaisna Shamil Tamam Vehicle Testing Al Qusais Tasjeel Wasel Vehicle Testing - Al Jaddaf

Checklist Before You Start the License Renewal Process

Determine Your License Type:

Road and Transport Authority, (RTA) Dubai issues various types of driving licenses, including light vehicle, heavy vehicle, and motorcycle licenses. Make sure to know your license type before starting and apply for renewal in the right category only.

Check Eligibility:

You can renew your driving license if it's within 30 days of its expiry date. If it has already expired, you'll be required to pay a fine.

Visit the RTA, Use Apps or Self-Service Machines for Renewal:

You can renew your license in person or online via the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website, authorized apps or the self-service machines listed above.

Undergo an Eye Test:

You may need to pass an eye test prior to renewal. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them with you.

Submit The Required Documents or ID Numbers Online:

Prepare the necessary documents, including your existing driving license, Emirates ID, passport copy, visa copy, eye test results, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from your employer if applicable.

Pay the Fees:

Pay the renewal fees, which vary depending on the license type and duration. Payment can be made online or in person at the RTA or typing center.

Receive A Temporary License:

Once you’ve paid the fee, you'll be issued a temporary driving license that is valid until your new license is ready. This is usually available within the RTA customer dashboard.

Receive Your Renewed License:

Your renewed driving license will be mailed to your registered address or can be collected from the RTA or authorized centers, depending on your preference.

Terms and Conditions to Remember and Comply With for Driving License Renewal in Dubai

All fines on a driving license must be settled.
If a customer is 21 years old or older, they can renew their driving license up to one year before its expiration date.
If a customer is younger than 21 years old, they can renew their license up to one month before its expiration date.
The driving license being renewed must be both valid and in the possession of its owner.
Temporary or interim driving licenses cannot be renewed.
The customer's photograph is extracted from the Emirates ID scanner.
Marsoom holders with an expired passport can renew their driving license for a maximum of one year.
Diplomats, individuals without a family book (Marsoom), and sons of Emirati women must visit the Customer Happiness Centers at Umm Ramool, Al Manarah, Al Twar, Deira, Al Barsha, or Al Kifaf to apply for the service in order to meet the requirements for their exceptions.
Customers have the option to request the mobile truck service for the eye test and license renewal.
If a driving license has expired for more than 10 years, its renewal will necessitate an evaluation test.
The renewal period will be calculated from the date of the transaction for all customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driving license online?

Yes, you can usually renew your driving license online through the RTA website or the Dubai Drive app, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

How long does it take to renew a driving license in Dubai?

Your driving license is renewed almost immediately if you’ve paid all your traffic fines. This is exclusive of the time needed for the eye test and biometric data capture.

What if I missed the renewal deadline?

If your driving license has expired, you will be charged a fine of AED 10 for every month delayed. This can go up to AED 500 maximum. If you’re renewing your license after 10 years of expiration then you may have to pay AED 200 as file opening fees, AED 100 as learning application fees, AED 50 for handbook manual, AED 200 for RTA test fees, AED 500 as delay in renewal fees, AED 300 for renewal and AED 20 as knowledge and innovation fees.

Do expatriates need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from their employer to renew their driving license?

Expatriates may require an NOC from their employer, depending on the company's policies. It's best to check with your HR department.

What is the validity period of a renewed driving license?

The validity period varies; you can renew your license for 5 or 10 years, depending on your preference and eligibility.

Is there an age limit for renewing a driving license in Dubai?

There is no specific age limit for renewing a driving license in Dubai. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can renew your license.

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