How Expats Can Exchange Their Foreign Driving Licence for a Dubai Licence

Moving to Dubai is more than a change of address, it’s stepping into one of the world’s fastest-growing, multicultural hubs, home to more than 200 nationalities and an expat community that makes up 85% of the population.

From client meetings in Downtown Dubai to weekend trips across the different Emirates, one of the first things every new resident discovers is the importance of driving.

The good news? If you already hold a valid driving license from certain countries, you don’t need to start from scratch. You can exchange your foreign driving license directly for a Dubai license through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), skipping months of classes and tests.

Note: Meydan Free Zone does not provide driving license exchange services of any kind.

Understanding Country Eligibility for Direct Driving License Exchange

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows residents from a defined list of countries to exchange their foreign driving licenses directly. The result? No driving classes, no road tests,  just a formal swap, provided all your documents are in order.

Here are the countries whose driving licenses can currently be exchanged directly in Dubai:

• Europe: Romania, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Turkey, Denmark, Austria, France, Britain, Norway
• North America: United States of America
• Asia: Japan, Hong Kong
• Africa: South Africa

You can always check the full, most up-to-date list on the official RTA website.

Exceptions you should know:

• Singapore driving license holders must complete a short Knowledge Test before exchange.
• If your nationality doesn’t match the country of issue, the RTA may require both theory and road tests in Dubai.

Note: The exchange of foreign driving licences in Dubai is managed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Meydan Free Zone does not offer this service.

Navigating Documentation for License Exchange

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to have prepared:

For residency visa holders in Dubai:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Electronic eye test certificate
• Original driving license from an eligible country

For Singapore license holders:

• Knowledge Test result (mandatory)

For driving license holders whose nationality differs from the issuing country:

• Knowledge Test result
• Road Test result

Breaking Down Fees for Direct Driving License Exchange in Dubai

Here’s how it looks:

Step-By-Step Process of Exchanging Your Foreign Driving License in Dubai

You can either complete the process online through the RTA website, visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre, or speak to an accredited driving institute.

If you want to complete it online:

• Begin your application
  Log in to the RTA portal with your Emirates ID, passport, or UAE Pass. Fill in your details, upload the required documents, and choose the Dubai driving license category you’re applying for. After you submit, you receive a reference number for tracking.
• Complete your verification
  Do an eye test at an RTA-approved centre and upload those results. Take your original driving license to a Customer Happiness Centre for verification or withdrawal (depending on nationality).
• Settle the fees
  Once verified, you’ll get an SMS. Log back into your account, choose “Licensing Services”, then “Driving License”, and “Pay Now.” Pick your delivery option and pay online.
• Get your driving license
  You’ll receive a digital driving license instantly. For a physical copy, you can either print it at a self-service kiosk, or have it delivered.

If you want to pay an in-person visit,

• Visit a service centre
  Head to an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or accredited driving institute and submit all your documents.
• Verification & payment
  Your details will be checked, a traffic file opened if needed, and you’ll pay the fees directly at the counter.
• Walk out with your driving license
  You’ll receive a digital receipt by SMS/email, and your Dubai driving license will be printed and handed to you right on the spot.

Validity Rules and Exceptions to Exchanging Your License

• Driving license validity: A Dubai driving license issued through exchange is valid for one year if you are under 21, and two years if you are 21 or older. Renewals are quick and can usually be done online.
• Non-elibility: Driving licenses issued from Puerto Rico, North Mariana, and Guam (USA), Liechtenstein, Monaco, Jersey, and Andorra can’t be replaced in Dubai.
• Special cases: In some situations, the RTA may ask for extra clearance or embassy verification if you’ve previously held a non-eligible license. For GCC citizens, driving licences must be valid when exchanged, and the original is always withdrawn.

In Conclusion

Getting behind the wheel in Dubai should be at the top of every expat’s checklist. With a clear exchange system, you can swap your foreign driving license with ease and start driving legally in no time.

Whether you handle it online or in person, the process is built to be straightforward, with transparent fees and clear rules, making it  one of the easiest steps in settling into life here. Please note that Meydan Free Zone does not offer this service.

FAQS

1. Can I exchange my foreign driving license in Dubai without taking a driving test?

Yes, if your driving license is from an RTA-approved country, you can directly exchange it without classes or tests. You’ll just need valid documents, an eye test, and to pay the applicable fees.

2. How long does it take to get a Dubai driving license through exchange?

Online applicants usually receive a digital driving license instantly, while in-person applicants walk out with their driving license the same day. Physical delivery, if chosen, takes between two hours and three days.

3. What happens to my original foreign driving license after the exchange?

The RTA will retain your original foreign driving license when they issue your Dubai driving license. You’ll only hold the UAE driving license going forward, ensuring compliance with local driving regulations.

4. Is my exchanged Dubai driving license valid everywhere in the UAE?

Yes, once issued, your Dubai driving license is valid across all Emirates. It’s recognised nationwide, so you can drive legally whether you’re commuting within Dubai or exploring other parts of the UAE.

5. How long is a Dubai driving license valid for after exchange?

If you’re under 21, the driving license is valid for one year. If you’re 21 or older, it’s valid for two years. Renewals are simple and can usually be done online.

6. Does Meydan Free Zone handle driving license exchanges?

No, Meydan Free Zone does not provide driving license exchange services. All applications are handled by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).