How To Renew A Driver’s License
In The UAE

In most of the United Arab Emirates, once you obtain a new license, it will be valid for two years before renewal is required. The renewed license will then be valid for ten years if you are a UAE national or a citizen of another Gulf Cooperation Council member country. However, if you are a UAE expatriate, the renewed license will be valid for five years. If that’s you, the process can seem a little overwhelming, so here is all you’ll need to know about renewing you driver’s license in the UAE.

Renewing your license confirms you meet all driving safety standards and regulations, making it as important as conducting a vehicle identification number or VIN check in the UAE when buying a car. Failing to renew it can result in fines and legal complications, impacting your personal and professional mobility.

The good news is that you can update your UAE driving license without too much difficulty. The Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai driving license renewal processes are straightforward and easy to accomplish so you can get your up-to-date permit within several days.

General Requirements for Renewing Your Driver’s License

Aside from your expired driving license, you need the following requirements to update your expired one regardless of where you’re residing in the UAE:

• A copy of your passport if you are an Emirati national
• A copy of your passport and residence visa page
• Your original Emirates ID card and copies of it
• Two photos sized 4x6 cm 
• Eye test certificate

Once you have these requirements, you can proceed to the other steps on how to renew your driver’s license in the UAE.

Renewing Your Driver’s License in Dubai

Below are the main ways to complete the Dubai driving license renewal process:

Through the Roads & Transportation Authority (RTA) website

For the RTA renewal process, you need to:

1. Pass the eye test conducted by an RTA-trusted optician, who will send the certificate to the RTA.
2. Prepare your requirements.
3. Open the RTA website and create your account or sign in if you already have one.
4. Select the Drivers and Car Owner tab, click Driver’s License Services and then look for the renewal option.
5. Provide the required information.
6. Upload the requirements.
7. Follow the instructions for paying the fee and any fine.
8. Download and print your temporary driving license.

The RTA also has a Dubai Drive app that you can use to renew your driver’s license. You can follow the step-by-step renewal process after registering or signing in.

You can pick up your renewed license at the RTA or pay a fee to have a courier service deliver it to you.

Through an RTA customer happiness center or kiosk

RTA has several customer happiness centers around Dubai. To renew your license, visit the nearest center, complete the form and submit it with your requirements, and pay the fee.

If your application is approved, you can wait for your new license at the center.

Many RTA customer happiness centers also have self-service kiosks or machines for driving license renewals. The steps are similar to the ones involved in the manual application at the center, allowing you to save time on the entire process.

Through a driving school

If you’re updating your driving skills, want to know more about how to buy a car in the UAE and have professionals to assist you with your renewal application at the same time, find a driving school authorized to renew driving licenses.

After completing the driving course, submit your requirements and payment to the driving school. They will then forward your application to the RTA for processing.

Your up-to-date license will be sent to your address if your application is approved.

Renewing a Driver’s License in Other Emirates

If you’re curious about the Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah driving license renewal processes, you should know that residents of these emirates can renew their licenses through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or app.

The basic requirements and processes are the same as renewing your license online in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The application involves step-by-step instructions, so you don’t need to worry about making any mistakes.

Keep in mind that you can pay a fine of up to AED 500 if you drive in the UAE with an expired license. As such, take note of your driver’s license expiration and renew it before it lapses.

Do you need help in conducting a vehicle history check for a car you’re interested in? 

Renewing Your Driver’s License in Abu Dhabi

There are three ways to renew your driving license in Abu Dhabi. These are:

Through the TAMM website 

The TAMM platform offers over 700 online government services, including the Abu Dhabi driving license renewal process.

To renew your driver’s license using this website, follow these steps:

1. Open the homepage and click the Sign in with the UAE Pass tab. If you don’t have an account yet, choose the Sign-Up Now icon.
2. Click the Drive & Transport tab on the homepage.
3. Click the Renewal of Driving License icon. You will be redirected to another page where you can start your application.
4. Fill and submit the application form together with the requirements through the recommended channels.
5. Pay the fee, including the late fines, if any.

After a successful application, you can wait for your new license to be delivered to you.

If you don’t have an eye exam certificate yet, you can find an accredited center on the TAMM website.

Through the Abu Dhabi Police website or app

The Abu Dhabi Police website and app allow you to renew your driving license online. You can follow these steps for the renewal process:

1. Prepare a copy of a valid Emirates ID.
2. Visit the Abu Dhabi Police website or download the app and create your account. When registering, you must upload a copy of your ID.
3. Choose the driving license services for renewal. 
4. Complete the form, attach the requirements and submit your applications.
5. Pay the fee.

Your renewed license will be delivered to you by courier.

Through a TAMM Service Center

If you have the time to renew your license manually, head to the nearest TAMM service center or driving license renewal service center. Bring all requirements and fees to ensure you can complete the application process within the same day.

Contact us to find out how we can assist you buy the perfect ride to go with your up-to-date driving license.