Who can exchange
Some expatriate residents can exchange a valid driving licence issued by their home country; the applicant must be at least 18. [1] In Dubai, the RTA service is for residents with a valid licence issued in one of the countries eligible for exchange, which RTA lists on its service page; for some countries a legalised translation of the licence is needed. [2] Some visitors may drive on their national licence and exchange it if they are going to live in the UAE, under the "Markhoos" initiative. [1]
What you need
For a resident with a Dubai visa: a valid Emirates ID, a valid electronic eye test, and the original driving licence. [2] Take the eye test at one of the accredited eye test centres; it costs AED 140 to AED 180, depending on the centre. [2]
Fees
| Item | AED |
|---|---|
| Traffic file | 200 |
| Driving licence | 600 |
| Handbook manual | 50 |
| Electronic eye test at the eye test centres | 180 |
| Knowledge and Innovation | 20 |
| Total | 1,050 |
Adding a new category based on an exchanged licence costs AED 400 (licence AED 200, eye test AED 180, Knowledge and Innovation AED 20). Delivery is optional, from AED 20. [2]
How long it takes
The service is instant, on RTA's website, at its Customer Happiness Centres or at vehicle registration and inspection centres. [2]
Sources
- UAE Government portal, "Getting a driving licence" (updated 19 August 2026): https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/transportation/Driving-and-licensing/get-a-driving-licence
- Roads and Transport Authority, "Apply for a New Driving Licence or a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences": https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/rta-services/service-details?serviceId=121