How to exchange your foreign driving license for UAE license

Step 1: Check Eligibility

If your license is from an approved country, you can often skip classes and tests.
- Dubai RTA eligible list includes: GCC nations, most of Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, etc.
- Abu Dhabi Police list largely overlaps with Dubai’s, covering 44 countries.
- Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, etc.) also follow MOI rules; eligibility is similar.

Note: For some countries (e.g., Singapore, USA, Canada, UK), it may be necessary to have citizenship from the home country to qualify for direct exchange; otherwise you might need to take the Golden Chance tests (theory + practical)

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You’ll generally need:

Valid foreign driving license (original + copy)
Emirates ID (original + copy)
Passport with UAE residence visa (especially in Abu Dhabi/Northern Emirates)
Official Arabic translation of the foreign license (if not in English/Arabic)
Eye test certificate from an authorized centre (AED 100–150)
Passport-size photos (mainly Abu Dhabi/Northern Emirates)
In some cases: NOC from employer/sponsor (Abu Dhabi/Northern Emirates)

Step 3: Apply Online

Dubai: Use RTA website or DubaiNow app → “Exchange License”
Abu Dhabi: Use TAMM (UAE PASS login) or Abu Dhabi Police app/website
Northern Emirates: Use MOI website via UAE PASS portal

Fill in personal info, upload documents, and pay fees. You’ll receive a reference number.

Step 4: Eye Test

Visit an authorized optical center or service hub (RTA centre in Dubai) to get an eye test done. Ensure the result is linked to your application.

Step 5: Pay Fees & Collect License

Dubai
- File: AED 200 | License issuance: AED 600 | Manual: AED 50 | Innovation fee: AED 20 → Total ≈ AED 870
Abu Dhabi
- Eye test: AED 100 | License: AED 600 → Total ≈ AED 700
Northern Emirates
- Fixed AED 600 + AED 100 eye test = Approx AED 700

Once fees are paid, visit the relevant licensing centre with your reference number and documents to receive your new UAE license—often issued on the same day.

If Not Eligible for Direct Exchange

You’ll need to take the Golden Chance route (Dubai) or complete the standard process: theory classes, tests, practical lessons, parking test, final road test
Fees vary but can run into several thousand AED and weeks of processing

Range rover Dubai, It is easy to commute to any part of range rover Dubai by driving, which is one of the fascinating things to do. In the UAE, taking classes from a reputable agency and passing the tests prescribed by the government is the most popular way to receive a license.

A UAE driving license can be obtained by citizens of certain countries by exchanging their existing licenses. This can help you save time and use your home country’s driving license in the UAE quickly and easily. You need to know if you are eligible to transfer driving licenses before delving into the criteria and procedures.

Conditions for Eligibility and Required Documents

According to UAE law, the following criteria must be met:

A valid driver’s license is required
You must have the citizenship of your homeland along with proof that you have lived in UAE for at least two years

The following documents are required:

Passport holders with regular passports

Copy of Emirates ID card and original document
A copy and original of the driver’s license
An electronic eye test report from any dentist or optometrist approved by the DHA
If the license is in any other language than English or Arabic, a legally translated copy of it must be submitted
The sponsor company’s NOC. (Certain professions mentioned are exempted)

Passports with diplomatic status for residents

A copy of their passport and their original passport
A copy of the driver’s license
Report of an eye test by electronic means
A MOFA letter of approval from your organization valid for a period of at least six months after your submission
Diplomatic cards issued by international organizations, consulates, or embassies
How to exchange your foreign driving license for UAE license