Getting a driving license is an essential part of being a responsible driver. Renewing it when it expires is yet another important task. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, driving a vehicle with an expired license carries a fine of AED500. Moreover, you will also earn four black points, and your vehicle will be confiscated for seven days. To avoid such a scenario, make sure to renew your driving license in the UAE. Here’s how.
What is a driver’s license?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a driver’s license as “a license issued under governmental authority that permits the holder to operate a motor vehicle.”
In the UAE, you must first attend lessons at a registered driving institute in your emirate and pass tests before getting a license. Additionally, you must be medically fit and of legal age. For cars and light vehicles, the minimum age requirement is 18; 20 for heavy vehicles and tractors; and 21 for buses. You must be at least 17 years old if you’re riding a motorcycle or driving vehicles for people with special needs.
Requirements for renewing your license
Once you get a new license, it will be valid for two years. After that, you will need to renew it. By then, your renewed driver’s license will be valid for ten years if you’re a UAE national or a citizen from any other member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Meanwhile, it will be valid for five years if you’re a UAE expatriate.
Got a license that will expire soon? Here are the general requirements to renew a driving license:
- Your expired driving license
- A copy of your passport and residence visa page
- Your Emirates ID card
- Passport-sized photos
- Eye test certificate from an approved eye test center
In the next sections, we’ll talk about how to renew your driving license in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
How to renew your driving license in Dubai
In Dubai, there are four major methods to renew your license.
The RTA website
- Visit the Roads and Transport Authority’s website and log in to your account.
- Click on the “Renew Driving License” tab.
- Fill out the required fields. Here, you must provide information like your Emirates ID and driving license number.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the fee online.
- Wait for your renewed license to be delivered to your registered address.
An RTA customer service center
- Visit an RTA customer service center near you.
- Fill out the form and submit your documents.
- Pay the fee and wait for your application to be processed.
- If your application is approved, wait for the license to be printed at the center.
A self-service machine
Also called an RTA kiosk, a self-service machine makes it easier for drivers to renew their licenses in Dubai. These machines follow the same process as a service center. You can find these kiosks at service centers and Customer Happiness Centers around the city.
A driving institute
- Look for a driving school that is accredited to renew driving licenses.
- Complete any required refresher course or driving lesson.
- Submit the requirements.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Wait for the RTA to process your application. If approved, your renewed license will be sent to your registered address.
Read: Your guide to getting a Dubai car loan in 2024
How to renew your driving license in Abu Dhabi
There are aalso several wways by which you can renew your license in Abu Dhabi.
TAMM
- Visit the TAMM website and click on the “Vehicles and Transportation” tab on the homepage.
- Select the “Driving Service” option, then “Driving License.”
- On the page where you’ll be redirected, select “Request for Renewal of Driving License.”
- Fill out the form and submit the required documents.
- Pay the fee.
- Wait for your driver’s license to be delivered.
Abu Dhabi Police
- Visit the Abu Dhabi Police website.
- Register using your Emirates ID and log in to your account.
- Click on the “Driving License Services” option and follow the instructions from there.
- Provide all necessary information and attach the requirements.
- Pay the fee.
- Wait for your driver’s license to be delivered.
A TAMM Customer Happiness Center
- Head on to a TAMM Customer Happiness Center near you. You can also renew your license in person at an approved driving license renewal service center.
- Present your documents.
- Settle the fee.
- Wait for your driver’s license to be delivered to your registered address.
Final thoughts
Knowing how to renew your driving license in the UAE is a hallmark of being a responsible driver. Keep in mind that you can start renewing this important license six months before it expires. The renewal fee ranges from AED120 to more than AED400. Apart from gathering all the requirements, also ensure that you settle any outstanding traffic fines.
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