Renewing Your Dubai Driving License:
A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a resident of Dubai, you know that having a valid driver’s license is essential for getting around this vast, car-dependent city. Licenses need to be renewed every 10 years in the emirate, and the process is relatively straightforward if you know what to do. This blog will walk you through the step-by-step process of renewing your Dubai driving license to keep yourself legal on the roads.
The first thing to know is when your Dubai driving license expires. Licenses are valid for 10 years from the issue date printed on the card. About two months before your license is due to expire, you should receive a text message reminder from the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
When Do You Need to
Renew Your License?
The first thing to know is when your Dubai driving license expires. Licenses are valid for 10 years from the issue date printed on the card. About two months before your license is due to expire, you should receive a text message reminder from the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). This gives you adequate time to complete the renewal process. Don’t wait until the last minute!
If your license does happen to expire, you have a one-month grace period after the expiry date. If you drive during this time and are stopped by police, you won’t get a fine. However, after one month, fines apply for driving with an invalid license. Avoid this by renewing on time.
The Requirements for Renewal
Renewing your Dubai driving license is simple if you meet the requirements:
- Your existing Dubai driving license
- A valid UAE residency visa
- A valid UAE national ID card
- Access to an RTA-authorized typing center for completing the renewal application
- Clearing any traffic fines/fees owed to the RTA (this can be done online)
You’ll also need to pass some medical tests and a road test if you renew close to 10 years after your previous road test. We’ll get into the details below.
Follow these Steps
Step 1: Book Your Medical Test
The first step is to book and pass your medical assessment. This must be done at an RTA-authorized medical fitness center. You can search for your nearest location on the RTA website or app.
You’ll undergo standard checks like eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and a general assessment. Once you pass, you’ll receive a Medical Fitness Certificate that is valid for 30 days. This certificate must be submitted along with your license renewal application.
Step 2: Clear Up Any Traffic Fines
Before renewing your license, you must clear up any traffic fines or fees owed to the RTA. Even minor fees that have gone unpaid can block you from booking appointments or completing renewal.
Log into the RTA website and check for any traffic fines or toll fees linked to your license plate number or traffic file number. You can pay these instantly online by credit card. Print out the receipt or save it on your phone.
Step 3: Book Your Typing Center Appointment
Typing centers are private companies authorized by the RTA to complete license renewal applications. There are many spread around Dubai so find one that is convenient for you. You can search on the RTA site or app and book an appointment online.
Take along all your documents – existing license, passport, visa, Emirates ID, and medical certificate. Fees for license renewal at typing centers are around AED 600-800 plus the AED 50 knowledge fee and AED 50 innovation fee charged by the RT
Step 4: Pass the Road Test (If Required)
If it has been over 10 years since you last took your road test in Dubai, you must pass the test again before renewing your license. This ensures drivers remember all important road rules and safety procedures.
There is both a parking test and a road test. Book your test slots at any of the RTA’s Drivers Testing Centers. Take your valid license and Emirates ID. Testing fees are AED 180 for the parking test and AED 300 for the road test. Bring cash or a credit card for payment.
Step 5: Get Your Eye Exam and New License
The final step is to visit an optician for an eye exam, and then collect your renewed license.
RTA typing centers will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 2 months. Within this time you must visit an optician, pass an eye exam, and get the Eye Test Certificate. Appointments are available within 1-2 days at most opticians.
Upload your eye test result to the RTA website then go to any typing center to collect your new credit card-style plastic license. You’ve now successfully renewed your Dubai driving license for another 10 years!
Renewing Made Simple
It may seem daunting, but the Dubai license renewal process is straightforward if you prepare in advance. About two months before expiry, revisit your road skills, get medical tests done, clear fines, apply via a typing center, pass any road tests, get an eye exam, and collect your license. Do everything on time and you’ll have a newly valid license with no hassles!
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Where to Apply for Driving License Renewal
You can begin the Dubai driving license renewal process
online through the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) website and smartphone app.
RTA Website
The RTA portal allows you to complete several steps related to renewal:
- Check your license expiry date
- Pay outstanding fines
- Book medical test appointments
- Book road test appointments (if required)
- Find the location of typing centers and opticians
- Upload documents like medical certificate, Emma’s test results, etc.
The RTA website can be accessed at: https://www.rta.ae or through the DubaiNow app
RTA App
The free app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
The RTA also has an app for both iOS and Android devices. This provides the same functions as the website to manage your driving license renewal:
- View license details and expiry date
- Pay traffic fines instantly
- Book medical assessments
- Locate nearby typing centers
- Upload test certificates and documents
Typing Centers
Typing centers are private companies authorized by RTA to process license renewal applications. There are over 50 locations across Dubai. You must visit in person and submit renewal documents. Search for typing centers and book appointments through the RTA website or app.
In summary, the RTA portal and app allow you to complete most of the Dubai driving license renewal steps digitally. You must also visit medical centers, typing centers, and opticians in person at appointed times to finalize the renewal.
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