Dubai’s fast-paced urban lifestyle makes owning and driving a car a necessity for many residents. With over 2.5 million active driving licenses and more than 1.8 million registered vehicles on the road as of 2020, the city’s transportation system is vast and heavily regulated. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) enforces strict driving laws to ensure safety and order on the streets, including the regular renewal of driving licenses.
Renewing your driving license on time is not only a legal obligation but also critical for avoiding penalties and ensuring that you remain insured while driving. An expired license can lead to fines, suspension of driving privileges, and even legal consequences if you are involved in an accident. Moreover, driving with an expired license invalidates your insurance coverage, which could result in financial liabilities in case of an incident.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of renewing a Dubai driving license, highlighting the necessary steps, fees, and the consequences of failing to renew on time. Staying up-to-date with license renewal regulations ensures a hassle-free driving experience and compliance with Dubai’s traffic laws.
Eligibility Criteria for License Renewal
To renew your driving license in Dubai, several key eligibility criteria must be met to ensure compliance with the city’s regulations:
Age Requirement
Drivers must be at least 21 years old to renew their license for the typical 5 or 10-year validity. However, drivers under the age of 21 are issued a renewed license with a one-year validity, following specific rules for younger drivers.
Residency Status
Only individuals holding a valid UAE residence visa can apply for license renewal. Expatriates and residents must ensure their Emirates ID is current and valid at the time of renewal.
Expired License Conditions
If your license has expired for less than 10 years, you can renew it without any further requirements. However, licenses expired for more than 10 years require the applicant to pass a driving test again before being eligible for renewal.
Medical and Vision Test
A mandatory eye test is required for all drivers renewing their license. This test must be conducted at an RTA-approved optician to confirm you meet the necessary vision standards for driving safely. Any medical conditions affecting your ability to drive may also need to be documented.
Documents Required for Driving License Renewal
To renew a driving license in Dubai, applicants must provide a specific set of documents to comply with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) requirements:
- A valid Emirates ID is required for all applicants, regardless of age. This ID confirms the holder’s residency status, a necessary criterion for license renewal in Dubai.
- The original and a copy of your existing Dubai driving license are essential for renewal, allowing the RTA to verify your driving record and validate your request for renewal.
- An eye test is mandatory for all applicants over the age of 21. This test must be conducted at an RTA-approved center and ensures that drivers meet the necessary vision standards for road safety.
- Applicants under 21 are generally not required to take an eye test for renewal, although it’s recommended to check specific age-based guidelines with the RTA.
- A recent passport-sized photograph may be required, especially if your RTA records are outdated, to ensure that your information remains current in their system.
The License Renewal Process in Dubai
- Schedule an eye test at an RTA-approved optician before starting the license renewal process.
- The optician will submit your test results directly to the RTA system, after which you’ll receive an SMS confirmation.
- The eye test typically costs between AED 140 and AED 180
- Make sure to clear all outstanding traffic fines before applying for renewal, as unpaid fines can delay your application.
- Check for any fines using the RTA website or app, and pay them directly through these platforms for convenience
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Driving License Renewal in Dubai
RTA Website
- Log on to official RTA website.
- You will be directed to the ‘Apply for Driving License Renewal’ page.
- Click on ‘Apply Now’.
- Follow the steps accordingly.
- Pay the service charges and fines if applicable.
- You will receive your temporary driving license at your given email address, while original is in process.
- Once your original license is ready you can pick it from Customer Happiness Centers in Deira or Al Barsha.
- You can also get it delivered via courier at an additional cost of AED 25.
RTA Dubai App
- Install the RTA Dubai App from the iOS or Android app store.
- Log in with your Emirates ID or UAE Pass for quick access.
- Under the “Driver and Car Owner” services, choose “Renew Driving License.”
- Upload any requested documents, such as your Emirates ID and eye test results.
- Pay the renewal fee via debit or credit card within the app.
- Once the process is complete, a digital copy of your renewed license is immediately available within the app. You may also select a home delivery option for the physical license (delivery fees may apply).
RTA Customer Service Centers
Here are key centers in Dubai where you can complete the entire license renewal process, including the required eye test, making it convenient by reducing the need for multiple stops:
- Customer Happiness Centre – Umm Ramool
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Manarah
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Towar
- Customer Happiness Centre – Deira
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Barsha
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Kifaf
For additional options, Hatta Tasjeel Centre offers license renewal services but does not have eye testing facilities on-site.
Steps for Renewal at these Centers
- Conduct your eye test on-site if needed.
- Pay any outstanding fines associated with your driving record.
- Complete and submit your renewal application.
- Settle the applicable renewal fees at the counter.
- Receive a printed copy of your renewed license directly at the center.
Self-service RTA kiosks
Dubai offers convenient license renewal through self-service RTA kiosks, which function similarly to Customer Happiness Centers. These self-service machines allow drivers to manage their license renewals independently, providing a quick and accessible option.
Most RTA kiosks are located within service centers around Dubai, but there are additional kiosks spread throughout the city for added convenience. This network of kiosks ensures easy access to renewal services across various locations, supporting a streamlined, user-friendly experience.
- Customer Happiness Centre – Umm Ramool
- Customer Happiness Centre – Deira
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Barsha
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Manarah
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Towar
- Customer Happiness Centre – Al Kifaf
- Tasjeel Al Tawar
- Barsha Tasjeel
- Quick Cars Testing
- Muhaisna Shamil
- Tamam Vehicle Testing
- Al Qusais Tasjeel
- Wasel Belhasa
Driving License Renewal Fees in Dubai
| Applicant Type | Service Fees | Additional Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicants Under 21 Years | AED 100 for renewal | AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation Fee | AED 120 |
| Applicants 21 Years and Older | AED 300 for renewal | AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation Fee | AED 320 |
| Evaluation Test (for Licenses Expired 10+ Years) | AED 200 Training File Opening Fee | AED 100 Learning Application Fee | |
| AED 50 Handbook Manual Fee | AED 200 RTA Test Fee | ||
| AED 500 Late Renewal Fee | AED 300 Renewal Fee | ||
| AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation Fee | AED 1,370 |
Fines for Late Renewal
- A fine is applied for delaying the renewal of your Dubai driving license.
- For licenses expired for less than 10 years, you are charged AED 10 per month until the license is renewed.
- The delay fine accumulates up to a maximum of AED 500.
- Delays beyond 10 years may require a re-evaluation and additional renewal fees.
Renewing a License After Suspension or Cancellation
If a driving license in Dubai has been suspended or canceled, specific steps and legal requirements must be met to reinstate it. This process ensures that drivers understand the rules and adhere to the regulations that protect road safety.
Attend Mandatory Training
Drivers who have their licenses suspended due to accumulating black points (often from multiple traffic violations) are typically required to attend a rehabilitation course. This course, offered by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and its authorized centers, focuses on traffic laws, safety practices, and safe driving behaviors to help drivers improve their road awareness.
Clear Outstanding Fines
Any fines or outstanding dues linked to the license suspension must be cleared. In Dubai, these fines can be paid through the RTA’s website, mobile app, or customer service centers, ensuring all financial obligations are settled before the license is reinstated.
Retake Necessary Tests
For licenses that have been canceled or expired for a significant period (often more than 10 years), the RTA may require drivers to pass both the theoretical and practical driving tests again to confirm their competency. This testing helps ensure that the driver’s skills meet current safety standards.
File Reinstatement Application
After completing the necessary courses and clearing all fines, an application must be submitted to the RTA for reinstatement of the license. This can be done online or at an RTA customer center.
Pay Reinstatement Fees
Reinstating a suspended or canceled license includes specific administrative fees. The exact cost may vary based on the details of the suspension, but typically includes fees for re-issuing the license, as well as any additional charges for the rehabilitation course or testing.
License Renewal for Senior Citizens and People of Determination in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented specific provisions to facilitate the license renewal process for senior citizens and People of Determination, making it easier and more accessible for these groups.
For Senior Citizens
Senior citizens in Dubai can benefit from prioritized and simplified services. They may apply for license renewal online through the RTA website or app, minimizing the need for in-person visits. Additionally, a family member or first-degree relative can apply on their behalf if needed. This approach aligns with RTA’s broader effort to transition services to fully digital formats, allowing elderly residents to complete the process conveniently from home.
For People of Determination
People of Determination can renew their driving licenses with streamlined steps, leveraging RTA’s automated systems and support services:
- People of Determination are eligible for tailored assistance, including simplified application processes and online service options for greater convenience.
- Smart Kiosks and Customer Happiness Centers are equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility or accessibility needs, providing features like wheelchair access, user-friendly kiosks, and assistance from trained staff.
- A medical or disability certificate may be required to validate eligibility for these benefits.
Completing the driving license renewal process in Dubai is now more straightforward than ever, thanks to the RTA’s efforts to enhance accessibility and streamline services. With a range of renewal options available, including online applications and self-service kiosks, Dubai ensures that every resident can handle renewals conveniently. By staying updated and prepared, drivers can continue to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of driving, contributing to Dubai’s culture of safety and efficiency on the road.
