Renewing your Dubai driving licence isn’t too tricky once you’ve got your head around the process, the documents you’ll need, and the fees involved. Whether you decide to renew online on the RTA website or the RTA Dubai Drive app, or would rather head down to a Customer Happiness Centre, this guide will walk you through the whole process, including the eye test requirements, any fines or black points you might need to clear, delivery options and what to do if you have a temporary licence or one that’s long expired.
Intro
Having a valid driving license is a must for anyone living or working in Dubai who wants to get behind the wheel. Issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai driving license is your official permit to drive on UAE roads, and it’s recognized across the country. Depending on your residency status and license category, your driving license will typically be valid for either five or ten years. To keep your license valid and avoid any legal hassles, it’s important to complete the driving license renewal process before your current license expires.
The renewal process is straightforward but does require some preparation. You’ll need to gather all the required documents, such as your Emirates ID and eye test results, and pay the necessary fees, which include knowledge and innovation fees. The RTA makes it easy for residents to renew their driving license by offering several convenient channels. No matter which method you choose, staying on top of your license renewal ensures you remain a legal and responsible driver in Dubai.
Who Needs to Renew Their Dubai Driving Licence? Validity, Expiry, Eligibility
For just about all residents, renewal is needed every five years to keep your licence valid. UAE and GCC nationals get a ten year validity. New drivers or those under 21 might get a temporary licence with a shorter validity – and always check the current validity on your licence to be sure.
Typically, things look like this:
- Ten years: For UAE/GCC nationals (though there may be some category-specific rules to bear in mind).
- Five years: For all UAE residents and expats.
- One year, or a temporary driver’s licence: For drivers under 21, or certain new licence categories.
Get your renewal sorted 30 days before your licence is due to expire to avoid a last-minute rush. And if your licence has been expired for a while, additionally, the transport authority may ask you to do some extra stuff – like medical assessments, knowledge tests or even a driving test. Contact the RTA or a licensed driving institute to find out what’s needed in your case.
Required Documents: All the Documents You’ll Need
Make sure you’ve got the following documents ready before you renew your licence:
- A valid Emirates ID (original for in-person, digital if using UAE Pass).
- Your eye test results from an RTA-approved provider (they’ll probably upload these to the system for you).
- A passport-style photo (only if the system asks for it).
You will also need your license number when renewing online or via the app.
Special cases might need some extra documents – like a diplomatic card with a letter from the MoFA if you’re a diplomat, or a medical report if there are certain restrictions on your licence. You’ll also need a UAE Pass account to get into the RTA website or the RTA Dubai Drive app, and a mobile phone and email to receive OTPs and tracking updates.
Where and How to Renew: Online, App, and In-Person Options
You’ve got a few different ways to renew your driver’s license:
- RTA website : Just log in using UAE Pass, enter your licence number, confirm your Emirates ID is valid, enter your eye test results, pay your fees, and get your digital licence instantly.
- RTA Dubai app (also known as RTA Dubai Drive app / RTA app / Dubai Drive app): Just download the RTA Dubai app on Android or iOS, sign in using UAE Pass, go to the “licence renewal” bit, make your payment, and get your renewed licence in the app wallet.
- Customer Happiness Centres (service centres): If you’d rather not do it online, you can pop along to one of the centres (like the Deira Customer Happiness Centre) with your Emirates ID. Make sure you’ve got an eye test done beforehand – you can get that at a nearby optician or at the centre itself. Payment is done on the spot.
- Mobile Truck Service (Mobile Customer Happiness Centre): The RTA does occasional pop-up shops to serve communities and events—requesting the mobile truck service allows you to arrange an eye test and renew your driver’s license on the spot. Check your local listings to see if there’s one near you.
- Partner locations and driving institutes: Some driving schools and vehicle testing partners (like Tamam Vehicle Testing) have RTA counters or kiosks on site. Just make sure you check their opening hours before you head out.
Tip: If you do it online, renewal tends to be the quickest and most hassle-free option – and you can drive while you wait for your new card to arrive.
Eye Test and Medical Test: What You Need to Know
An eye test is required for every licence renewal. Get down to one of the RTA-approved opticians and bring your Emirates ID with you. Costs will vary depending on the centre you go to, but most of them will upload your results directly to the RTA system.A Medical Test Might Be Needed
A medical test may be necessary if you’re in certain categories such as heavy vehicle drivers, bus drivers or commercial drivers or if you’ve got a specific medical condition. If a test is required, just book it with one of the approved clinics, make sure to get your results submitted electronically and factor in a bit more time before you start the renewal process.
Fees, Costs & Payment Options
Every licence renewal comes with base fees plus a couple of other smaller fees for the knowledge and innovation tests. Different categories of customers may have different fee structures or eligibility for discounts, so it’s important to check which fees apply to your situation. There’s a delivery fee if you choose to get your physical card sent to you via courier. And don’t forget, you’ll have to pay for the eye test separately with the optician. Renewing late may also incur monthly fines.
Example fee breakdown (note that these are just examples – always check the RTA for the current prices):
| Cost component | Typical notes |
|---|---|
| Base license renewal fee | Varies by validity (five years/ten years) |
| Knowledge fee + innovation fees | Small fixed add-ons by service |
| Eye test fee | Paid to optician (varies by provider) |
| Delivery method (courier) | Standard vs express options |
| Late fines for expired licenses | Monthly charges if you renew late |
Payment methods:
- You can pay via card on the RTA website, RTA Dubai Drive app or at service centres
- Receipts are issued instantly and VAT may apply to your payment
Fines, Black Points & Stuff Before You Renew
Before you can actually apply to renew, you need to sort out any outstanding traffic fines or black points that are linked to your account or licence number. If you delay your renewal, a fine may be imposed in addition to any existing penalties. You can do this by:
- Checking and paying your fines on the RTA website
- Using the RTA Dubai Drive app or RTA app
- Visiting one of the Customer Happiness Centres
If your licence is blocked because of too many black points or other reasons then you might need to do a course or wait for a suspension period to lift. Get in touch with RTA or a driving institute near you for more info.
Getting Your Renewed Driving Licence Delivered
- Digital driving licence: As soon as you’ve paid your fees you can access it in the RTA Dubai Drive app. This digital version is good to go and can be used while you are waiting for your physical card to arrive.
- Physical card delivery method: Choose courier delivery and you can track your card as it makes its way to you via SMS, email or the app. Standard delivery usually takes 2-5 working days depending on where you are and how fast you want it sent.
- Some centres might let you collect your card in person – check the service page for your chosen location.
Special Cases & Edge Scenarios
- If you’re under 21 or a new licence holder, some categories get a temporary licence with a shorter expiry date. Make sure to renew on time and keep your eye test up to date.
- Diplomats and government staff: Bring your diplomatic card and any required documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to show proof of identity.
- Commercial or heavy vehicle drivers: Expect to need a medical test and there will be specific renewal windows set by the transport authority.
- If you’re outside the UAE during renewal: Don’t worry, you can still use the RTA website or app to renew your licence online. Get an eye test done before you travel or confirm that your recent test will be accepted. Choose a delivery method that works with your return date.
- Lost, damaged or name change: These are replacements, not renewals. Use the RTA app or website to obtain a replacement licence. You’ll still need a valid Emirates ID and, in some cases, obtain supporting documents to prove your name change.
The Complete Application Process (Step by Step)
Online on the RTA website:
- Get an eye test done at an approved centre.
- Log in with UAE Pass on the RTA website.
- Enter your licence number and confirm your Emirates ID details.
- Check and clear any fines or black points that are showing.
- Pay your fees (including knowledge and innovation fees).
- Select your delivery method and confirm.
- Get instant access to your digital driving licence and wait for your card to arrive via courier. You can continue to use your car with the digital licence while waiting for your new card.
Via the RTA Dubai Drive app / RTA app:
- Install the app, sign in with UAE Pass.
- Tap ‘Driving Licence’ > ‘licence Renewal’.
- Confirm your details and eye test record.
- Pay your fees – your digital licence will appear instantly in the app.
- Choose your delivery method and track your card. You can use your car with the digital licence until your new card arrives.
In person at Customer Happiness Centres:
- Bring your Emirates ID and your eye test results (make sure they’re uploaded).
- Take a ticket, wait for your turn and submit your request.
- Pay your fees, select your delivery and get confirmation.
- Digital licence is available, your card will follow by courier. You may continue to drive your car using the digital licence while waiting for your new card.
Troubleshooting & Common Problems
- UAE Pass login issues: Try updating the app, resetting your password or re-verifying your Emirates ID. If it’s still playing up, try a different browser/device or visit a service centre.
- Emirates ID problems: If your Emirates ID is all out of date, or the details don’t match up, don’t try to renew your Emirates ID until the details are sorted, because the renewal process just can’t go ahead without a valid Emirates ID.
- Eye test not found: If the eye test isn’t turning up, just get in touch with the optician and sort it out; you should be able to re-try the application once the records have synced up.
- Unpaid fines blocking renewal: First off, sort out those fines by using the app or website to clear them, then click on “retry” in your application and see if that sorts out any issues.
- Long-expired license: The RTA might be asking for you to do some training or testing if your UAE driving license has been expired for a long time. You will need to meet the official requirements for renewal, which may include assessments or additional steps. You can get some help with this by getting in touch with a driving institute and they can help you schedule any needed assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Driving License Renewal
- Can I just renew my driving license online at home without going to a centre?
- Yes, you can. Just use the RTA website or the RTA Dubai Drive app with UAE Pass, and the eye test is still a must-have, but the optician will upload it for you.
- Do I need to do an eye test every single time, or just sometimes?
- Every time, the eye test is a requirement for renewing your driving license to make sure you’re fit to drive.
- How long does my renewed driving license actually last in Dubai?
- Normally five years for residents, and ten years for UAE and GCC nationals – but that depends on the category and your age.
- I’ve got black points – can I still renew?
- Yes, but you have to be within the limits. If you’ve got too many black points or suspensions, you might need to sort those out first before you can renew.
- Can I renew my driving license from outside the UAE?
- Yes, you can. Just make sure you’ve got a current eye test uploaded, and sort out any delivery to your location.
- Is the digital licence in the app any good until my new card arrives?
- Yes, it is – the digital licence is a valid proof of your licence until you get the card.
Useful Stuff – Links, Locations and Contacts
- RTA website (License Renewal): https://www.rta.ae
- RTA Dubai Drive app (App Store or Google Play): Just search for “RTA Dubai Drive” or “RTA Dubai” and it’ll turn up
- UAE Pass (account set up): https://www.uaepass.ae
- Customer Happiness Centres (like Deira Customer Happiness Centre)
Conclusion: Get Your Dubai Driving License Renewed Today
Renewing your driving license in Dubai is a piece of cake if you get your ducks in a row first – get an eye test, make sure your Emirates ID is good to go, and that you’ve got all the right documents. Most of the time, you can just renew online in minutes using the RTA website or app, pay your fees (knowledge and innovation fees too), get a digital licence straight away, and pick your delivery method for the card. But if you’ve got fines or black points, or if your licence has been expired for ages, you’ll need to sort those issues out first. With a bit of prep and these tips, you’ll be able to get the renewal done smoothly, stay on the right side of the law, and keep on driving with confidence all over Dubai and the UAE.
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