Dubai driving license renewal: Steps for a smooth process

Courtesy of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai has a fairly well-developed road network that is constantly being upgraded and expanded. Featuring various multi-lane highways, the city’s traffic is generally considered to be quite smooth, due to the various measures implemented by the local government. From the introduction of ‘Salik’ which is an electronic toll collection system, to the implementation of smart traffic lights that adjust their timing based on real-time traffic conditions – Dubai has one of the most efficient traffic control systems in the world.

The RTA is also responsible for issuing driving licenses to drivers, including renewals. Having a valid driving license when operating a vehicle is crucial because it not only helps you to maintain your insurance coverage but also to stay medically fit to drive and up-to-date with the latest security features. So, if you are looking to renew your expired or to-be expired driving license, then our guide can come in handy.

Steps to Follow For Renewal Online

There are various ways through which you can apply for a driving license renewal. The primary process involves applying through the online RTA website. Then there are RTA smart apps such as ‘Dubai Drive’ and ‘RTA Dubai’. Renewal can also be registered using RTA partner apps such as ‘Dubai Now’. Lastly, there are various self-service machines located across Dubai that you can use to renew your driving license as well.

For starters, we are going to explore the online renewal process via the RTA website. To do that, follow the steps provided below.

1. First, you need to head over to the official website here.
2. On the landing page, click on ‘View All Services’ and then select the ‘Request To Renew A Driving License’ option.
3. In the next step, you will need to sign in to your account for identity verification, using your Emirates ID number as well as its expiry date. Alternatively, you can also verify your identity using your driver’s license, number plate, traffic code, or RTA account. Once done, click on ‘Next’.
4. After that, you will be required to enter your personal information. Once you have entered your personal information, you will need to pay the requisite fee for the renewal using your credit card.
5. After successful payment, a temporary driving license will be sent via email. Additionally, the original renewed license will be delivered later, either via the ‘Customer Happiness Centers’ in Deira or Al Barsha or via post.

Please note that if you choose delivery via post, then same-day delivery costs 35 AED, while standard delivery costs 20 AED. For those who want delivery within two hours or international delivery, the cost is 50 AED. Also, you can receive an electronic copy of your license using the RTA Dubai App, available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Keep in mind that if your driving license has expired more than ten years ago or has not been issued after passing a road test, then you need to schedule an appointment for an evaluation test by paying the requisite fees.

Alternative Ways To Renew

Through Smart Apps

1. Begin your journey by downloading any of the following smart apps on your smartphone – Dubai Drive or RTA Dubai.
2. Once downloaded, use the app to scan your driver’s license QR code or enter your personal information for logging in. Personal information will include your driver’s license number, its issue date, your birth year, and traffic code number.
3. After logging into your account, you will be requested to settle any fines/dues.
4. Once done, you will be able to renew your driving license by paying the requisite fees using your credit card.
5. After successful payment, you will receive a temporary driving license in your email, and later receive the renewed license either via post or a personal visit to the ‘Customer Happiness Centers’ in Al Barsha and Deira.

Through Self Service Machines

1. Start by first locating a ‘Customer Happiness Center’ or a ‘Vehicle Testing Center’ near you via the official website here.
2. Once you have found your preferred center, head over there and first settle any pending traffic fines/dues.
3. After settling your fine, proceed to renew your driving license and pay the requisite fees. ‘
4. Once done, proceed to print the driver’s license from the self-service machine.
5. Alternatively, you can also download the electronic copy of your license via the RTA Dubai App on your smartphone.

Everything You Need to Know

Before you decide to apply for a driving license renewal with RTA Dubai, keep in mind that this service is only available for individual customers, residents, and citizens of the city. Available to all nationalities, users who are less than 21 years old should present their original valid Emirates ID. However, users aged 21 years and above should not only present their original valid Emirates ID but also carry out an eye test based on the requirements.

Diplomats who are living in Dubai have additional requirements before applying for a renewal, where they need to present a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with their original valid Emirates ID (or diplomatic cards).

For Emirati passport holders without a family book (Marsoom holders) should present a copy of their valid passports and valid Marsoom documents. For Emirati passport holders who are sons of Emirati women, they should also present a copy of their valid passport along with a copy of a letter from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, stating that the applicant’s mother is an Emirati.

Lastly, people suffering from physical disabilities that can prevent them from driving vehicles should present a copy of the transfer to the doctor, issued by the Licensing Agency. Additionally, such users should also refer to the Rashid Hospital authorities for the medical test.

Talking about the license renewal fees, the cost is 100 AED for users who are younger than 21 years. And the same gets bumped up to 300 AED for applicants who are 21 years or older. If the license is not renewed for the last 10 years, then the total cost will be upwards of 1000+ AED.

Remember that the renewal time for online or any of the above-mentioned processes is instant. Also, the validity of the license for users below 21 years of age is one year, while for others, it has a maximum validity of ten years (five years for residents and ten years for UAE and GCC citizens).

For any additional assistance, you can get in touch with the RTA authorities via phone at 800 90 90 or +971 4 605 1414 (overseas), or via email at ASK@rta.ae.