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In the UAE, having a driving license is super important. Because driving is a big part of everyday life. Especially in places like Dubai where the roads are good and the rules are strict. So, if you want to keep driving legally, you need to renew your license when it expires. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it.
Who Can Renew Their Dubai License?
First, let’s talk about who can renew their Dubai driving license. According to the rules from the RTA, if you’re 21 or older and you’re a resident, you can get your license renewed.
If you’re younger than 21, you can still get a special kind of license called a probationary license. After six months of having a learner’s permit, you can take the driving test to get a full license.
Documents Needed to Renew Driving License
To renew your driving license in Dubai, you’ll need a few things:
If you’re 21 or older, you’ll need your original and valid Emirates ID, and you’ll also need to get your eyes tested as per RTA rules.
If you’re younger than 21, you’ll also need your original and valid Emirates ID.
Steps to Renew the Driving License
Here’s the step-by-step process for renewing your driving license:
- Get Your Eyes Tested: Begin by undergoing an eye test at the center.
- Pay Any Fines (if applicable): If you have any outstanding fines, settle them at the center.
- Apply for Driving License Renewal: Submit your renewal application at the center.
- Pay the Required Fees: Pay all necessary fees related to the renewal process.
- Print Your Driving License: Once everything is processed, you’ll be able to print out your renewed driving license.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth renewal process for your driving license.
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Approved Eye Test Centers in Dubai
It’s necessary to check your eyesight when renewing your Dubai driving license. Here’s where you can do it:
- Prime Medical Center
Location: First Floor, Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1, Departures Hall
Contact: +971-4-707-0999
- Dubai Optical
Location: Dubai Optical Group, 402, Apricot Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Contact: +971-4-397-6549
- Emirates Driving Institute
Locations: Al Quoz, Al Qusais, Port Rashid
Contact: +971-4-263-1100
Other centers include
- Belhasa Driving Centre
- Yateem Optician
- Salik Optical
- Rivoli EyeZone
- Malak Typing – Photocopying & Optical
- Magrabi Optical
- Leen Optics
- Grand Optics
- Executive Optics
- Barakat Optical
- Apple International Optical
- Al Jaber Optical
Applicants aged 21 and above requesting a mobile truck service for the eye test. They must pay an extra AED 500. Call Al Jaber Optical at +971-55-600-2116 to request the service.
Service Charges for Dubai Driving License
The renewal fees vary by age:
Youthful applicants (20 years old and younger):
- Renewal fee: AED 100
- Additional charges: AED 20 (for knowledge and innovation)
Applicants over 21 years old:
- Renewal fee: AED 300
- Additional fees: AED 20 (for knowledge and innovation)
These charges were provided by the official RTA website in 2021.
Penalties for Delaying Driving License Renewal in Dubai
If your Dubai driving license renewal is delayed by less than 10 years:
You’ll be charged AED 10 per month, up to a maximum of AED 500.
If your license expired more than 10 years ago:
You can only renew it after passing a mandatory road test. In this case, the renewal fee is AED 1,370.
Renewing Your License as an Expat
Renewing your license as an expat can have its challenges. Here’s what you need to know:
Traffic fines
Accumulating fines can slow down the renewal process.
Visitor’s visa
If you’re in Dubai on a visit visa, or if you leave and return on one, you can’t renew your license. You need a valid residency visa.
Expired license for over 10 years
If it’s been more than a decade since your license expired, you’ll have to start from scratch. It means it will include the tests and fees.
Residency in another Emirate
You can renew a Dubai-issued license in Dubai. But if your license is from another Emirate, you can’t renew it in Dubai.
Suspended or cancelled license
Violating traffic laws can lead to suspension or cancellation of your license. If this happens, you’ll need to start a new training file and get a no objection letter to reapply for a driving test.
Note: After successfully applying for renewal, you’ll get a digital temporary license. It will be valid for five to 15 days, which you can print. Within three to five days, you will receive your new license. Then, you’re ready to hit the road again!
Ways to Renew a Dubai Driving License
Following are some of the ways to renew Dubai Driving License:
RTA Online Service
Here’s a guide on how to renew your driving license in Dubai using the RTA’s online services:
- Undergo Eye Test: First, you need to undergo a mandatory eye test at any approved eye test center.
- Visit RTA Official Website: Go to the RTA official website and navigate to the Driver and Car Owner services tab.
- Access Licence Renewal Service: Click on the Driving Licence Services tab to find options related to Dubai driving licence renewal.
- Enter Details: Enter your Emirates ID or driving licence details to retrieve your data.
- Upload Documents: Upload all the necessary documents required for renewal.
- Payment: Pay all the required fees or fines, if there are any.
- Temporary License: After completing the process, you’ll receive a temporary driving licence to print. This temporary license is valid for 5 to 15 working days.
- Receive Your Licence: You can collect your new driving licence from Happiness Centres at Al Barsha or Deira.
- Delivery Option: Alternatively, you can opt to have your new licence delivered to you by paying additional shipping charges. Here are the options:
Standard delivery: AED 20
Same-day delivery: AED 35
Delivery within 2 hours: AED 50
International delivery: AED 50
By following these steps, you can conveniently renew your driving license in Dubai using the RTA’s online services.
Dubai Drive App
Renewing your driver’s license in Dubai is made easy with the RTA Dubai Drive App, available for both Android and iOS. The process mirrors that of the RTA website, offering a convenient option for drivers in Dubai.
Services Centers
In addition to online options, there are various service centers across Dubai where you can renew your driver’s license. Some of these centers also provide eye testing facilities.
Here’s a simplified guide to renewing your driver’s license:
- Visit any eye test center to get your eyes tested.
- Once your tests are clear, apply for license renewal through the app or website.
- Pay all required fees and fines.
- Print out the temporary license from any Customer Happiness Centers.
Here are some locations with Customer Happiness Centers equipped with Self Service Machines:
- Umm Ramool
- Deira
- Al Barsha
- Al Manarah
- Al Twar
- Al Kifaf Tasjeel
- Al Tawar
- Barsha Tasjeel
- Muhaisna Shamil
- Tamam Vehicle Testing
- Al Qusais Tasjeel
- Wasel Vehicle Testing – Al Jaddaf
RTA Kiosks
You can also renew your Dubai driving license at RTA kiosks, offering another convenient option aside from online services and RTA service centers. The process at the kiosks is the same as at service centers.
Here are the locations of the various kiosks for driver’s license renewal in Dubai:
- Customer Happiness Centre in Umm Ramool
- Customer Happiness Centre in Deira
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Barsha
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Manarah
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Towar
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Aweer
- Customer Happiness Centre in Al Kifaf
- Tasjeel Al Tawar
- Barsha Tasjeel
- Quick Cars Testing
- Muhaisnah Shamil
- Tamam Vehicle Testing
- Al Qusais Tasjeel
- Wasel Belhasa
These kiosks offer another convenient way to renew your driving license in Dubai.
Mahboub Chatbot
You can conveniently renew your Dubai license through the Mahboub Chatbot on the RTA website. Here’s how:
Open the Mahboub chat window and type “Renew Driving Licence.”
Enter your traffic file number, license issuance date (in YYYY format), birth year (in YYYY format), and driver’s license number when prompted.
Select “Electronic document sent to the customer’s registered email” as your preferred delivery method. Additional delivery charges apply, ranging from AED 20 to AED 50.
Processing Time and Validity
- Processing time for driving license renewal in Dubai is typically 3 to 5 working days.
- For applicants below 21 years, the license is valid for 1 year.
- Emirati and GCC citizens aged 21 and above enjoy a 10-year validity.
- Residents of other nationalities have a 5-year validity period for their license.
Common Issues and Solutions
Paying Traffic Fines and Violations Before Renewal
Check for Fines
- Check the RTA website and Dubai Police website for your fines.
- Alternatively, you can download the Dubai Drive App for the same assurance.
Pay the Fines
- You may also pay fines directly on the RTA website. You can also use the Dubai Police website or via the Dubai Drive mobile (DUBZ) application.
- One can go for Customer Happiness Centers and any service center of RTA.
Keep Records
- Keep a receipt or confirmation after payment as proof of payment.
Process in case of locking the license after Black Points
- Check Black Points
Check black points on your driving license before you do anything else. Check for the additional points, visit the RTA website or Dubai Drive App.
- Join Road Safety Seminars
You can easily reduce points on black point system with advanced courses. If you have gathered a lot of black points, then they can be reduced by attending an RTA approved traffic awareness course.
For information on enrolling in a course contact the RTA or visit their website.
- Clear Outstanding Issues
Settle all legal fines or exposure related to black points.
This will allow you to pay the fines. You can take any mandatory defensive driving course and have your license freed up.
- Contact RTA for Assistance
When you have done the above and still your license remains locked. Try to call the RTA call center at 8009090 for further assistance.
Updating Personal Information
- New Citizenship or Legal Identity Name Changes
Collect all necessary documents; e. g, new passport, Emirates ID and the papers. So, to prove the change.
- Go to the customer service centers
Visit any of the RTA Customer Happiness Centre with updated documents.
Update your driving license with new personal details.
- Submit Required Forms
Fill out the forms that the center gives you.
Pay the relevant fees related to modification of personal data.
- Receive Updated License
Once processed, an updated driver’s license will be issued with the revised information.
Ways to Make the License Renewal Easier
Follow these steps to complete your driving license renewal successfully in easier way:
- Use Online Facilities
Use the online renewal facilities provided by the RTA on their main website or Dubai Drive App. These are time-saving and make your work more convenient.
- Have Your Documents Prepared
Make sure you have all necessary documents on hand. Especially before you begin the renewal process. These include:
- Emirates ID
- A vision test report (if you are 21 years of age and older)
- Pick a Handy Renewal Method
Choose any one method down below to renew according to your preference and convenience.
RTA Call Centre: Call at 8009090 and then follow the instructions.
Customer Happiness and Service Centers: Participated by a different place. It has the eye testing facility as well so you can quickly complete your process.
Self-Service Kiosks: Use the RTA kiosks that you can find around Dubai.
Online via RTA website: Visit the RTA website and complete all the necessary steps.
Dubai Drive Mobile App: Download the app on Google Play Store or the Apple Store. Then activate your license through your mobile.
Conclusion:
That wraps up our guide to renewing your Dubai driving license. If you’re interested in applying for a new license, take a look at our helpful guide to obtaining a car license in Dubai. And for frequent travelers, don’t forget the importance of having an international driving license. We’ve outlined several convenient methods for renewing your license. For further details on other services, be sure to explore our comprehensive RTA Dubai guide.
