How to Renew Driving Licence in Dubai – Complete Guide

Renewing your driving licence in Dubai is one of those things every driver has to do sooner or later. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just got your licence a few years ago, keeping it valid is essential to stay legal on the road. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to renew driving license in Dubai, including the eye test for driving license Dubai, renewal fees, and helpful tips to make the process fast and simple.

Why Driving Licence Renewal in Dubai Matters

Driving with an expired licence in Dubai isn’t just risky — it can lead to fines or legal issues. Renewing your licence ensures your information, health, and driving record are up to date. Plus, it keeps your car insurance valid and saves you from unnecessary headaches later on.

Who Needs to Renew and When

All Dubai drivers must renew their driving licences once they expire. For most residents, the licence is valid for 5 years. For UAE and GCC nationals, the validity can go up to 10 years. Always check your licence expiry date — you can start the renewal process even a few months before it expires.

If your licence is already expired, don’t worry. You can still renew it, but you may need to pay a small delay fine.

Key Requirements Before You Renew

Before starting your Dubai driving license renewal, make sure you have the following ready:

• A valid Emirates ID.

• Your current driving licence.

• Cleared traffic fines and black points.

• A completed eye test for driving license Dubai from an approved centre.

Once you’ve got these, you’re ready to move on.

The Mandatory Eye Test for Driving Licence Renewal Dubai

The eye test is a must for every licence renewal. It’s the government’s way of ensuring every driver meets basic vision requirements.

You can take your eye test at any RTA-approved optical shop in Dubai. Bring your Emirates ID and driving licence with you. The test usually costs between AED 120-150, and the results are uploaded directly to the RTA system.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, remember to bring them along. In case you don’t pass, you may need to correct your vision and retake the test before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Renew Driving Licence in Dubai

Step 1: Complete the Eye Test

Get your vision checked at an authorised optical shop. Once the results are uploaded to the RTA system, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS.

Step 2: Choose How You Want to Renew

You can renew through:

• RTA website – the quickest and most convenient option.

• Dubai Drive App – renew directly from your phone.

• RTA Service Centre or Kiosk – ideal if you prefer in-person assistance.

Step 3: Submit Documents & Pay Fees

Enter your licence number, Emirates ID, and any other required details. Pay the renewal fee online or at the kiosk.

Step 4: Get Your New Licence

You’ll receive a temporary digital licence instantly, and the physical one will be delivered to you or can be collected from an RTA centre.

Driving Licence Renewal Fees in Dubai

Renewal fees depend on your age:

• Above 21 years: AED 300 + AED 20 (knowledge and innovation fee).

• Below 21 years: AED 100 + AED 20.

If you renew after your licence has expired, expect a fine of about AED 10 per month of delay. If your licence has been expired for more than 10 years, you may need to retake the driving test.

Validity of Renewed Licence

After renewal:

• UAE & GCC nationals: licence is valid for 10 years.

• Other residents: licence is valid for 5 years.

If you’re over 65 or have certain health conditions, the validity may be shorter, depending on medical reports.

Where to Renew Your Driving Licence

Here’s how you can complete your Dubai driving license renewal quickly:

1. RTA Website: Log in with your Emirates ID and follow the steps to renew.

2. Dubai Drive App: Download from the App Store or Google Play and renew from your phone.

3. Customer Happiness Centres or Smart Kiosks: If you prefer face-to-face help, visit the nearest RTA centre.

Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process

• Renew early: Don’t wait until the last week — renew as soon as possible.

• Do the eye test first: The system won’t let you renew without it.

• Clear fines: Make sure no pending traffic fines are holding you back.

• Use the online method: It’s faster, easier, and takes less than 10 minutes in most cases.

• Double-check your delivery address: So your new licence arrives on time.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• Eye test not showing: Contact the optical shop to confirm they’ve uploaded your result.

• App not working: Try the RTA website instead or use a service centre.

• Licence expired for too long: You may need to retake both theory and practical driving tests.

Benefits of Renewing Your Driving Licence on Time

Renewing your licence on time helps you:

• Avoid late renewal fines.

• Keep your insurance valid.

• Drive legally in the UAE.

• Update your photo and contact details with the RTA.

• Get peace of mind knowing your licence is fully valid.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to renew driving license in Dubai, it’s time to take action. The process is simple, quick, and completely online in most cases. Just make sure you complete your eye test for driving license Dubai, clear all traffic fines, and have your Emirates ID ready.

Keeping your licence up-to-date ensures that you stay legal, safe, and stress-free while driving around Dubai’s busy roads.

For the latest updates and official information, please check the RTA or UAE government websites.

FAQs

1. How often should I renew my Dubai driving license?

You should renew every 10 years for UAE nationals and every 5 years for residents.

2. Can I renew my Dubai driving license online?

Yes, the RTA website and app allow easy online renewal.

3. What if I fail the eye test for driving license Dubai?

You’ll need to get corrective lenses and retake the test before applying for renewal.

4. How much does it cost to renew a Dubai driving license?

The renewal fee is between AED 300–320 depending on your age.

5. Can I renew my license if I have unpaid fines?

No, all fines must be cleared before renewing your driving license in Dubai.

6. Is the eye test for driving license Dubai mandatory every time?

Yes, it’s required for each renewal cycle.

7. How can I check if my driving license is expired?

You can check via the RTA app or by logging into the RTA portal.

8. How long does the renewal process take?

Online renewal usually takes a few minutes; delivery takes up to 5 working days.

9. Can tourists renew a Dubai driving license?

No, only residents and citizens with valid Emirates IDs can renew.

10. What documents do I need for renewal?

You’ll need your Emirates ID, eye test result, and payment.

11. Is there a grace period for renewal?

There’s typically a 30-day grace period after expiry.

12. Can I renew without an Emirates ID?

No, a valid Emirates ID is mandatory.

13. What happens if I drive with an expired license?

You can face fines and possible black points on your record.

14. Where can I take my eye test in Dubai?

At RTA-approved centers like Al Jaber Optical or Yateem Optician.

15. Do I need to submit my old license during renewal?

No, your data is already in the RTA system.

16. Can I renew my license early?

Yes, up to one year before expiry.

17. What payment methods are accepted for renewal?

Credit/debit cards are accepted online or at service centers.

18. How do I get a digital copy of my renewed license?

You can download it from the RTA app once processed.

19. Are there any discounts for senior citizens?

No specific discounts are offered currently.

20. Can I renew my license if I am outside the UAE?

No, you must be physically present in the UAE for the eye test for driving license Dubai.

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