Dubai is known for its high standard of living and luxurious lifestyle. However, one must have a valid driving license to enjoy the perks of living in this city. A driving license is an essential document that allows individuals to drive legally on the roads of Dubai. Renewing your driving license after a certain period is mandatory, and failure to do so can result in fines and penalties.
Eligibility Criteria for Renewal
To renew a Dubai driving license, the applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria. This section outlines the two main criteria: age requirements and residency status.
Age Requirements
The applicant must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for driving license renewal. However, for certain categories of vehicles, such as heavy trucks and buses, the minimum age requirement is 24.
Residency Status
Another essential eligibility criterion for Dubai driving license renewal is residency status. UAE citizens and GCC nationals can renew their driving licenses for up to 10 years, while residents can renew their licenses for up to 5 years. It is important to note that the applicant must be a UAE resident to be eligible for driving license renewal in Dubai.
Required Documents for Renewal
When renewing a Dubai driving licence, applicants are required to provide a few documents. These documents include the Emirates ID, original driving license, and passport and visa copy.
Emirates ID
For applicants older than 21, the original and valid Emirates ID is required. The Emirates ID serves as a form of identification for the applicant and must be presented during the renewal process.
Original Driving Licence
Applicants must provide their original driving license during the renewal process. The permit must be valid and valid. It is important to note that if the license has been lost or stolen, a police report must be filed before the renewal process can proceed.
Passport and Visa Copy
In addition to the Emirates ID and original driving license, applicants must also provide a copy of their passport and visa, which is proof of their residency in Dubai.
The required documents for Dubai’s driving license renewal are pretty straightforward. Applicants should have all the necessary documents before proceeding with the renewal process.
Renewal Process Overview
To renew a Dubai driving license, one can do it online or visit an RTA service center or kiosk. The process is straightforward and can be completed quickly.
Online Renewal Steps
For online renewal, one needs to follow these steps:
- Visit the RTA Dubai website and create an account if you don’t have one.
- Login to the account and select the ‘Renewal of Driving License’ option.
- Fill in the required information, such as license number, passport details, and visa status.
- Once the payment is confirmed, print the temporary driving license, valid for 30 days.
RTA Service Centers
If one prefers to visit an RTA service center, the following steps are involved:
- Visit any of the RTA service centers in Dubai.
- Fill in the renewal form and attach the required documents, such as a copy of your passport, residency visa, and original driving license.
- Pay the renewal fee using cash or a credit/debit card.
- Once the payment is confirmed, collect the temporary driving license, which is valid for 30 days.
Kiosk Locations
For renewal at a kiosk, one needs to follow these steps:
- Visit any of the RTA kiosk locations in Dubai.
- Insert the original driving license into the kiosk machine.
- Once the payment is confirmed, collect the temporary driving license, which is valid for 30 days.
Eye Test Requirements
An eye test is mandatory for all applicants to renew a Dubai driving license. The test assesses the applicant’s visual acuity, color vision, and field of vision. The eye test certificate must be obtained from an approved eye test center. In this section, we will discuss the approved opticians and RTA-authorized centers where you can take the eye test.
Approved Opticians
It is essential to ensure that the RTA authorizes the optician you visit. The following are some of the approved opticians:
- Yateem Optician
- Magrabi Optical
- Grand Optics
- Al Jaber Optical
- Dubai Opticians
It is advisable to call ahead and book an appointment to avoid long waiting times.
RTA Authorized Centers
In addition to approved opticians, the RTA has authorized centers where you can take the eye test. These centers offer a range of services related to driving licenses, including eye tests. The following are some of the RTA-authorized centers:
- Dubai Driving Center
- Galadari Motor Driving Center
- Drive Dubai
It is important to note that branches can provide all training, registration, and testing services, while registration offices can only offer registration services.
Renewal fees
Renewing a Dubai driving license requires payment of various fees. Here are the different costs that drivers need to pay:
Standard Renewal Fees
The standard renewal fee for a Dubai driving license varies depending on the driver’s age. For drivers under 21 years old, the fee is AED 100, and for drivers over 21 years old, it is AED 320.
Knowledge and Innovation Fee
In addition to the standard renewal fees, drivers must pay a Knowledge and Innovation fee of AED 20. This fee supports the development of knowledge-based industries in the UAE.
Additional Service Charges
Drivers who opt for additional services when renewing their Dubai driving license must also pay additional service charges. The following are the additional service charges:
- Standard Delivery: Drivers can receive their renewed driving license within five working days for a fee of AED 20.
- Same-Day Delivery: Drivers can receive their renewed driving license on the same day for a fee of AED 35.
- 2-Hour Delivery: Drivers can receive their renewed driving license within 2 hours for a fee of AED 50.
It is important to note that drivers must settle all their traffic fines before renewing their Dubai driving license. Please do so to avoid a fine of AED 10 per month for delayed renewal.
In conclusion, drivers should ensure they have enough funds to cover the renewal fees and additional service charges when renewing their Dubai driving license.
Payment Methods
When it comes to renewing a Dubai driving license, drivers have two main payment methods available: online payment options and Payment at RTA Centers.
Online Payment Options
The RTA website offers a convenient way to renew your driving license online using a credit card. The online payments save you the hassle of visiting an RTA center in person. To renew your driving license online, you will need to follow these steps:
- Visit the RTA website and log in to your account.
- Select the driving license renewal option and follow the instructions on the screen.
Payment at RTA Centers
If you prefer to pay in person, you can visit any RTA center to renew your driving license. Here are the steps you need to follow to renew your driving license at an RTA center:
- Visit an RTA center and collect a token.
- Wait for your turn and present your documents to the RTA representative.
- Pay the renewal fee by cash or credit card.
It is important to note that you may have to pay additional fees or fines if your driving licence has expired or if you have outstanding traffic fines. Therefore, settling all your fines before renewing your driving license is advisable to avoid delays or additional fees.
Penalties for Late Renewal
Driving license renewal is a necessary process that every driver in Dubai must undergo to maintain their legal driving status. Here are some penalties drivers may face if they fail to renew their driving license on time.
Traffic Fines
If drivers fail to renew their driving license before its expiration date, they must pay a traffic fine. The acceptable amount depends on how long the driver has delayed the renewal. For instance, if a driver renews their license within one month of expiration, they will be charged a fine of AED 10 per month. However, if the driver delays the renewal for over a year, the fine can go up to AED 500.
Black Points
The number of black points depends on the severity of the offense. For instance, if a driver delays their license renewal by less than three months, they will receive two black points. However, the driver will receive four black points if the delay is more than three months.
Delay Charges
Apart from the traffic fine and black points, a driver who delays their license renewal will also be charged a delay fee. The fee is calculated based on the days the driver has delayed the renewal. For instance, if a driver renews their license within one month of expiration, they will not be charged any delay fee. However, if the driver delays the renewal for more than one year, they will be charged a delay fee of AED 20 per day.
In conclusion, it is important for drivers in Dubai to renew their driving licenses on time to avoid the penalties associated with late renewal.
Collection and Delivery of Licence
Courier Services
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers a courier service to deliver renewed driving licenses. This service is available for a fee of AED 20, AED 35, and AED 50, depending on the delivery time. Customers can choose from three delivery options: standard delivery (within five working days), same-day delivery, and 2-hour delivery.
To avail of this service, customers must provide the RTA with a valid Emirates ID, mobile number, and email address for communication purposes. The courier service is convenient for those waiting to collect their renewed driving license in person.
RTA Kiosk Collection
Customers can also collect their renewed driving license from one of the RTA’s self-service kiosks across Dubai. The kiosks are available 24/7 and offer a quick and easy way to collect the renewed license.
Customers must first complete the renewal process and pay the relevant fees to collect the renewed license from the kiosk. They will then receive an SMS notification with a collection code, which they can use to collect their renewed license from the kiosk.
The RTA kiosk collection option is ideal for those who prefer to collect their renewed license in person without waiting in long queues.
Overall, the RTA offers two convenient options for collecting and delivering renewed driving licenses, making the process quick and hassle-free for customers.
Digital Driving Licence Options
Dubai has made significant progress in digitizing its driving license renewal process. The digital driving license options include the Dubai Drive App and Apple Wallet Integration.
Dubai Drive App
The Dubai Drive App is a mobile application that enables residents to renew their driving licenses from the comfort of their homes.
To renew a driving license using the Dubai Drive App, users must download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. They will then need to create an account and follow the instructions provided on the app. The app also includes information on the documents required for renewal and the fees involved.
Apple Wallet Integration
Dubai has also introduced Apple Wallet Integration for driving licenses. This feature enables residents to store their driving licenses on their iPhones. Users can access their digital driving license by tapping their iPhones on an NFC reader.
Users must renew their driving licenses through the Dubai Drive App to use the Apple Wallet Integration feature. Once the renewal process is complete, users can add their driving license to their Apple Wallet. The digital driving license is then available for use on their iPhones.
Explore IDX Solutions with Dubai MLS
Improve your property search with an IDX platform designed to fit your needs. Using Dubai MLS‘ IDX data feed, integrated through their Web API, you will be creating a suitable platform that facilitates your property search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to renew a driving license online in Dubai?
- Download and install the RTA Dubai app on your smartphone.
- Create a new account or log in to your existing account.
- Select the “Driving Licence” option.
- Choose “Renew Driving Licence.”
What is the current fee for driving license renewal in Dubai?
The fee is AED 300 for a 10-year renewal and AED 150 for a 5-year renewal.
Is there a grace period for the renewal of the UAE driving license?
Yes, there is a 30-day grace period for UAE driving license renewal. If the driver fails to renew the license within 30 days, a fine of AED 10 per month will be levied.
What are the new rules regarding driving license renewal in Dubai?
The new driving license renewal rules in Dubai require drivers to settle all their traffic fines before renewing their license.
How long is a renewed UAE driving license valid?
A renewed UAE driving license is valid for ten years for UAE and GCC citizens and five years for residents.
Where can I complete an eye test to renew my driving license in Dubai?
An eye test for driving license renewal in Dubai can be completed at an RTA-approved driving school or by an optician.
