How to Get International Driving Licence in UAE ?
What is an International Driving License?
Who Can Get an International Driving License in Dubai?
Documents Required for an International Driving License Dubai or UAE
The following documents are essential to apply for an international driving permit in Dubai:
An attested copy of the valid passport
A copy of your Emirates ID
An attested copy of the valid driving license issued in the applicant’s home country
Identity proof of the applicant – an attested copy is required
Proof of residence of the applicant – an attested copy is required
2-3 passport-sized photographs of the applicant
A valid visa issued by a foreign embassy – the application shall not be processed without a valid visa
Attested copies of air travel tickets
How to Apply for an International Driving License in the UAE?
- Visit the official website of the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) or the RTA. You can also download the MOI UAE application.
- Go to the international driving license application section and fill up the form with relevant details. The requisite documents have to be uploaded in either PDF or JPG format (less than 2 MB size)
- Pay the application fees (AED 170) and click ‘Submit.’ It may take around 2-3 weeks for the application to be processed and approved. The license is issued within 3-5 days of this approval.
- The offline application procedure is quite simple and convenient. You can apply in any of the branch offices of the ATCUAE, RTA, or the Post Office. Once you visit any of these offices, you can fill up the application form and submit it along with the relevant documents. The application fee of AED 170 must be paid at the counter. The processing & approval may take around an hour, and you can walk out with your international driving license.
What are the Benefits of Having an International Driving License in Dubai?
The IDL provides a legal permit to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country.
The IDL acts as proof that the holder possesses a valid driving license in his/her home country.
It acts as a supporting document for your identification proof.
This document protects the holders and their families against the risk of vehicle damage by accidents in a foreign country.
As the IDL is printed in over ten languages, it helps to break the language barrier in a foreign country.
Frequently Asked Questions on International Driving Licenses in the UAE
Why should I get an international driving license (IDL)?
Any citizen or resident of the UAE who wants to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country should get an IDL. A foreign tourist visiting Dubai or other parts of the UAE also needs an IDL to drive within the country.
What is the validity of the international driving license issued in Dubai?
The validity of an international driving license (IDL) is one year from the date of issuance.
Do UAE residents who hold an IDL require a domestic driving license to drive in Dubai?
Yes. The UAE residents can only use the IDL when they travel abroad. The IDL is not a substitute for a domestic driving license. The residents should obtain a UAE driving license once they get a residence visa.
Is the international driving license in Dubai applicable only to cars?
No. The international driving license in Dubai applies to motorcycles, cars, light buses, heavy buses, and heavy trucks.
What is the recourse available if I happen to lose my international driving license?
In case you lose your IDL in your home country, please report the loss to the nearest police station. But if you lose the document in a foreign country, you need to report the same to the local police and your home country’s embassy office. The authorities may arrange to issue a duplicate license in such a situation.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is derived from a variety of sources. This is not a recommendation or promotion from Prominent Insurance Brokers. Before taking any action please confirm the same.