How to Renew the Driving License in Dubai ?
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RTA Dubai Driving License Renewal
The Dubai license renewal process can be quick and seamless if you have the right information. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire exercise.
Importance of Renewing Your Driving License in Dubai
Driving without a valid license is a legal offense and may result in fines, penalties, or confiscation of your vehicle.
Car insurance companies in the UAE do not cover accidental damage if the driver holds an expired license.
Many employers in the UAE expect their prospective employees to hold a valid driver’s license, especially if the job requires them to travel extensively.
Timely driving license renewal in Dubai ensures a check on the driver’s health and driving abilities, thus contributing to overall road safety.
Renewing the license before expiry helps you avoid the hassles of fines, tests, and additional documentation.
Requirements for the Driving License Renewal in the UAE
The general requirements for a UAE driving license renewal are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria
As per the RTA guidelines, only residents aged 21 years and above are eligible to get a driving license in the UAE. Although younger residents can’t possess a regular driving license, they can apply for a probationary driving license after attaining 18 years of age.
Documentation
The set of documents required to renew your driving license in Dubai are as follows:
A valid Emirates ID for candidates younger and older than 21 years
Eye testing (as per RTA guidelines) for candidates older than 21 years
How to Renew the Dubai Driving License?
The candidates can renew their driving license in Dubai through any of the following channels provided by the RTA.
Renew Dubai Driving License through RTA Dubai Website
Visit the official website of the RTA Dubai.
Go to the ‘Services’ section and click the ‘Drivers and Car Owners’ option.
Select ‘Renewal’ from the list of services and click on ‘Driving License Renewal Request’
Click on ‘Apply Now’ on the ensuing page and follow the instructions. Pay the applicable service charges and fines (if any)
You will get a temporary driving license to use until the original is ready. You can pick up the original DL from the customer happiness centers located at Deira or Al Barsha.
Renew Dubai Driving License through RTA Call Center
You can also opt for the Dubai RTA license renewal by calling the RTA Dubai call center at 8009090. Kindly follow the instructions of the call center representative and pay the applicable charges through your credit card.
Renew Dubai Driving License through Dubai Drive Mobile Application
You can download the RTA Dubai Drive app from the Play Store or the App Store. The procedure to renew the driver’s license online is the same as described above for the RTA website.
Renew Dubai Driving License through Customer Happiness Centers (CHC)
There are several RTA Dubai license renewal centers with eye testing facilities. You can apply for DL renewal after you get the results of your eye test. These centers are located in the following areas:
CHC – Umm Ramool
CHC – Deira
CHC – Al Kifaf
CHC – Al Barsha
CHC – Al Towar
CHC – Al Manarah
Barsha Tasjeel
Tamam Vehicle Testing
Al Qusais Tasjeel
Many of these centers also have self-service machines referred to as RTA kiosks to facilitate your Dubai driving license renewal after expiry.
Dubai Driving License Renewal New Rules
The driving licenses in the UAE are renewed for 10 years in the case of citizens and for 5 years in the case of residents. The license can be renewed online anywhere in the UAE. The candidates must settle all their traffic fines & penalties before they apply for a Dubai driving license renewal online. A fine of AED 10 per month shall be levied on applicants who delay their DL renewals by more than a month.
What is the Fine for Driving With an Expired License in the UAE?
Driving with an expired license in the UAE attracts a fine of AED 500. The vehicle may be confiscated by the RTA authorities for 7 days and the driver also accumulates about 4 black points to his/her record.
Driving License Renewal Dubai Fees
Applicants older than 21 years have to pay a license renewal fee of AED 300 plus AED 20 toward knowledge & innovation fees. Applicants younger than 21 years pay a license renewal fee of AED 100 plus AED 20 toward knowledge & innovation fees.
Penalty for Delaying Driving License Renewal Dubai
How to Check Your Driving License Renewal Status?
Check Driving License Status through RTA Website
Visit the official website of RTA Dubai
Navigate to the “Driver and Car Owner Services” section
Select “Driving License Services” and then choose “Driving License Renewal”
Log in using your user ID and password details
Now check the status of your renewal application under the relevant section.
Check Driving License Status through RTA Mobile App
Download the RTA app from the Play Store or the App Store
Log in with your credentials
Go to the “Driving License” section to check your renewal status
Check Driving License Status through RTA Call Center
Contact the RTA call center at 800 9090
Provide your driving license details to the call center executive to inquire about your renewal status
Frequently Asked Questions on UAE Driving License Renewal
Can I renew my Dubai driving license after expiry?
You can renew your Dubai driving license within 30 days of its expiry date. Beyond this grace period, you will be levied a fine of AED 10 for every month of delay, subject to a maximum fine of AED 500.
How long is the UAE driving license valid after renewal?
The driving license is valid for 10 years after renewal for UAE citizens and 5 years after renewal for the residents.
How to renew an Indian driving license from the UAE?
Indian citizens residing in the UAE can renew their driving licenses through the Indian embassy located in Abu Dhabi. They can visit the embassy office from Sunday to Thursday between 8.30 am to 12.30 pm with documents such as their passport, expired DL, and IDP number.
Is an eye test required for license renewal in Dubai?
Yes. You must get an eye test report from an RTA-approved testing center to renew your driver’s license in Dubai.
How long does it take to renew your driving license in Dubai?
The average processing time for renewal of your driving license in Dubai is 3 to 5 working days.
How much eyesight is required for a Dubai driving license?
As per the RTA requirements, the driver should be able to read a car number plate from 20 meters. Good daylight visibility is essential and you are allowed to wear your glasses, if required.
How many questions are there in the RTA theory test?
The RTA’s driving theory test has a total of 35 questions. The 17 questions in the first segment are focused on roadway scenarios. The 18 questions in the second segment cover specific vehicle licenses.
Is an Indian license valid in Dubai?
No. The regular Indian driving license is not valid in Dubai. However, you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from an RTO in India to drive a vehicle on the roads of Dubai.
What is the 7-number license in Dubai?
The candidates who pass the RTA road test and obtain the UAE driving license number 7 are permitted to drive light forklifts. This license is required for individuals who want to work as a forklift operator in the UAE.
How to download the UAE driving license online?
The RTA has introduced a convenient method for iPhone users to store their driving licenses in Apple Wallet by downloading the RTA Dubai mobile app. Having a digital version of your driving license on your phone eliminates the need to carry a physical document.
