Residing at any place means travelling from one place to another. No one can stay cooped up at just one place. You need to go out even for the minimalist of things, such as buying groceries, etc. And to travel to these places, you will have no other option than to drive unless your destination is within walking distance. However, to be able to do that, you need a valid driving license. Without the license, you’ll not be able to drive across any place.
This blog is for the people with expired driving license. Read it till the end to learn about the license renewal process in the Dubai City.
People Eligible for License Renewal in Dubai
- Residents of the United Arab Emirates. All residents who possess a valid license are required to renew it prior to its expiration.
- After the license’s validity period, both citizens and foreign nationals must renew it.
- Validity: Licenses are valid for ten years for citizens of the GCC and the UAE. The license is good for five years for foreigners.
What is the Renewal Period?
Your license may be renewed up to six months prior to its expiration. Don’t wait until the last minute. You will need to retake the driving test if your license has been out of date for more than ten years.
Documents for Renewal
Make sure you have the following before beginning the renewal process:
- Original Emirates ID (validity required)
- Certificate of eye test results from an authorized optical facility
- Previous driver’s license
- A passport-sized photo, if needed for a new print
- A working email address and mobile number
Note: After gaining the driving license, you can drive towards the Desert Safari spot and indulge in any activities you’d like.
How to renew driving license in dubai?
Use online resources to renew your driver’s license without ever leaving your house.
Detailed Online Procedure:
Obtain an Eye Exam
- Go to any optical center that has been approved by the RTA.
- Your eye test results will be uploaded straight to the RTA system by the center.
- Go to the RTA App or Website.
- Download the RTA Dubai app.
- Use your UAE Pass or Emirates ID to log in.
- Send in your request for renewal.
- Choose “Driving License Services” > “Driver and Vehicle Services” > “Renew Driving License.”
- Upload any necessary files.
- Cover the Fees
- Use your debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
- Obtain Your Digital License
- You’ll get a digital driver’s license in the app after being accepted.
A physical card can also be requested, though there might be delivery fees.
Option 2: Go to the RTA Kiosk or Customer Happiness Center
Additionally, you can renew your license in person.
Steps:
- Visit an RTA-approved facility to get an eye exam.
- Go to the RTA center or Smart Kiosk that is closest to you.
- Present your previous license and Emirates ID.
- The renewal fee must be paid.
- Get your license renewed immediately or by delivery.
Dubai’s RTA-Approved Eye Test Facilities
Several well-known centers are:
- Al Jaber Optical
- Yateem Optician
- EyeZone Rivoli
- Optical Barakat
- Optical Magrabi
These facilities use the RTA system to automatically update the results of your eye tests. Follow any of the above methods on how to renew driving license in Dubai.
Practical Advice to Keep in Mind
- Before renewing, make sure your Emirates ID is up to date.
- To avoid penalties, renew early.
- Keep a digital copy of your license on your mobile device.
- Just in case, keep a copy of the eye test certificate.
Concluding remarks!
If you follow the correct procedures, renewing your driver’s license in Dubai in 2025 is a simple and quick process. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has streamlined and expedited the renewal process with approved eye test centers, online services, and smart kiosks.
Stay ahead of the game by using the RTA website or app for a hassle-free license renewal process, remembering when your license expires, and finishing your eye test on time.