Dubai Driving Licence Renewal: A Comprehensive Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the eligibility criteria, required documents, application channels, service fees, and the process of renewing your driving licence in Dubai.

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

Dubai driving licence renewal is available for citizens, residents, and individual customers. To be eligible for renewal, you must meet the following criteria:

- Citizens, residents, and individual customers can apply for renewal of their driving licence.

Documents Required for Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

When renewing your driving licence in Dubai, you need to provide the following documents:

- Emirates ID for candidates younger and older than 21 years

- Eye testing report only for applicants older than 21 years

It is mandatory for applicants above 21 years of age to get their eyes tested at one of the RTA approved eye testing centres or Customer Happiness Centres.

Eye Test Centres in Dubai

Dubai driving licence renewal process requires an eyesight test from RTA approved eye testing centres. Here are some of the approved centres where you can get your eyesight tested:

Dubai Optical:

- Address: Dubai Optical Group, 402, Apricot Tower, Dubai Silicon Oasis

- Contact number: +971 4 397 6549

Yateem Optician:

- Address: Yateem Optician Dubai Office, Yateem Group, Al Quoz 4, Dubai-UAE

- Contact number: +971-4-5066000

Malak Typing – Photocopying & Optical:

- Address: Shaikh Zayed Road Al Quoz Industrial Area 2, Dubai

Emirates Driving Institute – Eye Test Facility:

- Address: Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), P.O Box: 20948, Al Qusais

- Contact number: +971 4 263 1100

Salik Optical:

- Address: 66 18 C St – Al Safa, Al Safa 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Barakat Optical:

- Address: Dubai-Al Ain Road (E 66 Road), Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai – United Arab Emirates

- Contact number: +971 4 425 9816

Belhasa Driving Centre:

- Contact number: 800 2354272

Please note that there are other RTA approved eye testing centres in Dubai such as Al Jaber Optical Centre, Executive Optical Centre, International Optical, Leen Optics, Grand Optics, Rivoli Eye Zone, and Magrabi Optical.

Ways to Renew Dubai Driving Licence

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has introduced several convenient channels to facilitate the driving licence renewal process. Here are the different ways you can renew your driving licence:

1. RTA Call Center

If your driving licence is about to expire, you can easily renew it by calling the RTA Dubai call center at 8009090. Follow these steps for the renewal process:

- Provide your driving licence number to the call center representative.

- Make the payment for the renewal charges using a credit card.

- Receive your temporary driving licence via email while the original one is being processed.

- Collect your original driving licence from Customer Happiness Centres in Deira or Al Barsha. Alternatively, you can choose to have it delivered via courier for an additional cost of AED 25.

2. Customer Happiness Centers and Service Centers

Customer Happiness Centers in Dubai offer a one-stop solution for driving licence renewal. These centers also provide eye testing facilities, eliminating the need for multiple visits. Here are some of the Customer Happiness Centers where you can renew your driving licence:

- Umm Ramool

- Al Manarah

- Al Towar

- Deira

- Al Barsha

- Al Kifaf

Please note that the Hatta Tasjeel Centre is a service center without an eye testing facility. However, you can still visit this center for Dubai driving licence renewal. The renewal process at these centers involves:

- Getting your eyes tested.

- Paying any fines (if applicable).

- Applying for driving licence renewal.

- Paying the required fees.

- Printing the driving licence from the center.

3. RTA Dubai Official Website

Renewing your driving licence through the official RTA website is a convenient option. Follow these steps to renew your driving licence online:

- Log on to the official RTA website.

- Navigate to the 'Services' tab and click on 'Drivers and Car Owners'.

- Check the range of services and select 'Renewal'.

- Click on 'Driving Licence Renewal Request'.

- You will be directed to the 'Apply for Driving Licence Renewal' page.

- Follow the steps accordingly.

- Pay the service charges and fines (if applicable).

- Receive your temporary driving licence via email while the original one is being processed.

- Collect your original driving licence from Customer Happiness Centres in Deira or Al Barsha. Alternatively, you can choose to have it delivered via courier for an additional cost of AED 25.

4. Dubai Drive Mobile Application

The Dubai Drive Mobile App provides another convenient way to renew your driving licence. Download the app from the Google Play Store or iPhone App Store and follow these steps:

- Open the Dubai Drive app on your smartphone.

- Navigate to the driving licence renewal section.

- Follow the instructions to renew your driving licence online.

- Make the payment for the renewal fees and fines (if applicable).

- Receive your temporary driving licence via email while the original one is being processed.

- Collect your original driving licence from Customer Happiness Centres in Deira or Al Barsha. Alternatively, you can choose to have it delivered via courier for an additional cost of AED 25.

5. Self-Service Machines

RTA has introduced self-service machines, also known as RTA kiosks, to facilitate Dubai driving licence renewal. These machines are available at various locations, including Customer Happiness Centres and other designated areas. The process of renewal at self-service machines is similar to that of the Customer Happiness Centres. Here are some locations where you can find the self-service machines:

- Umm Ramool Customer Happiness Centre

- Deira Customer Happiness Centre

- Al Barsha Customer Happiness Centre

- Al Manarah Customer Happiness Centre

- Al Towar Customer Happiness Centre

- Al Kifaf Customer Happiness Centre

- Tasjeel Al Tawar

- Barsha Tasjeel

- Quick Cars Testing

- Muhaisna Shamil

- Tamam Vehicle Testing

- Al Qusais Tasjeel

- Wasel Belhasa

To renew your driving licence using the self-service machines:

- Get your eyes tested.

- Settle any fines (if applicable).

- Apply for driving licence renewal.

- Pay the required fees.

- Print the driving licence from the self-service machine.

Service Charges for Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

Dubai driving licence renewal fees vary based on the age of the applicant. Here is a breakdown of the service charges:

- Applicants younger than 21 years: AED 100 for driving licence renewal + AED 20 for knowledge and innovation fees.

- Applicants 21 years and above: AED 300 for driving licence renewal + AED 20 for knowledge and innovation fees.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it's recommended to check the official RTA website for the updated driving licence renewal fees.

Fines for Delaying Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

To encourage timely renewal of driving licences, fines are imposed for delays. If you fail to renew your driving licence within one month of its expiry, a fine of AED 10 per month will be charged. The maximum fine for delaying renewal is AED 500.

Processing Time and Validity for Dubai Driving Licence Renewal

The processing time for Dubai driving licence renewal is typically 3 to 5 working days. However, it is important to note that the driving licence that needs renewal must be with the owner and valid. Temporary driving licences cannot be renewed.

The validity of driving licences varies based on the age and nationality of the applicant. Here are the validity periods:

- Customers below 21 years: 1 year

- UAE and GCC citizens above 21 years: 10 years

- Residents above 21 years: 5 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I renew my Dubai driving licence without a residence visa?

A: No, a valid residence visa is mandatory for Dubai driving licence renewal. An Emirates ID is also required for obtaining and renewing a driving licence.

Q: Can I renew my Dubai driving licence in Abu Dhabi?

A: Yes, you can renew your Dubai driving licence in Abu Dhabi online. However, it is important to ensure that all the traffic files are updated on the traffic system according to the new residence visa.

Q: If I have not renewed my driving licence for more than 10 years, what is the process?

A: If your driving licence has been expired for more than 10 years, you will need to pass an evaluation test before renewing your licence.

Conclusion

Renewing your driving licence in Dubai is a straightforward process that can be completed through various channels, including the RTA call center, customer happiness centers, the RTA Dubai official website, the Dubai Drive mobile application, self-service machines, and authorized eye testing centers. By following the eligibility criteria, providing the necessary documents, and paying the required fees, you can ensure that your driving licence remains valid and up to date. Remember to renew your driving licence on time to avoid fines and ensure your continued eligibility to drive in Dubai.

Is your vehicle due for a car service, oil change, or comprehensive inspection? Unlock the full potential of your car with our premium car service center. From routine maintenance to intricate repairs, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Schedule your appointment now, and let our skilled technicians provide expert attention to your car's every need.