Driving in the UAE: Exchanging Your Licence
Step by step
How to exchange a foreign driving licence in Dubai
The RTA steps to exchange a licence from a recognised country.
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Eye test
Take an eye test at an approved vision testing centre.
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Apply in person
Apply online or at a customer happiness centre with your original valid licence and Emirates ID.
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Open a traffic file
Open a traffic file if you do not already have one.
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Pay and collect
Pay the fees and receive your UAE licence.
The 20 exception countries
RTA Dubai exchanges licences from these countries whatever the holder's nationality, for all categories: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States.1
Licences from Hong Kong and Japan need a legalised translation, and Turkish licences need a data certificate from the embassy or consulate. For the other recognised countries, the holder must usually be a national of the country that issued the licence.1,2
How to exchange
- Take an eye test at an approved vision testing centre.
- Apply on the RTA website or at a customer happiness centre, in person, with your original valid licence.
- Open a traffic file if you do not have one.
- Pay the fees and receive the UAE licence.
Source: RTA Dubai: Exchange a driving licence issued outside the UAE; RTA Dubai: Over 58,000 driving licences from 57 countries replaced1,2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange my foreign driving licence in Dubai?
Yes, if it was issued in a recognised country. Licences from 20 exception countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States, are exchanged whatever your nationality.
Sources
- RTA Dubai: Exchange a driving licence issued outside the UAE
- RTA Dubai: Over 58,000 driving licences from 57 countries replaced
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.