How to Renew a Dubai Driving Licence (RTA)
You can renew a Dubai driving licence on rta.ae, in the RTA Dubai app, at a self-service machine, or at a Customer Happiness Centre. You need a valid Emirates ID. You need an eye test at a centre approved by the RTA. And you must pay all your traffic fines first. A renewed licence is valid for 5 years for expatriate residents. For UAE and GCC citizens it is valid for 10 years. If you are under 21, it is valid for 1 year. If you are 21 or older, you can renew up to 6 months before the expiry date. If you renew late, you pay AED 10 for each month, up to a maximum of AED 500.
At a glance
- Cost:
- AED 320 (age 21+) or AED 120 (under 21), plus eye test AED 140–180
- Total time:
- Same day (digital licence); physical card 2–3 working days by delivery
- Steps:
- 8 steps
- Where to apply:
- rta.ae
Last reviewed November 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due November 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(November 2026).
0 of 8 steps
- Before You Go Same day
Check your expiry date and fines
Check the expiry date of your licence in the RTA Dubai app or on rta.ae. Pay all your traffic fines first. The RTA blocks the renewal while fines are unpaid.
Click to mark as done
- Go Same day AED 140–180
Complete the eye test
Take the eye test at an optician approved by the RTA. The optician sends the result to the RTA electronically. You do not carry a paper certificate. The test costs AED 140 to 180.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay Minutes
Apply on rta.ae or the RTA Dubai app
Log in with UAE Pass. Choose the driving licence renewal service. Confirm your licence details. Your eye-test result appears on its own once the optician has uploaded it.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay At application AED 320 (21+) / AED 120 (under 21)
Pay the renewal fee
The licence fee is AED 300 if you are age 21 or over, and AED 100 if you are under 21. Add AED 20 for the Knowledge and Innovation fees. So the total is AED 320 or AED 120. If your licence has already expired, also add the late fine of AED 10 per month, up to a maximum of AED 500.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Immediate
Get your digital licence immediately
Your new digital licence is in the RTA Dubai app right after you pay. You can also add it to Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet, if your phone supports it.
Click to mark as done
- Receive Immediate (kiosk) / 2–3 working days (delivery) AED 20–50 delivery
Get the physical card
You can print the card right away at an RTA self-service machine. Or you can choose delivery. Standard delivery costs AED 20. Same-day delivery costs AED 35. Delivery within two hours costs AED 50. International delivery costs AED 50.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Same day
What changes from 1 January 2027
New federal traffic rules (Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026) take effect on 1 January 2027. The renewal itself works the same way: eye test, clear your fines, apply on rta.ae or the RTA Dubai app. The validity periods are now set in federal law. A renewed licence lasts 5 years for expatriate residents and 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens. If you are under 21, it lasts 1 year. A first licence issued to someone 21 or over lasts 2 years, and it moves to 5 or 10 years at its first renewal. The new rules also set a 75% pass mark for theory and practical tests, with an automatic fail for dangerous driving even at 75%.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Varies From AED 1,370 incl. licence
If your licence expired more than 10 years ago
You must take an evaluation test before you can renew. Extra RTA fees apply. The training file costs AED 200. The learning application costs AED 100. The handbook costs AED 50. The test costs AED 200. The delay fine is AED 500. You also pay the licence fee and the Knowledge and Innovation fees.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my licence is expired?
No. If you drive with an expired licence, the fine is AED 500. Your vehicle can also be impounded. And if you cause an accident, you can face court charges.
Is an eye test required every time I renew?
Yes. You need an eye test at an optician approved by the RTA for every renewal. The optician uploads the result directly to the RTA system.
Can I renew while I am outside the UAE?
For renewal, you need a valid Emirates ID and residency. You also need an eye test at an approved centre. Before you travel, check the current rules for renewing from abroad on rta.ae.
How long is my renewed licence valid under the 2027 rules?
From 1 January 2027, a renewed licence lasts 5 years for expatriate residents and 10 years for UAE and GCC citizens. If you are under 21, it lasts 1 year. A first licence given to someone 21 or over lasts 2 years, then moves to 5 or 10 years at renewal.
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