Driving license renewal in Dubai is a straightforward process in 2026, provided you meet all eligibility requirements, complete a mandatory eye test, and settle any outstanding fines. Whether you prefer online renewal via the RTA website or the Dubai Drive app, instant card printing at self-service kiosks, or an in-person visit to Customer Happiness/typing centres, this guide covers every option.
You’ll also learn about costs, fines, exceptional cases, and practical tips to make your license renewal smooth and hassle-free.
- Eligibility, Validity and Renewal Windows
- Documents and Prerequisites
- Renewal Channels Overview (2026)
- Step-by-Step: Renew via RTA Website / Dubai Drive App
- Step-by-Step: Renew at Self-Service Kiosks
- Step-by-Step: Renew In Person (RTA Centres / Typing Centres)
- Fees and Costs for Dubai Licence Renewal (Reference 2025 – 2026)
- Fines, Black Points and Blocked Licences
- Special Cases and Edge Scenarios
- Tips to Make 2026 Renewal Fast and Hassle-Free
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Eligibility, Validity and Renewal Windows
Understanding who can renew and the applicable timelines is key to a smooth licence renewal process.
Who Can Renew a Dubai Driving Licence
Renewal is available for holders of a valid or recently expired Dubai-issued driving licence linked to a valid Emirates ID. To qualify:
- Must have a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (cannot be expired or “in renewal”).
- All outstanding traffic fines must be settled before renewal is permitted.
Licence Validity by Status
- UAE & GCC nationals: Licence renewed for 10 years
- Residents/expats: Licence renewed for 5 years
When You Can Renew
- Renewal can begin up to 6 months before expiry and continues within 6 months after expiry without significant issues.
- Federal guidance allows for the renewal of an expired licence within one year, although late fines may apply.
- A 30-day grace period is typically allowed after expiry before heavier penalties apply for driving with an expired licence.
Special Expiry Cases
- Expired less than 10 years: Can renew after paying applicable late fines.
- Expired for more than 10 years: You are required to retake the driving tests before renewal.
Documents and Prerequisites
Before starting the renewal process, certain documents and requirements must be in place to ensure a smooth experience.
Mandatory Documents
To renew your Dubai driving licence, you will need:
- Original Emirates ID
- Existing/old driving licence (required for kiosks or in-person renewal)
- Recent digital photo (used in app or uploaded if needed)
Eye Test Requirements
- An eye test is mandatory for every renewal
- Must be conducted at an RTA-approved optical centre
- Results are uploaded directly to the RTA system and usually remain valid for 3 months
- Typical cost: AED 140 – AED 180
Fines & Compliance Prerequisites
- All traffic fines must be cleared before the system allows renewal
- If your licence has black points or is blocked, clearance via the Dubai Police may be required
- Your Emirates ID must be valid; renewal cannot proceed with an expired ID
Renewal Channels Overview (2026)
For driving license renewal in Dubai, you can choose from online via RTA/Dubai Drive app, self-service kiosks, or in-person at RTA and typing centres.
| Channel | How It Works | Core Fee (21+) | Key Pros | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTA website / Dubai Drive app | Log in via UAE Pass, verify details, pay, get a digital licence. | ~AED 320 (2025 benchmark, may adjust for 2026) + AED 20 fee | Fastest, fully online, digital licence instantly. | Minutes for digital, 2 – 3 days for card via courier. |
| RTA / Dubai Drive app wallet only (no card) | Same as above, but use the e‑licence in the app as primary proof. | Same as online | No need to collect cards; accepted widely as a valid licence. | Instant digital issuance. |
| Self‑service kiosk | Use Emirates ID at the kiosk, confirm details, pay, and print the licence. | Same government fee; kiosk printing usually included. | Instant physical card, no counters; good if app issues. | 5 – 10 minutes. |
| RTA Customer Happiness Centres | Token, counter service, and staff process renewal. | Same base renewal fees; may pay extra if using typing centres. | Human assistance for complex cases, blocked files, and old fines. | 15 – 20 minutes is typical. |
| Authorised typing centres | The typing centre submits an online form and renewal request. | Govt fee + typing service charge. | Useful if you prefer a guided process; staff handle Arabic forms. | Varies, usually under 30 minutes once at the counter. |
Step-by-Step: Renew via RTA Website / Dubai Drive App
Digital renewal offers the quickest way to complete the process from the comfort of your home or on the go. Using the RTA website or the Dubai Drive app with UAE Pass, users can efficiently manage their licence renewal.
- Complete Your Eye Test
- Visit an RTA-approved optical centre with your Emirates ID and licence
- Ensure results are uploaded to the RTA system and keep the receipt until renewal
- Clear All Traffic Fines
- Check via Dubai Police, RTA, or the Dubai Drive app
- All fines must be paid for renewal to proceed
- Log in to RTA Digital Services
- Use UAE Pass on the RTA website or the Dubai Drive/RTA app
- Use UAE Pass on the RTA website or the Dubai Drive/RTA app
- Start “Driving Licence Renewal” Service
- Navigate to Drivers & Licensing → Renewing a Driving Licence
- System fetches your licence, expiry, fines, and eye test status
- Verify Details & Upload / Confirm Photo
- Confirm personal info, licence category, and validity
- Upload a digital photo or allow Emirates ID photo usage
- Ensure the eye test result is valid
- Choose Delivery Option
- Digital licence in app wallet only
- Physical card via self-service kiosk
- Physical card via courier/home delivery (extra AED 25)
- Pay Renewal Fees Online
- Pay via credit/debit card or supported wallets
- Digital licence issued instantly; physical card arrives in 2 – 3 days
Step-by-step: Renew at self-service kiosks
Self-service kiosks provide a fast and convenient way to get a physical driving licence without waiting in long queues. They are available at RTA Customer Happiness Centres, major malls, and select supermarkets across Dubai.
Kiosk Renewal Process
- Bring your Emirates ID, existing driving licence, and eye test result
- Insert/scan Emirates ID or enter licence details
- The system shows licence, fines, and eye test status
- Review and pay any pending fines
- Confirm renewal and pay fees via card/contactless
- Machine prints your physical licence card instantly
Step-by-step: Renew in person (RTA Centres / Typing Centres)
In-person renewal is ideal for situations where digital options may not be suitable or if your case is complex, such as licences that have expired for many years, existing black points or blocks, or issues with Emirates ID linking, name mismatches, or app login problems.
When In-Person Renewal is Recommended
- The licence has expired for many years, and I’m unsure about the tests
- Black points or a licence block exist.
- Issues with Emirates ID linking, name mismatch, or app login
Documents to Bring
- Original Emirates ID
- Old driving licence
- Printed eye test certificate
- Debit/credit card or cash
Process at RTA Customer Happiness Centre
- Take a token and wait for your turn
- Submit Emirates ID, old licence, and eye test certificate
- Staff check record, fines, and eligibility
- Sign the digital/paper renewal application
- Pay renewal fees; licence issued instantly or same day
Fees and costs for Dubai licence renewal (Reference 2025 – 2026)
Understanding the fees associated with renewing your Dubai driving licence helps you plan and avoid surprises. Renewal costs vary based on age, additional services, and exceptional circumstances.
Core renewal fees
- 21 years and above: ~AED 320 + AED 20 innovation/knowledge fee
- Under 21: ~AED 120 + AED 20 innovation/knowledge fee
Additional charges
- Eye test: AED 140 – AED 180
- Courier/home delivery: AED 25 (optional)
- Self-service kiosk printing: included
Late renewal fines
- Some sources: AED 10 per day, capped at AED 500
- Others: AED 10 per month after expiry
- Verify with RTA 2026 rates
Other fee scenarios
- Lost/damaged licence: same as standard renewal
- Expired >10 years: must pay for new tests and training
Fines, black points and blocked licences
Renewing your Dubai driving licence requires full compliance with traffic regulations, including clearing fines and addressing any licence restrictions. Understanding how to check and resolve these issues ensures a smooth renewal process.
Checking and clearing fines
- Dubai Police app/website
- RTA website or app
- Self-service kiosks or RTA centres
Black points/ licence blocks
- Cannot renew until points are cleared or the block period ends
- May require courses or re-tests
- In-person visits are often the fastest to resolve
Special cases and edge scenarios
While most Dubai driving licence renewals are straightforward, certain situations require extra steps or considerations. Being aware of these exceptional cases can save time and prevent unexpected issues during the renewal process.
Licence expired >10 Years
Must retake driving tests (theory/road) via RTA-approved schools
Lost or damaged Licence
- Use the same channels and select “replacement”
- Pay the standard renewal fee and receive a new card
Changing personal details
- Update the Emirates ID and RTA profile before renewal
- An in-person visit may be required for name/visa changes
GCC Licence Holders Now Resident in Dubai
- GCC nationals: 10-year validity
- Expats converted from foreign licence: 5-year validity
Tips to Make 2026 Renewal Fast and Hassle-Free
Renewing your Dubai driving licence in 2026 can be seamless if you stay organised and follow a few simple strategies. Planning, keeping your documents and digital accounts up to date, and addressing fines promptly will help you avoid delays, penalties, or unnecessary visits to RTA centres.
Before Your Licence Expires:
- Book and complete an eye test at least a week prior
- Set up the UAE Pass and the Dubai Drive app in advance
- Clear traffic fines regularly
Using Digital Channels:
- Update mobile number and email for OTPs
- Keep screenshots/PDFs of payments
- Retry payment if blocked, otherwise visit a Customer Happiness Centre
Close to expiry / Already late:
- Do not drive with an expired licence beyond the grace period
- Get an eye test done immediately
- Expect late fees; verify RTA 2026 slab
Key Takeaways
Renewing a Dubai driving licence is mandatory, and driving license renewal in Dubai can be completed online via the RTA website or Dubai Drive app, at self-service kiosks, or in person at RTA/typing centres. Requirements include a valid Emirates ID, UAE residency, an RTA-approved eye test, and clearance of any outstanding traffic fines.
Licences are valid for 10 years for UAE/GCC nationals and 5 years for expats. Online renewal is fastest, with instant digital licences and physical cards delivered in 2–3 days. Typical fees are AED 320 (21+) or AED 120 (<21) plus AED 20, with eye tests costing AED 140–180 and optional delivery AED 25.
Late fines apply after expiry, and licences that have expired for over 10 years require retaking tests. Self-service kiosks provide quick access to physical cards.
FAQs
Yes, you can through the RTA website or the Dubai Drive/RTA app using UAE Pass, provided the eye test is complete, and fines are cleared.
Yes, it is. An RTA-approved eye test is mandatory; results uploaded to RTA remain valid for about 3 months.
Generally, 6-12 months after expiry (late fees apply); >10 years expired requires retaking tests.
RTA will not allow renewal until all fines are cleared via app, kiosk, or in person.
No, you don’t. Digital licence in RTA/Dubai Drive app is valid; physical card is optional, can be printed at kiosks or delivered.
