The renewal of your Dubai driving license establishes your legal right to drive in the UAE. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) has optimized the license renewal system in 2025 so residents can renew their licenses through online portals and service facilities. The complete guide contains vital Dubai driving license renewal details which covers the procedure together with cost information and essential paperwork requirements and answers to common queries.
Who Needs to Renew Their Dubai Driving License?
The validity duration of a Dubai driving license extends to five years for UAE residents although UAE nationals and GCC citizens can benefit from a ten-year validity period. Driving license renewal before expiration is mandatory to prevent penalties from occurring.
- UAE residents: Renewal every 5 years
- UAE Nationals & GCC Citizens: Renewal every 10 years
- Residents above 21 years: Must renew their license before expiry
- Residents below 21 years: A driving license in Dubai has a one-year validity duration which needs yearly renewal.
Driving license renewal delays lead to financial penalties together with driving restrictions.
Eligibility criteria for Dubai Driving License Renewal
The Dubai Traffic and Licensing Department requires these conditions to process your driving license renewal:
- The requirement for license renewal includes UAE residency through the possession of a valid Emirates ID.
- You must hold a Dubai driving license which is either about to expire or has already expired.
- The renewal process requires drivers to settle all existing traffic fines.
- You need to finish the eye test requirement that RTA approves from an optician.
Required Documents for Renewal
The renewal process for your Dubai driving license requires these particular documents such as;
- Original Emirates ID
- Old driving license (if applicable)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (if required by the RTA system)
- Eye test certificate from an RTA-approved optician
- Payment for renewal fees
Step-by-Step Guide to Renew Your Dubai Driving License
The renewal process can be completed through multiple channels, including online platforms, RTA service centers, and mobile applications.
1. Eye Test Completion
Before proceeding with the renewal, you must undergo an eye test at an RTA-approved optical center. The optician will electronically send the test results to the RTA database.
2. Choose a Renewal Method
You can renew your Dubai driving license through:
- RTA website (www.rta.ae)
- Dubai Drive mobile app
- RTA Customer Happiness Centers
- Self-service kiosks (Smart Teller Machines)
- Typing centers
- Service centers of authorized driving institutes
3. Online Renewal Process
- Visit the RTA official website or use the Dubai Drive app.
- Log in with your Emirates ID or UAE Pass credentials.
- Select the “Driving License Renewal” option.
- Enter your driving license details.
- Upload required documents (if necessary).
- Pay the renewal fee online via credit/debit card.
- Choose the delivery method (e.g., standard delivery or express).
- Receive the renewed license via courier or collect it from an RTA center.
- Your renewed physical driving license will be delivered within 3-5 working days
4. Renewal via RTA Service Centers
For those who prefer an in-person application, visit any RTA service center or use self-service kiosks across Dubai.
Steps:
- Visit an RTA Service Center (such as Al Barsha, Al Manara, or Deira)
- Submit your Emirates ID and eye test results
- Clear any outstanding fines
- Pay the required renewal fees
- Receive a temporary digital license via SMS/email
- Collect your physical driving license or have it delivered
Dubai Driving License Renewal Fees 2025
The cost of renewing a driving license in Dubai depends on the age of the applicant and additional service fees.
| Category | Fee (AED) |
| Renewal Fee (Below 21 years) | 100 AED |
| Renewal Fee (Above 21 years) | 300 AED |
| Knowledge and Innovation Fee | 20 AED |
| Eye Test Fee | 150 - 200 AED |
| Late Renewal Fine | 10 AED per month (max 500 AED) |
| Home Delivery of License | 25 AED |
Note: Fees may vary based on individual cases, including additional fines for pending violations.
Validity of Renewed License
- Residents below 21 years: The renewed driving license is valid for one year.
- Residents above 21 years: The renewed driving license is valid for 10 years (UAE nationals and GCC citizens) and 5 years (expats).
Penalties for Late Renewal
Failing to renew your driving license on time results in fines:
- AED 10 per month up to AED 500 maximum.
- If the license has been expired for more than 10 years, you must retake the driving test before renewal.
Checking Your Driving License Expiry Date
You can check the expiry date of your driving license through:
- RTA website or mobile app
- MOI UAE app
- Dubai Police app
RTA-Approved Centers for Eye Tests
You must take an eye test from an RTA-approved optical center before applying for renewal. Some popular centers include:
- Al Jaber Optical
- Yateem Optician
- Dubai Optical
- Magrabi Optical
- Grand Optics
The test typically costs 150-200 AED and takes 10-15 minutes.
New RTA Updates for Driving License Renewal in 2025
The RTA has introduced new policies to make the process smoother:
- Fully digital renewal through the Dubai Drive app
- Temporary digital license valid for 30 days
- Home delivery service for convenience
- Integrated UAE Pass login for secure transactions
- Automatic reminders before expiry
Conclusion
The procedure to renew your Dubai driving license in 2025 becomes easy when you follow the required protocol. Your renewal process requires you to finish your eye test while paying off all fines before using the RTA website application or visiting their service centers. Your driving experience in Dubai remains smooth when you renew your license on time because you will escape penalty fees.
FAQs About Dubai Driving License Renewal
1. How early can I renew my driving license?
You can initiate your license renewal process at least six months before the expiration date.
2. Can I renew my Dubai driving license if I have pending fines?
License renewal remains impossible until every traffic fine gets paid in full.
3. Can I renew my license without an Emirates ID?
No, a valid Emirates ID is mandatory for renewal.
4. What if I am outside the UAE when my license expires?
You can renew your driving license online or authorize someone to do it on your behalf.
5. How long does it take to receive the renewed license?
If you opt for instant renewal at RTA centers, you can receive the license immediately. Online renewals may take 3-5 working days for courier delivery.
