Driving License Requirements

To ensure a seamless start to your journey, please verify your license eligibility. Requirements vary based on the issuing country of your license.

Licenses Accepted Without an IDP

If your driving license is from a country listed below, you may drive in the UAE using your original national license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required.

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• United States
• Australia
• China
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea
• South Africa

Special Requirements for Certain Countries

While most license holders from the list can drive or exchange licenses smoothly, the following exceptions require additional documentation:

Country	Special Requirement
Japan	Must present a translated license verified by the Japanese Consulate in the UAE.
Turkey	An official translation of the license is required, approved by the Turkish Consulate.
Greece	Requires a Greek license translation approved by the embassy or consulate in the UAE.
South Korea	Visitors cannot drive using their Korean license. Only residents may exchange it with an embassy-verified translation.

For Tourists (Visitors) in the UAE

Tourists can rent and drive vehicles using their home country license only if:

• They hold a valid visit or tourist visa.
• Their passport and driving license are from the same country.
• They drive only rental vehicles (not privately owned cars).
• They carry the original passport and license at all times while driving.

Once a person becomes a UAE resident (e.g., holds an Emirates ID or work visa), the tourist driving rules no longer apply. They must:

Exchange Their License (If from Approved Country)

To convert a home country license to a UAE driving license:

Required Documents:

• Valid Emirates ID (residency proof)
• Original home country driving license
• Legal Arabic translation of the license (if not in English or Arabic)
• Passport copy with visa page
• Passport-size photos
• Eye test from approved optician

Steps:

1. Visit the MuroorKhous online portal or local RTA office.
2. Upload documents and apply under the License Exchange category.
3. Pay the AED 600 fee (as of July 2025) online or at the traffic center to initiate the license conversion process.
4. Clear a vision test at an RTA-approved eye test center. Make sure to carry the test report when applying.
5. Collect your new UAE driving license!

Residents from Non-Approved Countries

Must enrol in driving classes at a UAE-certified driving school (e.g., Galadari, Belhasa, Emirates Driving Institute, etc.).

Complete:

• Theory classes & tests
• Practical lessons
• Yard test
• Final road test

Once passed, receive a new UAE license.

• Age: All drivers must be a minimum of 25 years old.
• Originals: Only original, valid documents are accepted. Digital copies or photocopies are not permissible.
• Important: Driving in the UAE without a valid license (or while on an expired visa) can result in hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, or deportation.
• Verify: Always verify your eligibility through the official RTA website or contact your country’s consulate in the UAE.
• Disclaimer: This information is based on current UAE RTA regulations and is subject to change. Please verify the latest rules if you are uncertain about your eligibility.