The UAE International Driving License (IDL) is essential for ensuring safe driving in the nation.The UAE International Driving License (IDL) is vital for safe driving in the UAE.
Thousands of UAE residents and citizens go overseas every year for work, vacation or relocation, many of them intending to drive abroad. Courage alone is not sufficient when it comes to renting a car, crossing borders or just simply driving around a foreign country; one needs a legally recognized document to make it happen. The document is known as an International Driving Permit or an UAE International Driving License.
Meanwhile, thousands of foreigners who move to the UAE with their licenses from their countries. The one big question they have to answer is, can they make use of that license here or do they have to begin from scratch?
This guide has answers to both of these questions. From UAE residents who want to embark on a European road trip with their current driving licenses to tourists eager to drive in the Emirates without having to retake the driving test, to expats hoping to convert their foreign licenses without the full test — this article is the ultimate guide. We list all the necessary documents, the best tips to avoid making expensive mistakes, the steps involved, accepted countries, fees, eligibility, and more.
What is an UAE International Driving License (IDP)?
The International Driving Permit is an internationally recognized permit, based on the 1949 Geneva Convention and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968. Converts all the details that are already on your driving license into several languages (Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, German etc) and makes it universally readable by traffic authorities around the world.
Perhaps most importantly, an IDP is not a stand-alone license. It must always be kept with your national driving license or UAE driving license. Imagine like an official translation booklet under the International Law. The IDP is worthless without the original license.
IDPs are issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai and other transport authorities in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain in the UAE.
Two Sides of the Coin: IDP From UAE vs. Foreign License in the UAE
Two separate situations are frequently confused and it is important to make sure that one does not mistake one for the other:
Situation 1
Situation 1: You have a UAE driving license and wish to drive in other countries. An IDP is applied for from the UAE authorities. This IDP is issued along with your UAE license and will enable you to drive legally in countries that have signed the Geneva or Vienna conventions.
Situation 2
Situation 2 — You have a foreign driver’s license and you would like to drive in UAE. Either tourists can use your foreign license for a temporary period (up to 6 months) or residents can convert it to a UAE driving license. Sometimes, you can convert your foreign licence without taking a full driving test.
Both pathways are covered in this guide.
Who needs International driving permit in UAE?
An IDP may not be required for all travellers, however the following groups should seriously consider getting an IDP:
- For all those who reside in the UAE and are travelling to Europe, most countries in Europe require an IDP to be legally able to rent or drive if you have a license from a non-EU country.
- Road trips by UAE residents in GCC countries: Some of the GCC countries recognize UAE licences directly, but with an IDP, you have additional legal protection.
- UAE residents visiting the USA, Canada or Australia — These countries either mandate or highly recommend an IDP for foreign license holders.
- Tourists who are in the UAE for more than 30 days and will be renting a car in the UAE (according to emirate rules).
- Expats who require to drive in the meantime while waiting for their UAE license conversion.
- Business men who rent cars on a regular basis in countries other than their own.
If you are a GCC citizen who is travelling to the UAE, then your licence is usually accepted without an IDP as there are bilateral agreements in place. Likewise, people in some nations such as UK, USA, Germany, France and others can use their license for driving in the UAE during tourist visits of up to six months.
In the UAE, you will need to provide various documents to obtain an IDP.
Again, the exact list of documents differs from emirate to emirate, but the basic requirements are the same for all the UAE transport authorities:
- Valid and not expired Original UAE driving license.
- Copy of passport (UAE visa/residence stamp valid)
- Emirates ID (original and photocopy)
- Two recent photographs of passport size (white background taken in the last 6 months)
- Filled up application form (obtainable at RTA service centres or official platforms).
- Receipt for payment of Application fee.
Applications are made through the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) for Abu Dhabi residents. Dubai residents get their applications from RTA. Applications for these are made at the Sharjah, Ajman and other northern emirates traffic departments.
Hint: Bring copies with the originals. The originals may not be accepted for verification at some service centers.
How to obtain IDP in UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
To get an IDP in the UAE is easy and normally takes one visit. The entire procedure is as follows:
Step 1
Check your eligibility. Your driving license in the UAE should be valid. If a license needs to be renewed, you will not be able to get an IDP. Make sure that your license is valid for at least the duration of your trip.
Step 2
Collect documents. Have your original UAE license, passport, Emirates ID, 2 passport pictures and any emirate specific forms ready. Pre-filled Application forms are available on RTA Dubai app and DMT Abu Dhabi Portal, saving time at the center.
Step 3
Go to the appropriate authority. Dubai: Go to any RTA customer happiness center, or apply on the RTA website/app. Abu Dhabi: Go to a DMT center. Other emirates: Contact the traffic police department in the emirate where you are.
Step 4
Apply and pay Application fees. Hand in all documents at the counter, complete the application form (if it has not been completed) and pay the appropriate fee.
Step 5
Get your IDP. Most of the time the IDP gets issued the same day. Some centers may require 1-2 business days. This document will be printed in a booklet format and will be available at the counter or mailed to the registered address.
Step 6
Step 6 – Check the information before you travel. Make sure your name, license number, and license validity dates are correct. If there is any mistake, corrections will be made before you depart the country.
Countries Where UAE International Driving Permit is Valid.
The UAE IDP is accepted by more than 150 countries, which are parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention. A regional overview is as follows:
Europe
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic and most other EU and Schengen member countries have a requirement or strong recommendation for an IDP for those who do not hold an EU license.
Americas
U.S. & Canada accepts IDP for foreign visitors. IDP is not required but strongly recommended in the US, many car rental services require this document. Canada also has one that it suggests for those who would like to drive longer distances.
Asia-Pacific
IDP is required for Australia and New Zealand if your original license is not in English. The IDP which is required in Japan is an IDP based on the Geneva Convention of 1949, not the Vienna Convention of 1968. Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are also included on the list.
Africa
IDPs are recognized in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and Morocco for international visitors.
GCC and Middle East
UAE driving licenses are accepted without IDP in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar), as a result of regional agreements. But, an IDP provides an additional layer of security in case of conflicts.
Please note: always check requirements for specific country of destination with the Embassy or Consulate before travelling as requirements may change. There are countries (notably Japan) that are very precise as regards which convention the IDP should follow.
How to convert a Foreign Driving License into UAE License?
The question that many expatriates ask when moving to the UAE is: is it possible to transfer my original license to the UAE without having to take the full test? The reply hinges totally on the country you come from.
Exempt countries (direct conversion without test): UAE authorities have a list of countries for which their license holders can get UAE licenses without a driving test. This usually consists of: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, USA and some. Please note that this list is subject to change from time to time.
The conversion process for people who meet the eligibility requirements is as follows:
- A valid original foreign driving license (and official translation if it is not in Arabic or English)
- Residence visa and Emirates ID in UAE
- Eye test at an approved eye test center.
- NOC from existing sponsorship (where applicable)
- Filling out the application form and paying the fees.
For non-exempt nationalities: It requires that the applicant enroll in a UAE driving school, undergo training hours, pass the theory test, and finally, the road test. The RTA (and similar organizations) have driving institutes that help applicants go through this process.
It is highly recommended to convert your foreign license as soon as you have gained residency in UAE; this will help in saving money, time and reduce risk of driving with an expired foreign license.
Validity, Renewal, Cost Breakdown
Validity of IDP
International Driving Permit issued by UAE is valid for one year from the day of issuance. It cannot be extended, and you will have to apply for a new IDP after the expiry date of the current one.
UAE Driving License Validity
UAE nationals are given driving licenses that are valid for 10 years and for expatriates, the validity is 5 years or until the visa validity period.
IDP Fees
IDP Fees (Approximate- Subject to change):
- Dubai (RTA): AED 110 – AED 150
- Abu Dhabi (DMT): AED 100 – AED 130
- Other emirates: AED 80 – AED 120
Prices may differ depending on the type of service used (standard or express). Before going, make sure you check the most up-to-date fee on your emirate’s transport authority’s official site.
Foreign License Conversion Fee
Foreign License Conversion Fee: Depends on the nationality, traffic file creation, eye test etc. admin costs. Expect to spend AED 200 – AED 500 on a simple conversion.
Here are some of the most frequent errors to steer clear of:
There are many mistakes that travelers and expats make when it comes to international driving licenses that they could have avoided. The most common mistakes are:
- Expiry of UAE license is not accepted as IDP application – Invalid. First thing to renew is the driving license.
- Not having the original UAE license (An IDP alone will not be accepted). Both are required to be carried.
- Not checking the requirements for the destination country – Japan requires a special convention, for example.
- Waiting till the last minute – Submit applications at least 1 week in advance of travel date to account for any possible processing delays.
- Foreign licenses are only valid for a limited time after establishing residency in the UAE. An invalid or over-due foreign driving license can lead to fine and license confiscation.
- Always and forever assuming that GCC countries will grant UAE licenses — Cross-border rules change periodically; please check before travelling.
Smooth driving abroad with UAE IDP with Pro tips
The information presented in these lessons is more than just “the rule” — it is drawn from hands-on experience:
- Take pictures of all paperwork and keep it in the cloud. Digital copies speed up replacement when the physical documents have been lost or stolen.
- If you intend to cross into the GCC countries by road, be sure to let your car insurance company in the UAE know — coverage limits are different for each policy.
- Find out the local traffic laws of the country you will be visiting. The speed limits, alcohol regulations and rules of the road vary considerably from UAE standards.
- Install the RTA Dubai app prior to travelling as this app enables you to manage your license services and also maintain a digital record of your documents.
- When booking a rental car online, request an IDP in advance; some international rental car firms provide better rates and don’t require additional paperwork at the rental counter because of an IDP.
- See the minimum car hire age in your destination country — many countries in Europe have a minimum age for renting a car, irrespective of your IDP.
Quick FAQs on UAE International Driving License
Q1. Can I drive in Dubai on my foreign driving license?
In Dubai, tourists are allowed to drive for up to 6 months with a valid foreign driving license. Once you get a UAE residency, you have to convert your foreign license or obtain a UAE license within a certain time.
Q2. How long does it take to get an IDP in the UAE?
The IDP is issued on the day the application is made in most emirates. Maximum number of working days may be 1-2 in some offices during peak periods.
Q3. Can I use my UAE International Driving Permit in Saudi Arabia?
Under the terms of the GCC agreements, UAE driving licenses are accepted in Saudi Arabia. It is advisable, however, to carry an IDP as a backup even on longer journeys.
Q4. Is it possible to get a UAE IDP online?
The RTA website and app are available for the Dubai population to apply. The DMT portal is available to the residents of Abu Dhabi. The rest of the emirates will most likely demand an in-person visit.
Q5. If I use my IDP without my UAE licence in the UAE to travel abroad, what will happen?
Without the original UAE license, your IDP will be invalid. You may receive a ticket or be banned from driving by traffic authorities in other countries.
Q6. Is it possible to use a UAE IDP in Japan?
Japan needs an IDP, an IDP with a Geneva Convention 1949 focus. Check the convention that your UAE IDP is issued under (1968 Vienna Convention is not accepted in Japan).
Q7. Is the UAE IDP valid for riding a motorcycle outside UAE?
If your driving license in the UAE is endorsed or categorized for a motorcycle. The IDP is a copy of your UAE license.
Q8. How much is the fine for driving in UAE on an expired foreign driving license?
The fines are dependent on the emirate and could go up to AED 1,000, and the car could be towed. Don’t drive without a license.
Q9. Is it possible to renew my IDP in UAE without going to a service center?
Renewal is a reapplication for an IDP. In Dubai, renewal will take place via the RTA app. The others emirates need to be visited on land.
Q10. Which UAE authority is responsible for giving the International Driving Permit?
Dubai is the place where IDPs are issued by the RTA. In the capital of Abu Dhabi, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is responsible for administration. In Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, the traffic police department will have the authority over applications in their respective emirates.
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