Renewing a UAE driving licence is mandatory to continue driving legally and avoid heavy fines and black points. Whether you are a resident or citizen, the UAE government has simplified the renewal process—but the fees, required documents, and medical test rules vary depending on the emirate and the driver’s age. This full guide explains the updated renewal fee structure, processing time, documents, medical test requirements, and how to complete the renewal online without visiting an RTA office.
Why Driving License Renewal in UAE Is Important
Driving with an expired licence is a violation in the UAE and can result in:
• Traffic fines
• Vehicle impounding
• Black points
• Difficulty processing insurance claims in case of accidents
Renewal should ideally be completed before the expiry date or within the 30-day grace period.
UAE Driving License Renewal Eligibility
To renew your licence, you must meet the basic eligibility rules:
• Licence must be registered in the UAE
• All traffic fines must be cleared before application
• Eye test must be valid or updated (for relevant age groups)
• Applicant must hold a valid Emirates ID
Age-based eligibility for eye test:
| Age Group | Eye Test Needed? |
|---|---|
| Below 21 | Not required |
| 21–59 | Required |
| 60 and above | Required |
Required Documents for UAE Driving License Renewal
Renewal can only be processed when all required documents are available:
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| UAE Nationals | Emirates ID |
| Residents (Expats) | Emirates ID + valid residency |
| All Drivers Above 21 | Eye test report |
| If Licence Expired Over 10 Years | Driving assessment test may be required |
Keep original Emirates ID ready for verification.
UAE Driving License Renewal Fee 2025 (Updated)
Fees vary based on age and service channel.
| Driver Category | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| Below 21 years | AED 100 |
| 21 years & above | AED 300 |
| Instant Service / Urgent Printing | AED 500 – AED 600 |
| Knowledge / Innovation Fee | AED 20 |
| Eye Test Fee | AED 140 – AED 180 (varies by center) |
| Late Renewal Penalty | AED 10 per month after grace period |
If a licence has been expired for more than 10 years, additional retesting charges may apply.
Where to Renew UAE Driving License
You can renew the driving licence from any of the following platforms:
• RTA Website / RTA Dubai App
• TAMM (Abu Dhabi) Portal
• Ministry of Interior (MOI) Website
• Driving Institutes & Customer Happiness Centres
• Typing Centres (Assisted renewal)
Digital renewal is the fastest method with optional delivery of the new card.
Step-by-Step: Renew Your UAE Driving License Online
- Clear pending traffic fines (if any)
- Take an eye test at an authorised eye center
- Visit RTA / MOI / TAMM renewal service page
- Enter Emirates ID and licence details
- Upload eye test results (if required)
- Pay the licence renewal fee
- Download digital licence instantly or request physical card delivery
The digital licence is valid and can be saved in the phone wallet.
Driving License Renewal for Expired Licences (Penalty Rules)
The UAE allows renewal even if the licence has been expired for years.
| Time Since Expiry | Additional Rules |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | No penalty during grace period |
| 1–10 years | Renewal allowed + late fee |
| More than 10 years | Driving assessment test required |
Renewal Timeline
| Service Speed | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Normal Renewal | 1 – 2 working days |
| Urgent Renewal | Immediately |
| Physical Card Delivery | 1 – 3 days by courier |
Once renewed, drivers can legally drive using the digital licence while waiting for the physical card.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Renewal | RTA / MOI / TAMM portals |
| Mandatory Eye Test | Yes (age 21+) |
| Renewal Cost | AED 300 – AED 600 |
| Grace Period | 30 days |
| Late Fee | AED 10 per month |
| Fastest Method | RTA App + Digital Licence |
Tips to Reduce Renewal Cost & Avoid Delays
• Take advantage of digital renewal instead of visiting centres
• Do eye test only at approved optical centres to avoid rejection
• Clear traffic fines early to avoid processing delays
• Save SMS and payment receipt for reference
FAQs
Q1: Can I drive if I renewed my licence but didn’t receive the physical card yet?
Yes, the digital licence is valid immediately after renewal.
Q2: Is an eye test required every time I renew?
Yes, for drivers aged 21 and above, an updated test is mandatory.
Q3: Can I renew a driving licence from outside the UAE?
Yes, online renewal is possible as long as you hold a valid Emirates ID and eye test from an approved UAE centre.