Dubai now lets residents swap foreign driving licences for local ones
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) allows eligible residents to swap their foreign driving licences for a local one. The process applies to nationals from over 50 recognised countries, including GCC states, Europe, and North America. Last year alone, 58,082 foreign licences were exchanged in the emirate. Residents from approved countries can replace their existing licence if it remains valid. They must surrender the original document and pass a mandatory eye test. GCC nationals face no restrictions based on where their Emirates ID was issued.
Licences from 5 GCC nations, 38 European countries, and 13 Asian and Latin American territories qualify. The list also includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and Texas specifically. However, applicants from Guam, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Andorra cannot exchange their licences.
Some cases may require extra paperwork or an official translation. Those holding licences from unlisted countries must complete the standard process, including lessons and tests at a driving institute. The RTA’s system simplifies the transition for thousands of residents each year. Eligible drivers avoid retaking full tests, provided they meet the basic requirements. The policy covers a broad range of countries but excludes a small number of territories.
