A Step by Step Guide on How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Dubai

Dubai is a city built for cars, not pedestrians. The amount of luxurious sports cars you see on the streets should be proof enough. 

Sure, you can take the Metro if you’re feeling minimalist (and a little bit masochist), but try doing a grocery run in August without a car. You’ll end up sweating more than the ice cream you’re desperately trying to bring home. That’s why driving is a survival skill around here.

That said, like most things official, your driver’s license expires. And when it does, you should renew it. The process isn’t hard, but it’s also quite time-consuming. There are fees. There are tests. There are choices of going digital or braving the manual counters. 

To save your time from doom-scrolling through forums at midnight, we’ve rounded up the steps to renew your driver’s license in Dubai, so you can keep enjoying that AC in the summer.

How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Dubai

To renew your driver’s license in Dubai, you need to take eye tests, apply to RTA renewal centers, and that’s it! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your life easier.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

First things first, the Roads and Transport Authority or RTA is the governing body for driver’s licenses, and this is how the system works:

• If you are under 21, your license is valid only for a year.
• If you’re 21 and older, and a UAE or GCC citizen, your license is valid for 10 years.
• If you’re 21 and older, but you’re an expat from somewhere else, your license is valid for 5 years.

It’s best to renew your license even before it officially expires, but if you do reach your expiry date, you are given a 30-day grace period to renew. 

After that, you will incur a fee of AED 10 for every month you delay. If you let it sit for too long, you might even need to retake the driving tests. 

Step 2: Get your eye test

Before you go through the paperwork, Dubai needs to know if you can still, you know, see. You shouldn’t be behind the wheel if you can’t even see the stop signs. Or the pedestrians. Or worse, the puppies.

To get started, head to any RTA-approved optical center. Below is the current list of approved centers. (Note: make sure to check the RTA website for any changes in this list.)

• Barakat Optical 
• Grand Optics
• Magrabi Optical
• Yateem Optician
• Al Jaber Optical
• Bellhasa Motor Driving School

It only takes 15–20 minutes—unless you go during peak hours when half of Dubai decides they need glasses—and usually costs AED 120–180, depending on the center.

Make sure to do this first before applying for renewal because it will not be accepted without fresh test results. The result is valid for at least three years, but it’s best to renew immediately.

Step 3: Apply for renewal 

After you pass your eye test, the next step is to actually apply for the renewal. The RTA gives you three routes, depending on your preference (or personality type).

Option 1: RTA Website or App

This is the fastest option, and is ideal for people who don’t want to interact with another human being. To renew online:

1. Go to the website or download the app.

2. Sign up or log in with your Emirates ID.

3. Go to “Driver and Vehicle Services,” then “Driver’s License Services,” then “Renew License.”

4. Confirm your details that will appear on screen. This includes your name, license number, expiry date, and more.

5. Pay online with a card.

Once payment is complete, the RTA issues a temporary digital license through the app or via email. The physical license card is then printed then sent to you by courier. 

It usually takes 2–5 working days, but if you don’t want to wait too long, you can opt to collect it from an RTA Customer Center.

Option 2: RTA Customer Happiness Centers

This is the traditional route, perfect for people who don’t trust technology yet or those who want the reassurance of a face-to-face interaction. To renew physically:

1. Walk into a branch. Branches are usually open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it’s best to call the RTA 24/7 call center at 800 90 90 ahead of time to ensure operating hours. (For the list of branches, click here.)

2. Show your Emirates ID at the counter and wait for the staff to pull up your records.

3. They will guide you through the renewal process on their system.

4. Pay upfront (cash or card).

Most centers print your physical card on the spot, so there’s no need to wait or to issue a temporary ID. The only downside is there might be a longer waiting time.

Option 3: RTA Smart Kiosks

Smart kiosks are like ATMs for driving. You can find them in malls, RTA offices, some fuel stations and other stores around the city. To renew through these kiosks:

1. Locate a kiosk here.

2. Insert your Emirates ID into the machine, and it will pull up your records.

3. Follow the on-screen steps.

4. Pay by card at the machine.

The kiosk instantly prints your new driver’s license. This option is instant and efficient, and perfect if you’re doing the renewal along with other errands.

Bonus Tips

The process will depend on which option you select, but ultimately, renewing your driver’s license in Dubai is very easy. Some bonus tips to help you expedite the process:

• Renew early. Save money and stress by renewing as early as possible and within the 30-day period.

• Keep your Emirates ID valid. If it’s expired, you can’t renew your driver’s license.

• Check your phone number and make sure it’s updated because RTA sends notifications via SMS.

At the end of the day, renewing your license is all about keeping up with the pace of Dubai life.