Renewal of the driving license in the UAE is an exercise planned and arranged to benefit its citizens by holding on to one’s right to driving instead of taking up something which can prove to be a redundant bother. This process might look pretty simplistic, but some steps along with a list of eligibility criteria must be undertaken prior to doing the same effortlessly.
Follow this step-wise guide with valuable inputs to know how you can renew your driving license:
Eligibility Criteria for Renewal
The renewal process requires ascertaining the pre-conditions that must be set; such conditions are that;
- Legal Resident Status: You are either a national of UAE or you reside in the UAE.
- Validity: The driving license you currently hold should be valid or expired less than 10 years. In case it is expired more than 10 years, you would have to follow additional processes.
- Payment of Fines: All the traffic fines pending against you must be cleared before renewing your license. You must check your traffic record also so that no surprises come in the way.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Renew Your Driving License
1. Eye Test
This is the first and most crucial process before getting a renewal. Here’s how you go about it:
- Visit an Authorized Optical Shop-Get your eye test from a certified optical shop near you. Make sure it is authorized by the relevant bodies.
- Carry your original UAE driving license and Emirates ID. It is very important to produce these documents at the test and renewal process.
- The cost of the eye test ranges from AED 140. The results will reflect in the system automatically and make the next procedures quite easy.
2. Submit the Online Application
You can continue with your online application upon receiving your eye test results. The process is somewhat different based on which emirate you are in:
- Residents of Dubai: You may also apply via the RTA website or the RTA Dubai application. Just log in to your UAE Pass account and it is straightforward and authentic.
- Residents of Abu Dhabi: Simply log in on the TAMM portal or the Abu Dhabi Police website to start.
- For Other Emirates: Apply via MOI website and through the app of the MOI if you live in Ras Al Khaimah or other emirates.
- Application process: You will be guided on filling out your application through the site prompts. Upload all relevant supporting documents which will include your Emirates ID, your driving license, and result of eye test.
- Delivery Method: You’ll have the choice of choosing your preferred delivery method when receiving your new license whether through courier or collection from a service center at the point of application.
3. Payments
After submitting the online application, you should make the renewal fee payment:
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee of the driving license differs in each Emirate, but is around AED 300. Simply, be ready with the amount;
- Extra Charges: If you’re driving license has expired for over a month then every month, extra charges of AED 10 are added to the renewal fee. Ensure clearing up all fines so that you will not delay the procedure of processing.
4. Collect Your New License
Following the processing of your application and after receiving your payment, your new driving license will be sent to you by the preferred mode from the very beginning, such as home delivery or you can collect it in person at any of the service centers of the RTA.
Follow these tips for hassle-free renewal:
- Prepare ahead of time by activating your UAE Pass and RTA accounts as early as possible so the renewal process goes relatively smooth
- Clear fines: Once you have all the above arrangements in place, you have to clear any fines by paying them off through respective traffic authority websites.
- Have Copies Ready: Prepare digital copies of your Emirates ID and driving license to upload during the application process. This saves you a lot of time filling up the form.
Renewing your driving license in the UAE is easy and efficient, as many steps can be completed online. If you go through the steps above and fulfill all the requirements, you should be able to renew your license without much hassle and delay.
