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RTA Dubai & TAMM Abu Dhabi Verified 2026

UAE & Dubai Driving License Exchange Reciprocity

Determine if your foreign driver's license qualifies for a direct swap without taking a driving test under official RTA Dubai and Abu Dhabi Mobility regulations.

Select License Issuing Country

4-Step Direct Exchange Process (RTA Dubai)

  1. 1
    Eye Test: Visit any RTA-approved optical center (Yateem Optician, Grandoptics, etc.) with your Emirates ID.
  2. 2
    Legal Translation: If your license is not in English or Arabic, get a certified Arabic translation from a licensed UAE translator.
  3. 3
    Visit RTA Customer Happiness Centre: Bring Original Passport, Emirates ID, & Home Country License.
  4. 4
    Pay & Collect Card: Pay ~AED 870 and receive your 2-year valid UAE driver’s license on the spot.

Direct Swap Eligible Nations

USAUKCanadaAustraliaNew ZealandGermanyFranceItalySpainNetherlandsSwedenJapanSouth KoreaSingaporeGCC Countries

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Frequently Asked Questions (RTA)

Under RTA Dubai and TAMM Abu Dhabi rules, direct license swaps are allowed for passport holders with valid full licenses from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU nations, Japan, South Korea, China, and GCC countries without taking a road test.

The standard RTA Dubai direct license exchange fee is approximately AED 870 to AED 1,000, which includes file opening, eye test fees, knowledge manual, and 2-year UAE driving license issuance.

Tourists and visitors on visit visas can drive rental cars in the UAE using a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home license. However, once a resident visa or Emirates ID is issued, you must obtain a UAE driving license.
RTA VerifiedOfficial Transport Source

• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA Dubai): rta.ae