Apply for a New Driving Licence or a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences
Exchange a Driving Licence issued outside the UAE and get a new one in Dubai, according to the list of countries eligible for exchange, or add a new category to Driving Licences issued in Dubai based on exchanging licences from authorised countries (list in Important to Know section).
Select the country that issued your Driving Licence
Output
UAE Driving Licence valid for 1 year if you're younger than 21, and for 2 years if you're 21 or older, or a new Driving Licence with the added category keeping the remaining validity period of your previous licence
Ways to Apply
- Driving Institutes
Channels
Steps
To get a new Driving Licence based on Exchanging Licences
- Submit the documents.
- Verify your Driving Licence data.
- Open a Traffic File if you don't have one.
- Book an appointment for the Knowledge Test.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the receipt through SMS and email.
- Pass the Knowledge Test.
- Receive the new Driving Licence.
- Receive the licence through the RTA Dubai App (My Docs) , and add it to your Apple or Android Wallet, if any.
To add a new category based on Exchanging Licences
- Submit the documents.
- Verify your Driving Licence data.
- Open a Traffic File if you don't have one.
- Book a Knowledge Test appointment.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the receipt through SMS and email.
- Pass the Knowledge Test.
- Receive the new printed Driving Licence.
Service Time
15 minutes
Important to Know
You Should Have
- If you have a residence visa issued in another emirate, you can add a category to your Driving Licence only if you live, study, or invest in Dubai.
You Should Know
- You don't need to translate your valid Driving Licence to exchange it or add a new category.
- In addition to the accredited Eye Test Centres, the eye test is also available in all Customer Happiness Centres and Driving Institutes.
- You can only replace or add a new category to your Driving Licence for light vehicles and motorcycles.
- The Driving Licence to be exchanged must be valid.
- In case the Driving Licence to be exchanged doesn't include security signs, you must provide a certificate verifying the validity of the data from the Singaporean consulate or embassy.
- You must be a Singapore national to exchange your licence.
- You don't need to surrender your original Driving Licence when you exchange it.
- If you have a dual passport and the residency visa is stamped on the unauthorised/non-exception country passport, you can't replace your Driving Licence.
- You must be present in person.
Eligible Categories
Residents with a valid Singaporean Driving Licence
Service Requirements
Service Type
Fees
Service Type
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit card
Terms and Conditions
None
FAQs
- Q: If I'm on a mission visa, service visa, or multiple visa, can I drive in the UAE using my Driving Licence?
- A: Yes, as long as you're on a short term visa.
- Q: Can I exchange my Driving Licence if I have 2 passports, and I entered Dubai using my passport that's not from the exception countries?
- A: No, you must open a new Traffic File and apply for a new Driving Licence.
Updated on: 26-November-2025