Quick answer
- Residents aged 21 or above renew a Dubai driving licence for 5 years, and the licence fee is AED 300.
- UAE and GCC citizens aged 21 or above get a 10 year licence, while drivers younger than 21 pay AED 100 for a 1 year licence.
- You need a valid Emirates ID and a valid eye test; the electronic eye test costs AED 140 to AED 180, plus a AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee.
- Renewal is done through the RTA website, is processed instantly and arrives as a digital licence in the RTA Dubai App.
RTA driving licence renewal in Dubai is now a fully online process: take an eye test, log in to the RTA website, pay the fees and receive a digital licence instantly. We checked every fee, validity period and requirement in this guide against the official RTA service page on 18 October 2026, so it reflects what Dubai drivers pay today.
What the RTA currently says about renewing a licence
The Roads and Transport Authority handles renewals through its Apply for or Manage a Driving Licence service, which also covers new licences, extra categories, replacements and data changes. The service is open to citizens and residents who hold a valid or expired UAE driving licence, and the RTA lists the service time as instant.
How long your new licence lasts depends on your age and nationality. The length is set by the RTA, not chosen by you, and it is printed on the digital licence once the renewal is approved.
| Driver | Validity of renewed licence |
|---|---|
| Younger than 21 | 1 year |
| Resident aged 21 or above | 5 years |
| UAE or GCC citizen aged 21 or above | 10 years |
RTA driving licence renewal fees in 2026
The fees depend on whether your licence is still valid (or expired less than 10 years ago) or expired more than 10 years ago. All figures below are taken from the RTA fee list. You can pay by credit card or cash.
| Fee | Valid or expired under 10 years | Expired over 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| Licence fee (21 or older) | AED 300 | AED 300 |
| Licence fee (younger than 21) | AED 100 | Not listed |
| Electronic eye test at an Eye Test Centre | AED 140 to AED 180 | AED 140 to AED 180 |
| Knowledge and Innovation fee | AED 20 | AED 20 |
| Medical test | According to the hospital | Not listed |
| Training file | Not listed | AED 200 |
| Learning application | Not listed | AED 100 |
| Handbook manual | Not listed | AED 50 |
| Evaluation Test | Not listed | AED 200 |
| Renewal delay fine | Not listed | AED 500 |
The RTA also offers optional extras. Delivery of the physical card costs AED 20 for standard delivery, AED 35 for same day, AED 50 for delivery within 2 hours and AED 50 for international delivery. For drivers who cannot travel, a mobile truck service costs AED 500 for the eye test only, or AED 1,000 for the eye test plus renewal and delivery.
Documents you need
- A valid Emirates ID
- A valid eye test, done at one of the RTA approved Eye Test Centres
- A comprehensive medical fitness test at an RTA accredited hospital, only if you are a professional driver
Diplomats and people of determination have their own document lists on the RTA service page, so check yours before you apply. People of determination can also benefit from the RTA discount on licensing services covered in our story on the 50 percent licensing discount.
How to renew your licence online, step by step
- Take an eye test at an Eye Test Centre. The result is needed before the system will let you renew.
- Log in to the RTA website with your Emirates ID, passport or UAE Pass, then enter the OTP sent to your registered phone.
- Choose Renewing a Driving Licence from the Drivers Licensing Services list and confirm your licence details.
- Pick how you want the licence: the electronic licence in the RTA Dubai App wallet, collection from a Self Service Machine, or delivery.
- Pay all outstanding fines and the renewal fees.
- Receive the licence as a Digital Driving Licence under My Docs in the RTA Dubai App, and add it to Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet if you like.
If your licence expired more than 10 years ago, or it was never issued after passing a road test, the system will tell you an Evaluation Test is needed. You then book the test, choose a driving institute, pay the fees and pass the test before the renewed licence is issued.
Practical tips for Dubai drivers
- Clear your traffic fines first, because the RTA asks you to pay all fines during the renewal. Our UAE traffic fines guide lists the common amounts and black points.
- If your visa moved to another emirate, update your traffic file before you start, or the online renewal may stop part way.
- Licences issued by another emirate cannot be renewed in Dubai, so renew with the authority that issued yours.
- If Dubai Police cancelled or suspended your licence after 24 black points, you need an NOC letter from Dubai Police for a rehabilitation test before the RTA can open a new training file.
FAQs
How much does RTA driving licence renewal cost in 2026?
For a licence that is valid or expired less than 10 years ago, the RTA licence fee is AED 300 if you are 21 or older and AED 100 if you are younger than 21. Add the electronic eye test at AED 140 to AED 180 and the AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee, so most adult residents pay between AED 460 and AED 500 before any delivery charge or outstanding fines.
How long is a renewed Dubai driving licence valid?
The RTA issues a renewed licence for 1 year if you are younger than 21. Residents aged 21 or above get 5 years, and UAE and GCC citizens aged 21 or above get 10 years.
Can I renew my Dubai driving licence on a visit visa?
No. The RTA says you must hold a valid Emirates ID to renew, so a visit visa is not enough.
Can I renew a licence issued in another emirate in Dubai?
No, the RTA does not renew licences issued by another emirate. If your licence was issued in Dubai but your residence visa is from another emirate, you can still renew online as long as your traffic file details match your new visa.
What happens if my licence expired more than 10 years ago?
You have to book and pass an Evaluation Test at a driving institute before the licence is renewed. The RTA lists fees for a training file, learning application, handbook and the test itself, plus a AED 500 renewal delay fine and the AED 300 licence fee.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
