Where to renew your Dubai driver license and what documents you need
You renew your Dubai driver license through the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which handles all licensing in the emirate. You can renew in person at an RTA customer service centre, or online through the RTA website or mobile app if your license is not expired by more than three years. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a centre; the online route takes 10 to 15 minutes from home.
For either route, you will need your current license, your Emirates ID, and proof of residency (a recent utility bill, tenancy contract, or salary certificate). If you are renewing online, you also need a valid email address and a mobile number registered with the RTA. The RTA will not ask for your passport unless you are a new resident or your identity details have changed.
Your license can be renewed up to 90 days before it expires. If it has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives. The RTA does not charge a late fee for expired licenses, but you should renew as soon as possible to avoid being stopped by traffic police.
Key Takeaways
- The RTA is the only authority that issues and renews Dubai driver licenses, and you can renew online or in person starting 90 days before expiry.
- Online renewal requires your current license, Emirates ID, email, and mobile number; in-person renewal requires the same documents plus proof of residency.
- Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and the new license arrives by post within 5 to 7 working days; in-person renewal is faster if you need to drive when ready.
- If your license has expired, you can still renew it without penalty, but you cannot legally drive until the new license is in hand.
- The RTA customer service centres are open Saturday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with locations across Dubai.
Online renewal through the RTA website or app
Online renewal is the fastest route if your license expired less than three years ago. Log into the RTA website (rta.ae) or read the RTA mobile app, then navigate to the "Driving License" section and select "Renew License". You will be asked to enter your license number, Emirates ID number, and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license details and ask you to confirm or update your address and contact information.
Once you submit the form, you pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. The fee is 100 AED for a one-year license, 200 AED for two years, or 300 AED for three years. After payment, the RTA sends a confirmation email and an SMS to your registered mobile number. Your new license is printed and posted to your address within 5 to 7 working days.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, update it in the online form before you submit. The RTA will mail the new license to the address you provide. If you do not receive it within 10 working days, contact the RTA customer service line at 800 9090 to check the status.
In-person renewal at an RTA customer service centre
Visit any RTA customer service centre with your current license, Emirates ID, and proof of residency. The main centres are in Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Baraha, and Jebel Ali, but there are smaller offices in most residential areas. You can find the full list and opening hours on the RTA website. On arrival, take a queue ticket from the machine near the entrance and wait for your number to be called.
When you reach the counter, hand over your documents and tell the officer you want to renew your license. They will check your details, take a new photograph (unless you choose to use your existing one), and ask you to pay the renewal fee. The fee is the same as online: 100 AED for one year, 200 AED for two years, or 300 AED for three years. You can pay by card or cash.
After payment, the RTA prints your new license on the spot. You walk out with it in hand, usually within 30 minutes of arriving. This is the only way to drive legally the same day if your current license has expired or is about to expire.
What happens if your license expired more than three years ago
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew it online. You must visit an RTA customer service centre in person. Bring the same documents: your expired license, Emirates ID, and proof of residency. The RTA will treat this as a renewal rather than a new process, so you do not need to retake the driving test or the theory exam.
The officer will check your details, take a new photograph, and process the renewal at the counter. The fee is still 100, 200, or 300 AED depending on the validity period you choose. You receive your new license when ready after payment. There is no penalty for the gap in time, but you cannot legally drive until you have the new license in hand.
Renewing your license if you have moved out of Dubai
If you no longer live in Dubai but still hold a Dubai license, you can renew online if your license expired less than three years ago. Use the RTA website or app and provide your current address outside Dubai. The RTA will mail the new license to that address, though delivery times may be longer than the standard 5 to 7 working days.
If you have moved to another emirate in the UAE, you may want to transfer your license to that emirate's authority instead of renewing it in Dubai. Each emirate has its own licensing system, and a license from another emirate is not valid in Dubai. Contact the traffic authority in your new emirate to learn about transfer or renewal options there.
If you have left the UAE entirely, you can still renew your Dubai license online, but you will need to arrange for someone in Dubai to collect the printed license from your address or have it forwarded to you. Some expats use a friend's or family member's Dubai address for this reason.
Checking your license status and renewal important date
You can check when your license expires by logging into the RTA website or app with your Emirates ID and password. The system shows your current license number, expiry date, and any traffic violations or fines on your record. You can also call the RTA customer service line at 800 9090 to ask about your renewal important date.
The RTA does not send automatic reminders when your license is about to expire, so mark the date on your calendar or set a phone reminder. Renewing 30 to 60 days before expiry gives you time to complete the process without rushing. If you wait until the last week, online renewal may not arrive in time, and you may have to visit a centre in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?
No. The RTA will not process a renewal if you have outstanding fines on your record. You must pay all fines first through the RTA website, the Salik toll system, or at a customer service centre. Once paid, you can renew your license when ready.
What if my Emirates ID is expired?
You cannot renew your license with an expired Emirates ID. Renew your ID first at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), then renew your license. The ID renewal process is separate and takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Do I need a medical certificate to renew my license?
No medical certificate is required for a standard renewal. You only need one if you are over 60 years old, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if the RTA asks you to provide one based on your driving record.
Can someone else renew my license on my behalf?
No. You must renew in person or online yourself. The RTA does not allow third-party renewals, even with a power of attorney. If you are outside Dubai, online renewal is your only option.
How long is a renewed license valid?
You choose the validity period when you renew: one year, two years, or three years. The longer the period, the higher the fee. Most people choose three years to avoid frequent renewals.