How to Apply for a Driving License Exchange (for European License Holders)

Searching for a reliable way to apply for a driving license exchange in the UAE? This guide outlines the precise details for UAE residents with a valid European Driving License. Learn how you can exchange your EU license for a UAE driver’s license without taking a test.

Note: This guide’s content applies only to driver's licenses issued by approved countries and identified by the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

Prerequisites & Eligibility

List of Eligible Countries

Confirming if your country's license is on the list for direct exchange is the first step. If you hold a driver's license from the following countries, you’re ready to move forward.

Other Mandatory Requirements

• Residency Status: You must hold a valid Passport, UAE Residence Visa, and Emirates ID.

• License Status: Foreign license must be valid at the time of application.

• Minimum Age: 18 years old or above.

Required Documents (Must-Have)

You must possess the following documents for driver's license exchange in the UAE:

• Original, Valid European Driving License

• Original Emirates ID

• Original Passport (with a copy of the residence visa page).

• Eye Test Report (from an approved optical center/clinic).

• Legal Translation (Required only if your license is not in English or Arabic, must be legally attested).

• Passport Photos (typically 1-2, though many centers take digital photos).

The requirement for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor is often waived for license exchange. However, confirm it with the specific Emirate's licensing authority (e.g., RTA in Dubai or Abu Dhabi Police in the capital).

Pro Tip: Bring originals and copies of all documents for physical verification/submission.

How to Apply for License Exchange: Application Channels

You can start your application through multiple channels, depending on your Emirate of residence:

Choose the channel you’re most comfortable with. As the Emirates shifts towards innovation, it offers equally reliable and fast services across both channels.

Tip: Picking digital channels offers better convenience and flexibility.

European Driver’s License Exchange UAE: Step-by-Step

With all the documents ready, you can move on to the actual foreign driver's license exchange process. It involves a four-step legal procedure, generally a mix of digital and physical steps, as the eye test and final document verification/collection usually require a physical visit.

Step 1: Eye Test

Visit an RTA/MOI-approved optical center/clinic. The result will be linked to your Emirates ID electronically. Authorities can access it when processing your request. All you need is to complete this mandatory eye test for a driving license exchange in the UAE.

Step 2: Digital Application

Select the emirate-specific digital platform: RTA App/Website, TAMM App. 

1. Log in using your UAE Pass. 

2. Go to the Driver & Car Owner section.

3. Look for an option like: Apply for Driving Licence Exchange or Convert Driving Licence

4. Upload documents (Emirates ID copy, license copy) and fill the application form.

5. Confirm the details and pay the fees.

Step 3: Physical Visit & Verification

You will or might need to visit your selected Customer Service Centre or Driving Institute to present your original documents (passport, original EU license) for verification. In some cases, for some countries, UAE authorities demand the surrender of their home country's license at the center.

Note on Surrender: The good news is that, for most European license holders, the UAE authorities do not require surrender of the original license. This means you can keep both your original and your new UAE license. 

However, because this policy is based on specific agreements (MoUs) and can occasionally vary, it is always best to confirm with the official at the counter during your verification visit.

Step 4: Receive License

Once verification and payment are complete, your UAE Driving License will be issued instantly. If hard print is not available at the moment, you can ask for a delivery to your address. The authorities will email you your license soft copy for temporary use.

Cost of Driving License Exchange UAE

You will need to pay some administrative fees for exchanging a foreign license in the UAE. The total cost is approximately AED 840 to AED 900 in Dubai (and similar in other Emirates), excluding the eye test and translation. Here is a breakdown of the typical components:

• File Opening: Approx. AED 200

• License Issuance: Approx. AED 600

• Federal & Local Fees: AED 40 (for Knowledge and Innovation)

• Eye Test: AED 100 - AED 180 (Paid separately at the optical center)

• Delivery Fee: AED 15 - AED 50 (If required)

• Payment Method: Credit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a driving license exchange in the UAE for EU license holders might seem daunting, but it’s the opposite in reality. It takes no time, once you have your documents ready; and the best part, you can do it from anywhere. Just download the emirate-specific App and start applying. If you prefer an in-person approach, you can visit Happiness Service Centers and exchange your European license for UAE driver's license in person. Pick a method and exchange your EU license for a UAE license today!