How to get an International Driving Licence in Dubai

• International Driving Licence
• Application Process
• International Driving Permit for Foreigners
• FAQs

Having an International Driving Licence in Dubai is a valuable solution for people who frequently travel abroad for business or leisure. Instead of finding a ride or hailing a cab to get from one place to another every time you want to commute, you can cut the chase and get yourself a rented car to move around the city. All you need is a valid international driving licence. Let’s find out all about the application process for the licence.

WHAT IS AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE (IDL)?

The international driver’s licence or the International Driving Permit (IDP) is an internationally recognised legal permit that allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country without any legal formalities. Sanctioned by three United Nations conventions, it is accepted in 175 countries worldwide.

HOW DOES AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT HELP?

Your Dubai driving licence is valid for the UAE. When you’re somewhere abroad on business or a holiday, you cannot drive there unless you have an international driving permit. Residents of Dubai who wish to drive outside the UAE should apply for an international driver’s licence. Besides allowing you to drive in a foreign country, the international driver’s licence offers additional benefits like:

• Functioning as a supplementary identification document 
• Being proof that the holder has a valid driving licence in Dubai
• Protecting the holder and their family from any accidental vehicle damage abroad

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI

Unlike the process to get a proper driving licence in Dubai, obtaining an international driving licence in Dubai is quite straightforward. You can get the permit in Dubai online via RTA’s official website. RTA Dubai is the Road and Transportation Authority which manages transport, roads and traffic in the city.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR DUBAI INTERNATIONAL LICENCE RTA

The requirements for an international driving licence Dubai RTA include:

• The International Driving Licence (IDL) Form (you can download it from the ATCUAE website)
• Copy of Emirates ID
• Copy of valid passport and residency
• Two passport size photographs
• Copy of valid Dubai driving licence

APPLY ONLINE FOR IDL IN DUBAI

If you want to apply for IDL in Dubai online, you can do so via the ATCUAE website, RTA’s online portal or MOI UAE app.

• Visit your preferred website or portal
• Complete the form with relevant information 
• Attach necessary documents (PDF or JPG format, not exceeding 2MB)
• Pay the fees (AED 177 + 20 for knowledge and innovation fees)
• Submit 

The online international driving permit application in Dubai takes 2 working days to process and another 2 working days to deliver. So, you may get your international driving licence in Dubai in about 4 working days. You will receive the original copy of the licence via the following channels:

• Customer Happiness Centre Deira or Al Barsha
• Courier Company

Please note that if you choose to get your licence delivered via courier service, there will be additional charges.

MANUAL APPLICATION PROCESS FOR INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE IN DUBAI

The manual process is much quicker than the online application. All you need to do is gather the required documents and head over to the nearest branch or office of one of the following entities:

• Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE)
• Affiliate members of ATCUAE
• RTA offices
• Emirates Post offices
• Dnata office on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)

Submit the documents, pay the fees and your international driver’s licence will be printed and handed over to you. The entire process will take around 30 minutes to an hour at max. 

Please Note:

• You must hold a valid driving licence in Dubai
• To be eligible for the IDP in Dubai, you must complete at least one year as a licenced motorist in Dubai 
• The licence holder must be present at the designated office when applying for the international driver’s licence
• The international driving permit is valid for one year after the issuance
• The IDL in Dubai applies to cars, motorcycles and buses (heavy and light)
• The international driver’s licence is NOT a substitute for a Dubai driving licence for residents. It is only valid for foreign countries. 

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT HOLDERS VISITING DUBAI

Foreigners who visit Dubai with an international driving licence and the intention to drive there must keep certain things in mind.

• You can drive rental cars in Dubai as long as you have a valid international driver’s licence and your foreign driving licence. 
• If you have applied for UAE residency, your IDP in Dubai becomes irrelevant as soon as you get your UAE residence visa, in which case you need to get a proper Dubai driving licence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW LONG IS AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE VALID FOR?

Your international driving licence is valid for a year.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR IDL?

Any individual, resident or citizen with a valid driving licence issued in Dubai is eligible to apply for IDL.

That’s all we have for you now. We hope you find this post useful. The rules and requirements to apply for an international driving licence in Abu Dhabi are pretty much the same as in Dubai. The only difference is that the Dubai licence would be replaced by the international driving licence Abu Dhabi.  You can also read our guide to learn how to renew driving licence in Abu Dhabi.

Those who have moved from the US to the UAE can simply opt for a US driving licence conversion to a UAE licence, instead of going through the entire licensing procedure.

Once you have a licence, there are plenty of options when it comes to buying a car. If you opt for a second-hand car, here is our guide on how to transfer vehicle ownership online in the UAE.