How to transfer a driving licence from one emirate to another
Moving from one emirate to another in the UAE is fairly common. People often move from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah to Ajman to join their families or for professional opportunities. Before moving to another city, you must take care of a few things like clearing all utility bills and rent payments. Similarly, if you want a driving licence, you might have to transfer the licence file from the current emirate to the other — based on where your visa is issued. Here is how you can transfer a driving licence between emirates.
How You Can Transfer A Driving Licence File Between Emirates
Getting a UAE driving licence is a big milestone. So, the question is – how do you transfer your licence file if your driving licence application is still in process? We regularly see search queries like ‘can my driving licence file be transferred from Dubai to Ajman’ or ‘how to transfer driving licence file in Dubai?”
Transport authorities usually allow you to transfer the driving licence file from one emirate to another. Let’s now look at the process.
Driving Licence File Transfer Process
The process of transferring the driving licence file varies on a case-by-case basis. And it also depends on the stage of the licensing process you’re currently at. Applicants can visit the driving school they’ve registered at to start the transfer process. The representative at the customer service centre will ask about the reasons for your transfer. Subsequently, transfer papers will be handed to you.
The transfer papers and other relevant documents will be submitted to the transport authority of your particular emirate. For example, the transport regulatory authority in Dubai is known as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The Department of Transport Abu Dhabi usually handles these requests in the capital.
The driving institute and transport authority representatives will guide you through the driving licence file transfer process. Depending on individual cases, the fees and documentation requirements may vary. For example, a new NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer is needed if you request a transfer because of a new job.
Applying for NOC to transfer test file between emirates
This service allows drivers to apply for a NOC to transfer their driving licence test file from one emirate to another. It can be initiated by visiting accredited driving institutes, a list of which is available on the official RTA website.
Transfer of the file from other emirates to Dubai
Want to know how to transfer a driving licence file in Dubai from emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah? Start by submitting these documents:
- Digital eye test
- Valid Emirates ID
- Certificate of file transfer from the licencing establishment
Transfer of file from Dubai to another emirate
In such cases, the applicant will have to present these documents:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Proof of residence in the present emirate
In both cases, AED 200 NOC fee and an additional AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee applies.
Transfer driving licence in Dubai
Drivers who want to transfer their UAE licences to drive in Dubai can do so by visiting RTA Customer Happiness Centres. Here’s how you can go about the process.
Submit the documents
To facilitate an RTA transfer driving licence, these documents are required:
- Letter of transfer from the previous emirate
- Valid Emirates ID
- Electronic eye test
If the driver in question is one by profession, a medical examination must also be taken in any accredited hospital.
Required fees
Here is what drivers can expect to pay for a driving licence transfer in Dubai.
- Opening traffic file: AED 200
- Licence issuance: AED 600
- Manual: AED 50
- Knowledge and innovation fee: AED 20
It should be noted that applicants who do not have a traffic file will need to open a new one.
Where to apply?
Those who want to have their driver’s licences transferred from another emirate to Dubai can visit these branches of RTA Customer Happiness Centres.
- Al Manarah
- Umm Ramool
- Al Barsha
- Al Towar
- Deira
The process takes one visit and is over in a few minutes. As for validity, the issuance date of the new licence will be the same as it was given in the previous emirate.
Driving licence transfer in other emirates
Applicants who want to have their respective licences transferred to drive legally in Abu Dhabi or other emirates will have to register via the official website of the Ministry of Interior or the service’s smart app.
Submit the documents
Individual applicants need only submit their original licences and valid Emirates ID. Working professionals who have transferred to a new emirate must provide additional documents to change their driver’s licence. These include a copy of the sponsor’s ID, No Objection Certificate from the sponsor and a copy of the applicant’s passport.
Required fee
The Federal fee for the service is AED 200. The MOI website and the smart app accepts online payments via credit cards and E-dirhams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a driving licence transfer between emirates take?
The process usually takes a few minutes and can be completed in a day. Those applying for licences valid in Dubai are advised to consider the timings of the RTA Customer Happiness Centres before they visit.
How do I apply for a Dubai driving licence?
If you are of the eligible age, submit the mandatory documents to get a driving licence in Dubai. Further requirements include an eye test, successful completion of practical classes and more. Besides the age bracket, similar rules apply for a bike licence in Dubai.
Do you live in the capital? Anyone applying for a driving licence must submit Abu Dhabi driving licence file opening fees, undergo the necessary training and pass a series of road tests first.
How do I renew my driver’s licence in Dubai?
In a country reputed for its strict traffic rules, having a valid driving licence is a huge achievement. To renew a driving licence in Dubai, you can visit RTA Customer Happiness Centres, the official RTA website or the RTA smart app.
How do I apply for an international driving licence in Dubai?
An International Driving Licence or IDP is an internationally recognised permit that allows you to drive a vehicle outside the UAE. It’s a convenient legal document, especially for those who commute to international destinations regularly for work. You can get an International Driving Licence in Dubai online or by visiting designated offices in the emirate.
I am a US citizen. How do I convert my driver’s licence in the UAE?
In most cases, US passport holders aren’t required to take road tests to have their licences converted in the United Arab Emirates. Check out our guide on US driving licence conversion to the UAE for details. Similarly, you can also convert your British driving licence in the UAE.
The process to transfer the driving licence file in UAE is fairly straightforward. The driving school representatives and emirate driving authorities are trained to handle individual cases. In fact, most processes at transport authorities have been streamlined.
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