Hit the road! Converting US driver’s licence to UAE licence
In most cases, acquiring a driving licence in the UAE means going to a driving school and taking a driving test. However, those with driving licences from the United States are exempt from this requirement, as they can easily transfer or convert their existing licence to a UAE version. Read on to learn about the process and documents required to convert a US driver’s licence to a UAE licence.
Documents required for transferring your US driving licence
US holders are expected to have the following documents for a successful conversion:
- Original US driving licence
- Copy of the original US driving licence
- NOC or No Objection Certificate from the sponsor, except for those employed in certain professions
- A complete form for the replacement
- Valid and original Emirates ID
- Electronic eye test certified by the concerned emirate’s medical authority with two passport-sized photographs
- Certified medical screening document (for senior citizens above a certain age bracket)
Individuals who do not require an NOC include those who work as prosecutors, judges, lawyers, shipmasters, consultants, military personnel, doctors and others. For a full list of non-exempt professionals applying for US driving licence conversion in Dubai, visit the RTA Dubai website.
If converting your US driving licence in Dubai, you must take these documents to an RTA branch. They will then issue a valid UAE driving licence, after which you can legally drive in Dubai.
Those opting to convert an American driver’s licence in Abu Dhabi can do so via their Abu Dhabi Police app or the website. In Abu Dhabi, converting the US driver’s licence can take longer, but you should receive the new permit within a week. The fee to transfer the licence is usually under AED 1,000 if you do not have to take the road test, but it is subject to change based on policy updates.
Here are the fees for converting the US licence in Dubai per the RTA website.
- Opening a file: AED 200
- Issuing licence: AED 600
- Handbook manual: AED 50
- Knowledge and Innovation fees: AED 20
How to convert a US licence to UAE licence?
Here are the steps for conversion of a US driving licence to a UAE one.
Optician Certificate
An eye test and the post-test optician certificate are requirements for applying to convert US licence in the UAE. Some eye doctors render this service for free, while others might charge a small fee. Prices vary depending on the emirate you are applying for. Some service centres have onsite opticians, which speed up conversions considerably.
Visit the driving licence centre
The next step for converting a US driving licence to a UAE licence is a visit to the traffic authority of the emirate you live in. Applicants must have the aforementioned documents and their passport copies, residence visas and original passports.
All it takes is a bit of paperwork, a photograph and a visit to the traffic authority of the emirate you reside in to convert a US driving licence to a UAE licence. The process is straightforward for US citizens in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirate, thanks to their exemption from driving tests.
US driving licence holders with home countries not on the list of exempted countries need not worry. After undergoing a road and knowledge test, they can acquire a valid UAE driving licence.
Are you from the UK? Learn all about British licence conversion in the UAE.
FAQS ABOUT WAYS TO CONVERT THE US DRIVING LICENCE TO UAE
Is driving in the UAE with a US licence possible?
The US driver’s licence is among the few valid in the UAE. Tourists from the United States can use the licences from their home country. However, expats who live in the UAE usually opt to convert.
How do I apply for a driving licence in Dubai?
To apply and increase your chances of passing your test on the first try in Dubai, check out our Dubai driving licence guide.
How do I apply for a licence in Abu Dhabi?
Foreign residents in the capital may refer to our guide on international driving licence Abu Dhabi to apply. Those living in the capital can learn about Abu Dhabi driving licence renewal via our guide.
How much will traffic fines cost me?
Ensure you are aware of traffic fines in Dubai to avoid traffic violations. For other emirates, our list of traffic signs in the UAE can be a helpful guide for motorists.
That is all about how to convert a US licence to the UAE.
For more information on traffic regulations and laws in the UAE, visit MyBayut.
