Converting your foreign driving license to a UAE license requires MOJ-certified translation as the first step. RTA centers across Dubai accept our translations for file opening. Whether your country qualifies for direct conversion or requires testing, we provide the certified translation you need to begin the process.
| Country Category | What's Required | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Approved (US, UK, EU) | Translation + eye test only | Same day license |
| Partial exemption | Translation + road test | 1-2 weeks |
| Full testing | Translation + RTA training | 2-4 weeks |
RTA file openings fail when translations miss critical details. License categories (motorcycle, car, heavy vehicle) must be clearly indicated. Issue and expiry dates must match the original exactly. License numbers and any restrictions need accurate representation. Some translators miss endorsements or vehicle class restrictions that RTA staff verify. Our translators understand what RTA looks for because they process license translations daily.
Drivers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore can convert their licenses without taking a driving test. The process is straightforward: translation, eye test, typing center, and RTA submission. Most approved-country conversions complete the same day. We confirm your country's status when you send your license for quotation.
Drivers from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, and most other countries need to complete RTA driving training and pass the driving test. Your translated license is still required for file opening—it establishes your driving history and may reduce training requirements. Experienced drivers sometimes qualify for fewer mandatory lessons.
Clear photos of front and back of your driving license. Include any endorsements or restrictions.
MOJ-licensed translator creates RTA-ready translation with all license categories and validity dates.
Collect in Dubai or arrange courier. Many clients pick up on their way to the RTA center.
Urgent RTA appointment? Express service gets your translation ready in hours, not days.
Motorcycle, car, truck, bus - all license categories translated and clearly formatted.
We can confirm if your country is on the RTA approved list for direct conversion.
The UAE maintains a list of countries whose driving licenses can be converted directly without a driving test. This list includes most Western European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and all GCC countries.
If your country is on the approved list, you need only provide the translated license, pass an eye test, and complete the RTA application. We can confirm your country's status during document review.
If your country is not on the approved list, you will need to take driving lessons at an RTA-approved driving school and pass the RTA driving test. The translated license is still required as part of your file opening.
Some nationalities have reduced lesson requirements based on their home country's driving standards.
After obtaining your translated license, you will need to visit a typing center to complete the RTA application forms and undergo an eye test. Many typing centers are located near RTA service centers.
The typing center will use your translated license to enter your details into the RTA system.
Standard car licenses (Category 2/B) are most commonly converted. Motorcycle licenses (Category 1/A) can also be converted from approved countries. Commercial categories such as heavy vehicles and buses have additional requirements.
Your translation will include all categories shown on your original license.
You can translate an expired license, but the RTA may have specific rules about how recently expired the license can be. Generally, licenses expired within the past few years are acceptable for conversion purposes.
Very old or long-expired licenses may require additional documentation from your home country.
Modern card-format licenses with information on both sides are common. We translate all information including the chip data representation, security features description, and any machine-readable zones if relevant to the RTA process.
We translate licenses from any language including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Hindi, Urdu, and all European languages. Non-Latin script licenses are handled by translators familiar with those writing systems.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a substitute for license translation in the UAE conversion process. The RTA requires translation of your actual national driving license, not the IDP. However, an IDP may be useful for temporary driving before you complete the conversion.
The UAE maintains a list of approved countries whose driving licenses can be converted without taking a driving test. If your country is on this list, conversion is straightforward: translate your license, pass an eye test, complete the paperwork, and receive your UAE license.
If your country is not on the approved list, you will need to take driving lessons at an RTA-approved school and pass the UAE driving test. The translated license is still required for your file opening.
The RTA allows direct license conversion for holders of licenses from these countries:
This list changes occasionally. If you are unsure about your country, send us your license and we can confirm.
If your country is not on the approved list, you need to complete driving lessons and pass the RTA test. Common nationalities requiring the test include:
The number of required lessons varies. Some driving schools offer reduced lesson packages for experienced drivers. Your translated license helps establish your driving history.
Before anything else at RTA, you need an MOJ-certified Arabic translation of your driving license. This is what you are getting from us. Without it, RTA cannot open your file.
Gather: original driving license, passport with valid visa, Emirates ID, translated license, and two passport photos. Some nationalities need NOC letter from sponsor.
Visit any approved optician or the eye test center at RTA. This takes about 15 minutes and costs around AED 150-200. You will receive a printed certificate valid for the application.
Visit a typing center near RTA. They will enter your details into the system using your translated license. Fee is around AED 250 for the application and issuance.
Submit your file at RTA. If from approved country, you receive your UAE license same day or next day. If testing required, you will be directed to register at a driving school.
Your translation will include all categories on your original license:
You can translate an expired license, but RTA has rules about how recently it expired:
If your license recently expired, consider getting it renewed before traveling to UAE if possible.
An IDP is not a substitute for license translation in the conversion process. The RTA requires translation of your actual national license, not the IDP.
However, an IDP is useful for:
The translation itself takes 2-4 hours standard, 60 minutes express. The full RTA process for approved countries typically takes 1-2 days including translation, eye test, typing, and RTA visit. For non-approved countries requiring testing, add 2-4 weeks for driving lessons and test scheduling.
The approved country list is UAE-wide, but specific procedures may vary slightly between Dubai RTA, Abu Dhabi DOT, and other emirate authorities. Our translation is accepted across all emirates.
Every driving license translation includes:
Sent via WhatsApp and email. Some typing centers accept digital copies for file preparation.
Physical copy required by RTA. Includes official stamp, QR code, and translator license number.
Every license category, restriction, and endorsement on your original license is translated.
Collect from Dubai or have it delivered. Many clients pick up on their way to RTA.
Choose based on your RTA appointment timing:
24-hour delivery
6-hour delivery
1-hour draft
Residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah use our driving license translation for RTA conversion. New arrivals often need license translation alongside visa documentation and police clearance certificates.
For Golden Visa holders, license conversion is a common post-arrival need. We also translate degree certificates and bank statements for complete immigration packages.
The approved list includes most Western European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and GCC countries. Send us a photo of your license and we can confirm your country's status and what process applies to you.
Standard service delivers within 24 hours. Express service completes in 6 hours for urgent RTA appointments. Many clients order express service in the morning and collect before their afternoon RTA appointment.
If your license is from a GCC country and already in Arabic, you may not need translation - the RTA can read it directly. However, some GCC licenses benefit from certified translation if any details are unclear or if additional documentation is needed.
Yes. We translate all license categories including motorcycle (Category 1/A), light vehicle (Category 2/B), and commercial categories. All categories shown on your original license are included in the translation.
Yes. Our MOJ-certified driving license translations are accepted at all RTA service centers across Dubai and the UAE. The translation includes the official stamp and QR verification that RTA staff can validate.
Send your document via WhatsApp for a free assessment. We will confirm requirements and provide a quote within 15 minutes during working hours.
Start on WhatsApp