Driving Licence Conversion in Dubai: 52 Eligible Countries List 2026

Overview: Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai in 2026

Under RTA driving licence services in Dubai, “conversion” or “exchange” means applying for a new Dubai-issued driving licence based on an existing valid foreign licence from an RTA-approved country or “licence origin”. The official service name is “Apply for a New Driving Licence or a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences”, and it is designed mainly for residents who already know how to drive and hold a recognised licence from abroad.

According to the RTA service page (accessed on 15 December 2025), eligible applicants may be exempted from practical training and driving tests when they convert, provided they meet all RTA conditions for that category. The process is handled directly by RTA through its smart channels, customer happiness centres, and approved driving institutes. This article focuses on light vehicle/private car licences for Dubai residents and does not replace the official guidance on www.rta.ae.

The information below aligns with the RTA page as of 16 December 2025, but RTA may update the rules, list of origins, documents, or fees at any time during 2026. Before applying, always confirm the latest instructions on the current RTA service page for Dubai driving licence conversion.

Who Can Convert a Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai? (Core Eligibility)

Not everyone holding a foreign licence can simply exchange it; several core conditions apply in addition to appearing on the RTA driving licence conversion list. First, you must be a resident of Dubai, usually demonstrated through a valid Emirates ID linked to a Dubai sponsor or address, and you must meet the minimum legal age for the relevant licence category under UAE traffic law. For light vehicles, the typical threshold is 18 years, but higher thresholds may apply to other categories, such as heavy vehicles or buses.

Second, you must hold an original, valid driving licence issued by one of the countries or specific licence origins listed by RTA as eligible for exchange. Photocopies or expired licences are generally not accepted for conversion; where a licence has expired or is damaged, RTA may require you to follow the full training and testing route instead of an exchange. The category on your foreign licence should correspond to the category you are seeking in Dubai, particularly for light vehicle versus motorcycle or other classes.

RTA Dubai licence exchange requirements for expats may also include an eye test for the relevant category, usually conducted at an RTA-approved optical centre, with the results sent electronically to RTA systems. Where the foreign licence is not in Arabic or English, RTA may require a legal translation or an attested document, so applicants should be prepared for possible licence translation and authentication requirements based on RTA’s latest instructions. This exchange process is distinct from applying as a brand-new driver, where you must enrol at a driving institute, complete a full training programme and pass theory and practical tests.

The “52 Countries” Explained: Updated RTA List of Eligible Licence Origins for 2025–2026

Many online guides still talk about “52 eligible countries” for Dubai driving licence conversion, but that number no longer matches the list currently displayed by RTA.

Why Many Guides Still Refer to “52 Countries”

Earlier versions of the RTA list and numerous third‑party articles listed around 52 countries eligible to exchange a foreign driving licence in Dubai. However, based on the RTA service “Apply for a New Driving Licence or a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences” as accessed on 15 December 2025, there are now 57 licence origins listed as eligible for exchange.

The current eligible licence origins list RTA includes both “Texas (United States of America)” and “United States of America (with the exception of the State of Texas)” as separate entries, which contributes to the higher count. For this reason, the safest approach is not to rely on a fixed number such as “52” but to always check whether your specific country or named origin appears on the live RTA page before you apply.

This table lists countries eligible for RTA licence exchange in 2026, as of the December 2025 snapshot. If your country is not listed, you can still obtain a Dubai licence, but must complete the standard training and tests at an RTA-approved driving institute rather than use the exchange route.

Step-by-Step Process to Exchange Your Foreign Licence in Dubai

Once you have confirmed that your licence origin appears on the current RTA driving licence conversion list and that you meet the residency and age conditions, the process usually follows several clear stages.

Step 1 – Confirm eligibility

Start by checking the list of countries eligible to exchange a licence on the live RTA service page, and make sure the wording of your licence's origin matches exactly. Verify that your foreign licence is original, currently valid and covers the correct category (for example, a light vehicle licence if you want a private car licence in Dubai).

Step 2 – Prepare documents

Typical documents required for driving licence conversion in Dubai include your original foreign licence, Emirates ID, passport, residency page, and a recent photograph that meets RTA standards. Depending on the language and format of your licence, you may also need an official translation or attested supporting documents, so you should check the exact current checklist and any special conditions on the RTA website before visiting a centre.

Step 6 – Collect or activate your Dubai licence

After approval, RTA issues your Dubai driving licence, often as a physical card that can be collected at the centre or delivered through channels listed on the service page, and possibly accompanied by a digital version via approved RTA apps. Processing timelines and the number of required visits vary by channel and whether any clarifications are needed, so always follow the timing guidance in the latest RTA instructions.

Practical Tips and Common Issues for 2026 Applicants

Before you use any guide on how to convert a foreign driving licence in Dubai, check the expiry date and condition of your current licence. An expired, heavily damaged or unclear foreign licence may not be accepted for exchange, and RTA may direct you to undergo regular training and testing instead, particularly if your driving history cannot be properly verified.

Ensure that your name, date of birth and other personal details match across your passport, Emirates ID and foreign licence; discrepancies are a frequent cause of delays. Where names differ slightly due to transliteration or marriage, consider bringing supporting evidence such as name change certificates, as RTA staff may need reassurance that all documents relate to the same person.

FAQ

Can I get a Dubai licence without a driving test if my country is on the RTA list?

If your valid foreign licence is issued by one of the origins on the current RTA driving licence conversion list and you meet all residency, age and category conditions, RTA may process your exchange without requiring new driving tests or training. However, the final decision on any exemption rests solely with RTA, and you must follow the exact steps and instructions published on the service page at the time you apply.

How does the driving licence exchange in Dubai for a UK licence work?

For a Britain-issued licence, the process follows the same exchange rules as for other eligible origins: you must be a Dubai resident, hold an original, valid UK licence and pass any required eye test, then apply through the RTA channels specified for licence exchange. Once RTA verifies your documents and eligibility, it can issue a Dubai licence in place of your UK licence, subject to payment of the applicable fees and compliance with any requirement to surrender the foreign licence.

What is involved in the driving licence conversion in Dubai for a US licence?

Both “Texas (United States of America)” and “United States of America (with the exception of the State of Texas)” are listed as separate eligible origins, so you must check that your licence clearly falls under one of these entries. With a valid US licence and Dubai residency, you follow the same general steps: an eye test (if required), document preparation, application through the RTA or an approved institute, fee payment, and collection of your Dubai licence once approved.

What documents are usually needed for a driving license conversion in Dubai in 2026?

RTA typically requires your original foreign driving licence, a valid Emirates ID, your passport with the UAE residence visa page, and a recent photograph that meets its specifications. Depending on your licence language and format, additional documents such as certified translations or legal attestations may be required, so you should always confirm the current checklist on the RTA service page before visiting any government service centres in Dubai for driving licences.

Are there special rules for converting a Dubai driving licence for GCC residents?

Holders of driving licences from GCC countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia appear on the RTA exchange list and can generally follow the same conversion procedure as other eligible foreign licence holders. Nevertheless, GCC residents must still satisfy Dubai residency requirements, meet age limits and provide an original, valid GCC licence; RTA may also apply specific conditions or documents, so GCC applicants should check the live service page carefully.

Where can I find the official RTA driving licence conversion list online?

The official RTA driving licence exchange eligible countries are published on the service page “Apply for a New Driving Licence or a New Category Based on Exchanging Licences” on rta.ae. To ensure you are viewing RTA licence exchange countries 2026 as they currently apply, use only this official page rather than third-party summaries and confirm the list again shortly before you submit your application.

This article is intended to provide general information based on official UAE sources, and does not constitute personalised legal advice. Before acting, applicants should verify the current rules and fees directly with the relevant authority or an authorised service centre.