Feature Image-international driving license in dubai-01

How to Apply International Driving License in Dubai & UAE?

Read the guide to apply for an international driving license in Dubai

If you live in Dubai but occasionally travel worldwide, you must learn how to apply for an international driving license in Dubai. This guide will teach you about international driver’s licenses (IDL) and how to get in the UAE.

We will also guide you on which documents you must submit to be eligible for the international license.

Additionally, we will inform you of all the costs required and the countries for which the international driving license is valid.

Keep on reading to learn more.

What is an international driver’s license (IDL)?

If you’re planning on driving overseas, you’ll need to get an international driver’s license (IDL). The IDL is a United Nations agreement and a legal requirement.

An IDL is valid for one year to three years. It is basically a translation of your domestic driver’s license, and it’s recognized by most major car rental companies and insurance providers.

An IDL can be helpful even if your destination country doesn’t require it. This is because you will not have to deal with language barriers when renting a car or buying insurance.

If you’re considering driving in a foreign country, make sure you have an IDL. This will allow you to drive legally in that country.

But you not only need IDL to be eligible to drive in a foreign country instead, but you also need an International driving permit or an IDP. IDP is the permit the country provides you to drive vehicles without restrictions.

How to apply for an international driving license in Dubai?

Getting a local driving license in Dubai is not so easy. However, it is pretty surprising that getting an international driving license in Dubai is relatively easy.

To get an international driving license in UAE, you have to either apply for it online or by going to the office of the designated offices. Since your international driving license is important while traveling abroad, it is essential to learn the application procedure.

First, you must prepare all the required documents to submit applications. We will discuss which documents you need to submit in the next section.

However, for now, we will show you the process of how you can apply for an international driving license in the United Arab Emirates.

Apply for an international driving license online

InArticle Image-international driving license in dubai-website screenshot with laptop mockup

Here is how to apply online for an international driving license in Dubai.

  1. First, you must visit the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) international driving license portal and fill out the application form. The international driving license is also called an international driving permit (IDP), and you can send your application to their email address. You have to be very careful as you have to fill in the complete and legitimate information in the application.
  2. After applying, you must attach the required documents.
  3. With each application, you must submit the application fees, which are AED 170 + VAT. You can pay the online fee directly from the application or by visiting the office.

The online application for an international driving permit in Dubai usually takes 2 to 3 working days to process. Once it is processed, it will take another two working days for you to receive it. You can apply for this permit on the MOI UAE app as well.

Another process to apply for your international driving license is by visiting the office of the ACTUAE. After that, you must complete the application and submit the required documents. This process is just like the online form.

You can also visit other offices such as Affiliate members of ATCUAE, RTA offices, Emirates Post offices, and the Dnata office on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) to fill out the application for the international driving licenses.

Documents required for applying for international driving license in Dubai

You must submit the following documents to apply for an international driving license. [1]ATCUAE,” Documents required, https://www.atcuae.ae/idl-international-driving-license/#:~:text=Request%20Now-,Documents%20Required,-IDL%20Form”

  1. International Driving License IDL application form.
  2. A copy of a valid Emirates identification card or Emirates ID.
  3. Valid passport copy of the applicant.
  4. Copy of a valid Dubai driving license.
  5. Two passport sizes photographs.

Cost of international driving license in Dubai

An international driving license in Dubai will cost you AED 170+VAT. [2]ATCUAE, “Cost of IDL, https://www.atcuae.ae/idl-international-driving-license/#:~:text=is%20an%20IDL%3F-,AED%20170%20%2B%20VAT,-For%20more%20information”

UAE international driving license valid countries list

InArticle Image-international driving license in dubai-Flag Collaboration -04

In 2022, UAE international driving license will be valid in many countries. Some countries where UAE international driving license is valid are as follows.

  1. US
  2. UK
  3. Japan
  4. France
  5. Italy
  6. Germany
  7. Netherlands
  8. Belgium
  9. Denmark
  10. Greece
  11. Switzerland
  12. Sweden
  13. Spain
  14. Ireland
  15. Austria
  16. Turkey
  17. Norway
  18. Poland
  19. Canada
  20. Finland
  21. South Korea
  22. Australia
  23. South Africa

Related Info


FAQs

Where can I get an international driving license in Dubai?

You can get an international driving license in Dubai from the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE), Emirates Post offices, RTA offices, Dnata office on Sheikh Zayed Road, Ministry of Interior through the MOI UAE app, and affiliate members of ATCUAE.

Where to apply for an international driving permit in Dubai?

You can apply for an international driving permit from the ATCUAE website and the MOE UAE application. You can just visit the site or app and click the ‘request now’ button.

Can you drive with an international license in Dubai?

If you are moving to Dubai, you can drive using your international driving license until your residence permit is issued. Once your residence permit is issued, you can apply for a local driving license.

How can I change my UAE driving license to international?

You can change your UAE driving license to international by applying for an international driving permit from the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE).

How can a foreigner get a driver’s license in Dubai?

You must go to a driving center to get your driver’s license. You need your passport, Emirates ID, passport-sized photographs, No-Objection Certificate, and eye test report. First, you will need to take the required driving classes.

After that, you will need to pass the theoretical and practical tests. If you pass, you will receive your driving license in Dubai.

How much is an international license in UAE?

The cost for an international driving license in Dubai is AED 170+. This fee is for the application you must fill out when submitting your international driving license.

Final thoughts

Hence this is how to apply for an international driving license in Dubai. You will need IDL to drive vehicles if you ever go to foreign countries and settle there.

The documents you need to submit are your Emirates identification card or Emirates ID, a valid passport copy of the applicant, and two passport size photographs.

The cost of an international driving license in Dubai is AED 170+. This fee is for the application you must fill out when submitting your international driving license.

So we hope this guide answers your question about getting an international driving license in UAE.

About the author

Arijit Negi
Arijit Negi
Expatriate Living in Dubai for 18 Years | + posts

Arijit Negi is an expatriate living in Dubai for 18 years. He completed his degree in Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mumbai. Arijit focuses on providing helpful guides and information for ex-pats living in UAE and visitors to the UAE.

Omar Saeed
Omar Saeed
Middle East Senior Contributor | + posts

Omar Saeed is a Senior Contributor at DbdPost based in Dubai. He earned his degree in Master of Media and Communication from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and covers news, info guides, reviews, and opinion pieces on various topics related to the UAE.

References[+]

Scroll to Top