Planning your next international getaway? An international driving licence (IDL) from Dubai is your key to driving legally abroad. This essential document is widely recognised across numerous countries, making it a must-have for road trips or extended stays.
Discover the importance of an international driving licence and how you can obtain one with ease. Let’s dive in and ensure you drive stress-free on your next trip!
- What Is an IDL in Dubai?
- Requirements and Eligibility
- How to Get an IDL in Dubai
- List of Valid Countries
- FAQs
What Is an International Driving Licence (IDL) in Dubai?
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is also known as the international driver’s licence. It is a legal document that allows driving legally in other countries. This document has been approved by three United Nations conventions and is recognised in 175 countries worldwide.
UAE nationals and residents must get an International Driving Licence (IDL) before driving outside the UAE. Whether you are going on a road trip from Dubai to Oman or need to drive in European countries, this IDL proves you have a valid UAE driver’s licence.
The IDL also protects you during travel. It helps in case of car accidents or loss of identification, such as a passport. It’s available in 10 languages, making communication with foreign authorities easier. Valid for one year, an IDP prevents legal issues, fines or misunderstandings with foreign authorities.
The following are the languages in which the UAE’s International Driving Licence is available:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Russian
- Italian
- Scandinavian
- Portuguese
Requirements and Eligibility for Applying for an IDL in Dubai
The International Driving Permit is needed to drive legally outside the UAE. It removes the need for extra checks or applications. If you hold a valid Dubai driving licence, you’re eligible to apply. However, the IDP is exclusively available to UAE nationals or residents with a valid residency visa in the UAE.
To get an International Driving Licence in Dubai, you need to meet these simple requirements:
- You must have a valid UAE driving licence for at least one year.
- You must be at least 18 years old. Some countries may need drivers over 21, so check your destination’s rules.
- Complete the international licence application form, which can be obtained online or at licensing offices.
- Provide two recent passport-sized photos.
- Include a copy of your passport to confirm your identity and residency.
- A copy of your valid Emirates ID.
- Pay the application fee. The cost may vary depending on where you apply.
- Some places may require a medical report to confirm that you are fit to drive, but this isn’t always needed.
How to Apply for an International Driving Licence in Dubai
There are two ways you can apply for an IDP in Dubai. Online or by visiting the offices physically.
Applying For an IDP Online
There are three ways to apply for your international driving licence online:
1. Via ACTUAE Wesbite
To apply for IDL in Dubai via ACTUAE (Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE), follow these steps:
- Visit the ATCUAE website.
- Complete the IDL application form with accurate details.
- Attach required documents in PDF or JPG format, each under 2MB.
- Pay application fees online.
- Click ‘Submit’ to complete your application.
The processing time is 3 days and delivery takes up to 5 days to your provided address.
2. Via RTA Website
You can also apply for your IDP via RTA’s official website.
- Go to the official RTA portal.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Provide accurate information in the IDL application form.
- Attach required documents such as your UAE driving licence and passport copy in the accepted format.
- Use your credit or debit card to complete the payment online.
- Click ‘Submit’ to process your application.
3. Via Ministry of Interior UAE Mobile App
The MoI’s mobile app is available on both Google Play and the Apple Store. Download the app and complete the required steps to apply for your International Driving Licence in Dubai.
Applying for an IDP Through Office
Typically, manual applications are faster than online ones, with processing done the same day if no issues arise. Here’s how you can apply for your IDL by visiting the following offices:
- Collect all necessary documents before visiting an office.
- Go to any of these locations: Automobile & Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE), Affiliate members of ATCUAE, Emirates Post Offices and DNATA Office on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
- Hand over all documents and ensure the details are correct.
- Complete the payment at the office.
- If your documents are correct, your IDL will be printed within 30 minutes. It will be handed to you on the same day or delivered to your address.
Process and Delivery Time
Processing time for an international driving licence varies depending on the method. Online applications usually take 3-5 working days and there is the option for home delivery or collection from the centre.
Offline or manual applications are faster and licences are often issued on the spot at RTA or ATCUAE branches. Applications through post offices or service centres may take 2-3 days.
Service Cost
The following are the costs involved in applying for your International Driving Permit in Dubai.
- AED 170 + VAT – Application and Issuance Fee for IDL
- AED 20 to AED 30 – Home Delivery (Optional)
- AED 50 to AED 100 – Fast-Track Service (Optional)
Note: The fees and optional service costs may vary slightly depending on the emirate and the centre you choose to use.
Validity and Renewal
The International Driving Licence in Dubai is valid for one year from the date it is issued. After it expires, you need to renew it to continue driving abroad. The renewal process is easy and similar to applying for a new licence.
To renew, you must submit your UAE driving licence, passport copy, Emirates ID and a passport-sized photo. You can renew online through the RTA or ATCUAE websites or visit their offices in person.
The renewal fee is around AED 170- 200 and processing takes 3-5 days online or can be done instantly at some centres.
List of Countries Who Validate the International Driving Licence From Dubai
The following table shows the countries where your Dubai IDP is valid:
| Region | Country |
| Europe | Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Vatican City |
| Asia | Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China (People’s Republic of China), Cyprus, Georgia, Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan (People’s Republic of China), Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen |
| Africa | Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe |
| Oceania | Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu |
| North America | Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and United States of America. |
| South America | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela |
| Carribean | Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago |
| Middle East | Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen |
FAQs
You can get an international driving licence in Dubai by applying online through the RTA portal, the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE), DNATA, or Emirates Post offices.
You can drive using your UAE licence without an IDP for short visits in some countries. For example, GCC countries usually accept a UAE licence and places like Switzerland and Germany allow it for stays of up to six months. However, an IDP provides added security, especially for longer stays or frequent car rentals.
Yes, you can use an International Driving Licence in Dubai, but it’s essential to ensure it is valid and issued by an authorised body. This licence is generally accepted for tourists and expatriates.
Tourists cannot apply for an International Driving Licence in Dubai or the UAE. This licence is only available to UAE residents with a valid UAE driving licence. However, tourists can drive or rent cars in Dubai using their international driving licence from their home country, as long as UAE authorities recognise it.
Driving without a licence in Dubai comes with strict penalties, including traffic fines of up to AED 5,000, black points, vehicle impounding, and even imprisonment for up to three months.
The International Driving Permit ensures Dubai residents can drive legally abroad and stay prepared for unexpected situations. Get yours today to explore the world confidently behind the wheel. Want to learn how to drive? Check out these top-rated driving schools in Dubai for professional driving lessons.
