How to get an International Driving Licence in Dubai
Looking forward to a trip abroad? Traveling abroad becomes more fun when you can discover new places on your own terms and being able to drive around. Make sure you have an International Driving License (IDL) before starting your journey. An international driving license is an important paper that lets you drive legally in many countries around the world. You can also save the hassle of booking cabs to roam around the destination.
This guide will help you understand how to get an international driving license in Dubai, so you are all set for your next trip abroad.
What is an International Driving License?
An international driving license is a document that translates the information on your domestic driver's license into multiple languages. This document allows you to drive legally in various foreign countries. It is recognized in over 150 countries and serves as a supplement to your original license. This document streamlines the process of renting vehicles and enables you to explore different destinations at your own pace.
Why do you need an International Driving License?
The UAE driving license you hold entitles you to drive inside the country. You need to have an international driving permit to legally drive in any foreign country. The IDP is a mandatory requirement based on the United Nations Convention which enables UAE residents to operate vehicles in foreign countries without the need for additional tests or applications. It serves as evidence of a valid driving license in the individual's country of residence. Obtaining an IDP ensures a smooth and lawful driving experience abroad. It also serves as a standardized form of identification in a foreign country.
Having an international driving license has many benefits. Primarily, it allows you to easily rent and drive vehicles while traveling abroad. It serves as a supplementary identification document in foreign countries. It eliminates language barriers for law enforcement agencies as the license can be printed in ten languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Scandinavian, and Portuguese.
Who can apply for an International Driving License in Dubai?
Any individuals, both citizens and residents, who possess a valid driving license issued in Dubai are eligible to apply for the international driving license.
Where to apply for an International Driving License in Dubai?
There are many entities in Dubai that will help you in the application process for an international driving license. The channels you can approach in the process are:
- Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE)
- RTA Offices
- Emirates Post Offices
- Dnata Office in Sheikh Zayed Road
- Affiliate members of ATCUAE
- Ministry of Interior UAE app
How to apply for an International Driving License in Dubai?
The procedures to obtain an international driving license in Dubai are seamless if you have a valid driver's license. These are the steps you need to follow to get your international driving license in Dubai.
- Visit your preferred website portal. You apply for IDL online through the ATCUAE website, RTA’s online portal, and the MOI UAE app.
- Fill out the IDL request form with true and relevant information.
- Attach the required documents in PDF or JPG format. The file size should be less than 2MB.
- Make the necessary payments.
- Submit your application.
The online processing may take up to 2 business days. You can collect the original copy of your license from the Customer Happiness centers or courier companies. An additional fee will be imbursed if you choose a courier company as your delivery service.
The manual application is quicker than applying online. Take the required documents and visit the designated office. Once there, you can submit the documents, pay the fees, and collect the original copy of the license in under 60 minutes.
What are the documents required for an International Driving License application in Dubai?
When applying through online portals or offline channels, you need to submit the necessary documents. The documents required for the application for an international driving license in Dubai are:
- IDL form (You can download it from the ATCUAE website)
- A copy of the Emirates ID
- A copy of passport and valid residency
- A copy of a valid UAE driving license
- Two passport-size photos
Which countries require an International Driving License to drive legally?
Over 150 countries across the world allow tourists to drive with an international driving license. It is essential to check with the local authorities or relevant driving organizations in the specific country you plan to visit to ensure that an IDL is recognized and accepted for driving purposes. The countries that permit tourists to drive legally with international driving licenses are:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Aguila, Angola, Antigua, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria
- Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso
- Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Congo Dem Rep., Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic
- Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic
- Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia
- Fiji, Finland, France & French Overseas Department, French Polynesia
- Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon
- Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China), Hungary
- Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy
- Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan
- Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea (Rep.), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,
- Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg
- Macao (People’s Republic of China), Macedonia (FYROM), Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar
- Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal (inc Madeira; the Azores)
- Qatar
- Russia, Romania, Rwanda
- San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Kitts & Nevis, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria
- Taiwan (People’s Republic of China), Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey
- Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay
- Vatican City, Venezuela
- Windward Islands
- Zambia, Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the international driving license cost in Dubai?
The entire process of acquiring an international driving license in Dubai could cost you AED177 + AED20 (Knowledge and Innovation Fee).
What is the validity of an an international driving license?
The international driving license is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
How long does the application for an IDL permit take in Dubai?
For online applications, the processing time is 3 working days. The delivery could take around two days, so you can expect 5 working days for online applications to reach your given address. For over-the-counter applications, the processing time is under one hour.
Where can I drive with my UAE driving license?
Many countries have accepted UAE driving licenses. It is valid in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Visit the Ministry of Interior’s website to view the list of countries where you can drive with your UAE driving license.
Can I drive with an IDL in Dubai?
If you are a tourist visiting the city, it is permissible to drive legally using an international driving license. However, if you are a resident of Dubai, it is mandatory to acquire a driving license issued within the UAE.
Can tourists get IDL from Dubai?
No, you are required to obtain your international driving license before arriving in the country. It is important to note that tourist visa holders cannot acquire an International Driving License from Dubai.
Can the same IDL be used in two countries?
Yes, you can use the same IDL in more than one country. However, it is essential to ensure that each specific country acknowledges and approves the use of the international driving license.