Can I Renew UAE Driving License Online in 2026

Quick answer

Yes, you can renew your UAE driving licence online in 2026 through the RTA app, DubaiNow, or the official portals of other emirates. Most expats complete the process in under 15 minutes if their licence has not expired for more than six months and they have no traffic fines.

Who can renew online?

Not every driver qualifies for a fully digital renewal. You must meet these basic conditions set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and other emirate authorities:

• Your licence is still valid or expired for less than six months.
• You hold a valid UAE residence visa (or are a GCC national).
• You have no outstanding traffic fines or black points.
• You are under 65 years old (drivers 65+ need a medical fitness test first).

Step-by-step: renew online via RTA (Dubai)

Step 1 – Check eligibility and fines

Open the RTA app or DubaiNow, log in with your Emirates ID, and review any fines. Pay them immediately through the same app to avoid delays.

Step 2 – Eye test (if required)

If your licence is over five years old, you need a quick eye test. Approved centres include Al Fahidi Health Centre or any RTA-accredited optician. The test costs AED 100 and results upload automatically.

Step 3 – Pay the renewal fee

Inside the app, select “Renew Driving Licence”. The standard fee is AED 300 for ten years (AED 120 for five years). You can pay with any UAE card or Apple Pay.

Step 4 – Digital delivery

Once payment clears, your new digital licence appears in the app instantly. The plastic card is mailed to your registered address within 3–5 working days at no extra cost.

Renewing in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates

Abu Dhabi drivers use the TAMM app or the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) portal. Sharjah residents use the Sharjah Police app. Fees and eye-test rules are almost identical, but delivery times vary between 5–10 days. Always verify current fee with the relevant authority before paying.

Common mistakes expats make

• Waiting until the licence has been expired for more than six months – you then need a full driving test again.
• Forgetting to pay traffic fines first – the system blocks renewal until fines are cleared.
• Using an expired Emirates ID – the app will reject the application; renew your visa first.
• Skipping the eye test when it is flagged – you will have to visit a centre anyway.

Documents you still need (even for online renewal)

• Valid Emirates ID (front and back scan).
• Current UAE driving licence (digital or plastic).
• Passport copy with valid residence visa.
• Medical fitness certificate if you are 65 or older (verify current fee with the authority).

Cost comparison across emirates (2026)

Prices exclude the eye-test fee of AED 100 where applicable. Always confirm the latest amounts in the app before checkout.

Pro tips for smooth renewal

• Renew 30 days before expiry to avoid any rush or system delays.
• Keep your Emirates Post address updated in the ICP app; this is where the plastic card is sent.
• Take a screenshot of the payment receipt – useful if the digital licence does not load immediately.
• If you hold a GCC or international licence, carry the original when you collect the plastic card; inspectors sometimes ask to see it.

Key takeaway

Renewing your UAE driving licence online in 2026 is fast, paper-light, and available to most expats. Clear your fines, book an eye test only if prompted, and complete the process through the official RTA, TAMM, or Sharjah Police apps. Keep your digital licence on your phone and the plastic card will arrive by post within days.