Planning to drive abroad from the UAE? If you are either inquiring whether you have a valid driving license to use in the UAE or you have no idea how to obtain a foreign driving license, you are in the right place. Going abroad may be a great experience, but carrying out driving without the necessary permit can cost you a fine, loss of car hire, or even a lawsuit.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about acquiring an International Driver’s License in the UAE, particularly regarding the official RTA procedures:
- Applying through the RTA Website
- Applying via the RTA Mobile App
At the conclusion of this blog, you will understand how to put it into practice step by step, save time, and act legally in foreign countries without fear.
What Is an International Driver’s License in the UAE?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) or an International Driver’s License (IDL) is a permissible document that enables the holder of a UAE license to drive in most foreign countries without being required to get a local driving license.
It is an official translation of your UAE driving license into other languages that is accepted in the international road traffic conventions.
Why Do You Need an International Driving License?
- To rent a car abroad
- To operate legally in overseas nations.
- To prevent fines, legal challenges, or insurance problems.
- To serve the needs of the global car rental firms.
The international driver’s license is not a substitute for your UAE license. Both should be kept together in the process of driving overseas.
Method 1: Using the RTA Website
Step 1: Visit the Official RTA Website
Visit the official site of RTA Dubai, and go to the Driver and Car Owner Services.
Step 2: Log In or Access Driving License Services
Use your UAE Pass or RTA account to log in. Registration of new users is easy.
Step 3: Select “International Driving Permit” Service
In the under-driving-licensing section, choose International Driving License.
Step 4: Enter Required Details
Fill in:
- UAE driving license number
- Personal details
- Contact information
Make sure you are using all the information that corresponds to your Emirates ID.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Send a clear copy of: uploaded scanned copies of:
- UAE driving license
- Passport
- Emirates ID
- Photograph
The uploads that are blurry or incorrect may cause delays in approval.
Step 6: Pay the Fee Online
Make the payment securely using:
- Debit card
- Credit card
The fee usually includes:
- Permit cost
- Knowledge & innovation fee
Step 7: Receive Confirmation
After submission:
- You will get a confirmation message.
- Average processing is a matter of a few days’ work.
Delivery or collection can be either home or collection, depending on the availability.
Read Also: RTA Bus Card Balance Check UAE: Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Method 2: Using the RTA Mobile App
In case you want to use your phone to apply, the RTA App is the quickest and easiest.
Step 1: Download the RTA App
Download the official RTA Dubai App at:
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
You can log in using your UAE Pass or RTA credentials.
Step 3: Navigate to Driving License Services
Select the Driving License Services option on the dashboard.
Step 4: Choose “International Driving License”
Select the option for International Driving Permit.
Step 5: Fill in Application Details
Confirm or enter:
- Personal information
- License details
There is mostly auto-filled data, which minimizes errors.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Post any necessary documents on your phone:
- Emirates ID
- UAE driving license
- Passport
- Photo
Ensure that there are clear pictures.
Step 7: Make Online Payment
Make purchases safely in the application with a card.
Step 8: Track Application Status
The large benefit of the RTA App is the active monitoring of your application status.
International Driver’s License UAE Cost & Validity
Cost
The overall price can be a bit different, though it usually consists of:
- International permit fee
- Service and innovation fees
It is thought to be only expensive in comparison to overseas fines.
Validity
- The international driver’s license is renewable for 1 year.
- Not renewable; one has to make another application after its expiry.
Countries Where the UAE International Driver’s License Is Valid
The International driving license issued in the UAE is valid in most countries, including in areas of:
GCC Countries
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Beyond the GCC
- Europe
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Netherlands
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Israel
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Lebanon
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Americas
- Canada
- United States
Benefits of Applying Through RTA
There are various websites referring to the various agents; RTA is the most reliable and official.
Benefits of using RTA:
- 100% official and government-supported.
- Online process
- Faster processing
- Accepted internationally
- Secure digital payment
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
To eliminate delays, avoid the following:
- Applying with an expired UAE license
- Uploading unclear documents
- Incorrect personal details
- Using unofficial agents
- Suppose it is effective in all the countries.
FAQs
Is an international driver’s license required?
Many countries and car rental agencies do not always have it, but they require it.
Is it possible to apply to international driving license in the UAE?
Yes, using the RTA website or RTA mobile application.
How long does it take to get?
Typically, within a couple of working days of successful submission.
Can tourists apply?
No, only those who are holders of UAE driving licenses may apply.
Is it valid inside the UAE?
No. Only in the case of driving outside the UAE.
Read Also: How to Renew OWWA Membership Online (2026 Guide)
Final Thoughts
In case you are going to travel and drive to other countries, an international driving license of the UAE is necessary, which is cheap, easy to take, and available most of the time, particularly on the official RTA site or RTA app.
Rather than the possibility of incurring fines or loss of rentals abroad, you can have the peace of mind and legal assurance by applying in advance.
