UAE: How can I get an International Driving Licence?

Dubai: Travelling to a new country? If you were thinking of getting an international driving licence, the process is easier than you may have imagined.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has rolled out a new service that enables both citizens and residents in the UAE to apply for an International Driving Licence (IDL). However, to be able to apply for the licence, you would be required to have a valid local driving licence issued in the United Arab Emirates.

The IDL not only provides legal proof for traffic authorities in other countries that drivers possess a valid driver's licence in their country of residence, it is also necessary in case of any traffic accidents that you may be involved in, as it is a requirement for getting a legal insurance policy.

According to the Ministry of Interior, an added benefit of having an International Driving Licence is that it may also be used as proof of identity, should your passport be lost or stolen while traveling abroad.

How to apply for an International Driving Licence?

You have two options to apply for an International Driving Licence:

1. Apply online for the licence to be delivered to your home or office

2. Apply at any of the Automobile and Touring Club locations in the UAE

How to apply for an IDL online?

Step 1: Visit https://www.atcuae.ae/idl-international-driving-license/

Step 2: Fill in your full name, email address and mobile number

Step 3: Fill in your date and place of birth, nationality, UAE and home country address.

Step 4: Enter your Emirates ID and UAE driver’s licence details.

Step 5: Upload a digital copy of your Emirates ID and driver’s licence.

Step 6: Make the payment.

From the time you complete your application process, the licence should be delivered to you in three to five working days.

How to apply for an IDL at a service centre

Complete the application form available here and visit any of the following locations:

Dubai

Al Wuheida Street

Al Mamzar - Po Box 5078 Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971 4 2961122

Fax: +971 4 2961133

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/opVnaRtQdkP2

Headquarters, Yas Marina Circuit, Drag Race Area

Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Email: info@atcuae.ae

Tel: +971 50 3867616

Fax: +971 2 6321593

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m75E9YspAnzFgM9C7

Modified Vehicle Testing Centre - Dubai

14th St, Al Qusais Industrial Area 3

Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971 4 252 0022

Mob: +971 56 456 6251

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/np81Csxa2vN2

Modified Vehicle Testing Centre - Abu Dhabi

Tel: +971 50 854 5123

Al Ain

Tel: +971 50 8802248

Western Region

Tel: +971 50 3828404

Sharjah

Tel: +971 50 3863404

Over the counter applications can be completed within half an hour.

However, you need to make sure that you visit the location with your Emirates ID and drivers licence.

Cost

Dh170 + VAT

Validity

The IDL is valid for a year.

Documents Required

1. IDL Form

2. Passport, Valid Residency and Emirates ID

3. Copy of Valid UAE License

4. 2 x Photos

Which countries is an IDL required for?

The International Driving Licence is accepted in over 140 countries across the world.

1. Afghanistan

2. Albania

3. Algeria

4. Andorra

5. Aguila

6. Angola

7. Antigua

8. Argentina

9. Armenia

10. Aruba

11. Australia

12. Austria

13. Bahamas

14. Bahrain

15. Bangladesh

16. Barbados

17. Belarus

18. Belgium

19. Belize

20. Benin

21. Bhutan

22. Bolivia

23. Bosnia & Herzegovina

24. Botswana

25. Brunei

26. Bulgaria

27. Burkina Faso

28. Cambodia

29. Cameroon

30. Canada

31. Cape Verde Islands

32. Cayman Islands

33. Central African Republic

34. Chad

35. Chile

36. Colombia

37. Comoros

38. Congo

39. Congo Dem Rep.

40. Costa Rica

41. Cote d'Ivoire

42. Croatia

43. Cuba

44. Curacao

45. Cyprus

46. Czech Republic

47. Denmark

48. Dijibouti

49. Dominican Republic

50. Ecuador

51. Egypt

52. El Salvador

53. Equatorial Guinea

54. Estonia

55. Fiji

56. Finland

57. France & French Overseas Depts.

58. French Polynesia.

59. Gambia

60. Georgia

61. Germany

62. Ghana

63. Gibraltar

64. Greece

65. Guatemala

66. Guernsey

67. Guinea

68. Guinea-Bissau

69. Gabon

70. Haiti

71. Honduras

72. Hong Kong

73. Hungary

74. Iceland

75. India

76. Indonesia

77. Iran

78. Ireland

79. Italy

80. Jamaica

81. Japan

82. Jersey

83. Jordan

84. Kazakhstan

85. Kenya

86. Kiribati

87. Korea (Rep.)

88. Kuwait

89. Kyrgyzstan

90. Laos

91. Latvia

92. Lebanon

93. Lesotho

94. Liberia

95. Libya

96. Lichtenstein

97. Lithuania

98. Luxembourg

99. Macao

100. Macedonia

101. Madagascar

102. Malawi

103. Malaysia

104. Mali

105. Malta

106. Mauritania

107. Mauritius

108. Mexico

109. Monaco

110. Montenegro

111. Morocco

112. Mozambique

113. Myanmar

114. Namibia

115. Nepal

116. Netherlands

117. New Caledonia

118. New Zealand

119. Nicaragua

120. Niger

121. Norway

122. Oman

123. Pakistan

124. Panama

125. Papua New Guinea

126. Paraguay

127. Peru

128. Philippines

129. Poland

130. Portugal (inc Madeira & the Azores)

131. Qatar

132. Russia

133. Romania

134. Rwanda

135. San Marino

136. Sao Tome and Principe

137. Saudi Arabia

138. Senegal

139. Serbia

140. Seychelles

141. Sierra Leone

142. Singapore

143. Slovakia

144. Slovenia

145. South Africa

146. Spain

147. Sri Lanka

148. St. Kitts & Nevis

149. Sudan

150. Suriname

151. Swaziland

152. Sweden

153. Switzerland

154. Syria

155. Taiwan

156. Tanzania

157. Thailand

158. Togo

159. Trinidad & Tobago

160. Tunisia

161. Turkey

162. Uganda

163. Ukraine

164. United Arab Emirates

165. United Kingdom

166. United States of America

167. Uruguay

168. Vatican City

169. Venezuela

170. Windward Islands

171. Zambia

172. Zimbabwe