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
