Moving from one emirate to another in the UAE is fairly common, be it for professional reasons or otherwise. People often move from Dubi to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah to Ajman and so on to be with their families or for professional opportunities. Before moving to another city, you need to take care of a few things like clearing the utility bills and rent payments. Similarly, if you are in the process of acquiring a driving licence, you might have to transfer the driving licence file from the current emirate to the other — based on where your visa is issued. Here is how you can transfer a driving licence between emirates.
How to Transfer Driving Licence File from one Emirate to another?
Acquiring a driving licence is a big milestone. So, the question is – how do you transfer the licence file if your driving licence application is still in process? We regularly see questions like ‘can my driving licence file be transferred from Dubai to Ajman’ or ‘how to transfer driving licence file in Dubai?”
In most cases, transport authorities allow you to transfer the driving licence file from one emirate to another.
Driving Licence File Transfer Process
The process to transfer the driving licence file varies on case-by-case basis. It also depends on the stage of the licensing process you’re currently at. Applicants can visit the driving school they’ve registered at to kick start the transfer process. The representative at the customer service centre will ask about the reasons for your transfer. Subsequently, transfer papers will be handed to you.
The transfer papers and other relevant documents will be submitted to the transport authority of your particular emirate. For example, in Dubai, the transport regulatory authority is known as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). In the capital, this is usually handled by the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi.
The representative at the driving institute and the transport authority will guide you through the driving licence file transfer process. As it is dependent on individual cases, the fees and documentation requirements may vary. For example, if you are requesting a transfer because of a new job, you might require a new NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer.
Apply for NOC to transfer test file between emirates
This service allows drivers to apply for a NOC transfer their driving licence test file from one emirate to another. It can be initiated by visiting accredited driving institutes — a list of which is available on the official website of the RTA. Here are the documents required:
Transfer of file from other emirates to Dubai
How to transfer driving licence file in Dubai from emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah? Start by submitting these documents:
- Digital eye test
- Valid Emirates ID
- Certificate of file transfer from licencing establishment
Transfer of file from Dubai to another emirate
In such case, the applicant will have to present these documents:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Proof of residence in the present emirate
In both cases, an AED 200 NOC fee and an additional AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee applies.
Transfer driving licence in Dubai
Drivers who want to transfer their UAE licences to drive in Dubai can do so in RTA Customer Happiness Centres. These are the steps:
Submit the documents
To facilitate an RTA transfer driving licence, these documents are required:
- Letter of transfer from the previous emirate
- Valid Emirates ID
- Electronic eye test
In case the driver in question is one by profession, a medical examination will also need to be taken in any accredited hospital.
Required fees
Here is what drivers can expect to pay for a driving licence transfer in Dubai. It should be noted that applicants who do not have a traffic file will need to open a new one:
- Opening traffic file: AED 200
- Licence issuance: AED 600
- Manual: AED 50
- Knowledge and innovation fee: AED 20
Where to apply?
Those who want to have their driver’s licences transferred from another emirate to one that applies to Dubai can visit RTA Customer Happiness Centres in these areas:
- Al Manarah
- Umm Ramool
- Al Barsha
- Al Towar
- Deira
The process takes one visit and is over in a few minutes. As for validity, the issuance date of the new licence will be the same as it was given in the previous emirate. It is up to five years for residents above the age of 21. For UAE and GCC citizens in the same age bracket, the validity period goes up to 21 years.
Abu Dhabi driving licence transfer
Applicants who want to have their respective licences transferred to drive legally in Abu Dhabi will have to register via the official website of the Ministry of Interior or the service’s smart app.
Submit the documents
Individual applicants need only submit their original licences and valid Emirates ID. Working professionals who have transferred to Abu Dhabi will need to provide additional documents to change their driver’s licence to one that is valid in the capital. These may entail submission of a copy of the sponsor’s ID, No Objection Certificate from the sponsor and a copy of the applicant’s passport.
Required fee
The Federal fee for the service in Abu Dhabi is AED 200. The MOI website and smart applicant accepts online payments via credit cards and E-dirhams.
As far as the knowledge test goes, the applicant has to undergo that exam in Dubai. The result of the same exam in any other emirate is not considered. If the applicant fails that test, he or she has to attend more lectures before applying for a fresh knowledge test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a driving licence transfer between emirates take?
The process usually takes a few minutes and can be completed in a day. Those applying for licences valid in Dubai are advised to consider the timings of the RTA Customer Happiness Centres before they visit.
How do I apply for a Dubai driving licence?
You need to be over a certain age and submit specific documents to obtain a driving licence in Dubai. Further requirements include an eye test, successful completion of practical classes and more. Apart from the age bracket, most of the same rules also apply for a motorcycle licence in Dubai.
Will you live in the capital? Anyone who wants to apply for a driving licence in Abu Dhabi will also need to undergo the necessary training and pass a series of road tests first.
How do I renew my driver’s licence in Dubai?
In a country reputed for its strict traffic rules, having a driving licence is crucial. The same applies to licence renewals. To renew a driving licence in Dubai, you can visit an RTA Customer Happiness, the service’s official website or use the smart app.
How do I apply for an international driving licence in Dubai?
An International Driving Licence or IDP is an internationally recognised permit that allows you to drive a vehicle outside the UAE. It’s a convenient legal document especially for those who commute to international destinations regularly for work. You can process an International Driving Licence in Dubai online or in designated offices in the emirate.
I am a US citizen. How do I convert my driver’s licence in the UAE?
US passport holders aren’t required to take road tests to have their licences converted in the United Arab Emirates. The rules vary a bit for Americans who aren’t nationals but hold driving licences from the country. Check out our guide on US driving licence conversion to the UAE for more insight into the process.
The process to transfer the driving license file in UAE is fairly straightforward. The representative at the driving schools and emirate driving authorities are trained to handle individual cases. In fact, most processes at transport authorities have been modernised.
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