Dubai driving licence renewal in 2026 is simple if you follow the right order: complete the RTA eye test, clear any fines, then renew online (or print at a kiosk). Most drivers can finish the full process in minutes once the eye test result is uploaded to the RTA system.
What matters in practice is avoiding the two most common blockers: (1) unpaid fines and (2) missing/expired eye test status in the system. Also, renewal rules differ depending on whether you’re a UAE/GCC citizen or a resident—because validity periods are not the same.
Eligibility, renewal windows, and validity (5 vs 10 years)
Who can renew?
You can renew a Dubai-issued licence if your profile is active and you meet the renewal conditions, including completing the required eye test and clearing obligations tied to your traffic file.
When can you renew?
- Age 21+: you can renew up to 6 months before expiry.
- Under 21: you can renew up to 3 months before expiry.
How long is the renewed licence valid?
- UAE & GCC citizens: 10 years
- Residents (expats) age 21+: 5 years
- Residents under 21: 1 year
2026 fees breakdown: renewal cost, eye test, late fines
Core RTA renewal fees (Dubai)
- Age 21+: AED 300 licence fee + AED 20 Knowledge & Innovation fee
- Under 21: AED 100 licence fee + AED 20 Knowledge & Innovation fee
Eye test cost (RTA-approved centres)
- Typical range: AED 140–180 (varies by centre).
- Eye test validity: RTA notes the eye test can remain valid for a long period (listed as 3 years) in the service details.
Late renewal fine (official rule)
- AED 10 per month from the expiry date, max AED 500.
Practical note: You’ll still see older blogs mention “AED 10/day.” For planning and compliance, use the RTA service fee rule (AED 10/month, max AED 500).
Step-by-step: renew online via RTA website / Dubai Drive / UAE Pass
If your eye test is uploaded and fines are cleared, online renewal is usually the fastest.
Step 1) Complete the eye test
Go to an RTA-approved eye test centre and ensure your result is uploaded to the RTA system.
Step 2) Clear fines (if any)
If the system shows fines or payable black points, settle them first—otherwise renewal may not proceed.
Step 3) Renew online
Use the RTA digital channels to renew and pay. RTA lists online renewal and multiple channels (including app and DubaiNow).
What you’ll do in the flow:
- Log in using UAE Pass
- Select Driving Licence renewal
- Confirm details
- Pay fees
- Receive confirmation and access your renewed licence (digital) and/or request delivery/printing depending on option
Step-by-step: self-service kiosk renewal (instant card printing)
If you want a physical card immediately, kiosks are a great option once your status is clean (eye test + no blocking fines).
Typical kiosk flow
- Scan Emirates ID / enter details
- System checks eye test + fines
- Pay renewal fee
- Card prints instantly (location-dependent)
Blocked renewals: fines, black points, expired over 10 years
Fines / black points
If you have payable items tied to your traffic file, renewals can be blocked until you resolve them through the official channels.
If the licence expired more than 10 years ago
RTA service details state that if your licence expired more than 10 years, you’ll need additional steps (including an evaluation process) before renewal.
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Contact us via WhatsAppTips to finish your 2026 renewal fast (real-world checklist)
Keep this short checklist to avoid repeat attempts:
- Do the eye test first (and keep the receipt until renewal is done).
- Clear fines before you start the renewal flow.
- Renew early (up to 6 months if you’re 21+).
- If you need a physical card instantly, choose a kiosk route instead of waiting for delivery.
FAQ About Dubai driving licence renewal
Yes. RTA supports online renewal via its digital channels once your eye test is uploaded and any blockers (like fines) are cleared. You pay online and proceed based on your selected delivery/printing option.
The RTA service fee list shows AED 300 for age 21+ plus AED 20 Knowledge & Innovation fee. Additional costs may include the eye test at approved centres.
RTA lists AED 100 plus AED 20 Knowledge & Innovation fee for drivers younger than 21.
Prices vary by centre, commonly in the AED 140–180 range for RTA-approved eye tests.
RTA service details indicate the eye test validity can be up to 3 years (as listed in the renewal service details).
RTA service details state a delay fine of AED 10 per month from the licence expiry date, capped at AED 500.
Typically, fines/obligations must be cleared first; RTA provides official channels to check and pay fines before proceeding with renewal.
Residents age 21+ usually renew for 5 years, while UAE/GCC citizens renew for 10 years; residents under 21 are listed as 1 year in UAE official guidance.
Yes—self-service kiosks can print a physical card after payment, as long as your renewal status is eligible (eye test + no blockers).
RTA indicates additional requirements in this case, including an evaluation/testing path before renewal can be completed.
Conclusion
Dubai driving licence renewal in 2026 is easiest when you treat it like a 3-step sequence: eye test → clear fines → renew via RTA digital channels or kiosk printing. The official fee structure is straightforward for most drivers (AED 300 + AED 20 if you’re 21+; AED 100 + AED 20 if you’re under 21), and the official late penalty is calculated monthly (AED 10/month, capped at AED 500)—so renewing early avoids unnecessary costs.
If you’re renewing as a resident, remember your renewed licence is typically 5 years, while UAE/GCC citizens renew for 10 years—a small detail that changes how you plan future renewals.