A Complete Guide to International Driving License in Dubai
Are you someone who is a frequent traveller? Are you planning to reside at an international destination for a significant amount of time? Are you intending to work or study at a foreign location? If the answer to any of them is yes and you want to have the choice to drive in international locations, then you have come to the right place for getting all the relevant information.
Whether out of convenience or for pleasure, having the liberty to personally drive your vehicle in your preferred destination across the world is a blissful experience. Not to forget, you no longer have to rely on waiting for cabs and spending hefty amounts on them or rely on public transportation when you have a driving license that enables you to drive across various destinations in the world.
We are going to assist you in finding everything you need to know about the International Driving License (IDL) that will make your travel life much smoother. From finding its benefits to knowing the eligibility criteria, from understanding how to apply for it to figuring out which countries recognize it, we will answer it all.
What is an International Driving License (IDL)?
An International Driving License (IDL) is an official document that allows residents of the UAE to drive a vehicle in a foreign country outside the UAE. It allows its holders to drive vehicles internationally without any applications or tests. Additionally, it also serves as proof that you have a valid driving license in the country of your residence.
Aligned with the United Nations convention, the IDL is a legal requirement that is recognized globally and is available in ten languages. This is the document that you need to facilitate seamless communication with official authorities and law enforcement in foreign nations. If you want to explore the globe behind the comfort of your driving ability, then this document will serve as your golden ticket.
Please keep in mind that the IDL is also known as International Driving Permit (IDP). With this in your possession, renting a vehicle in foreign nations will be a smooth process. Additionally, it also eradicates the various risks associated with the complications and fines with official authorities in foreign locations as it ensures that you are complying with foreign road laws.
Benefits of the International Driving License
The IDL comes with numerous benefits that not only make driving in international destinations possible but also convenient and seamless. Take a look at some of the most prominent advantages of the International Driving License that you can avail.
Serves as the Primary Criteria to Drive Abroad
Needless to say, the most prominent benefit of the IDL is that it enables you to drive internationally in foreign countries. When you have this by your side, you don’t have to worry about procuring or applying for a local driving license.
You don’t have to deal with the hassle of undergoing any application process or test in a foreign land. It provides the freedom and peace of mind to drive worldwide. The IDL is the single most important piece of document that anyone needs to get behind the wheels of a vehicle or motors internationally.
Acts as a Proof of Driving License in Home Country
When you have an IDL in your possession, it not only showcases your ability to drive in foreign countries but also serves as proof of the fact that you hold a driving license in the country you are receiving it from.
For instance, when you obtain an IDL from the UAE, you will be able to drive worldwide and the same document confirms the validity of your driver’s license in the UAE. Essentially, it is a translation of the local driving license.
Helps Overcome Language Barriers
Communication in a foreign land can be overwhelming if they don’t speak the same language as you. Thankfully, with the help of an IDL, the language barrier is broken and seamless communication can be established with law enforcement and official authorities in foreign countries.
This is due to the fact that the IDL can be printed in ten languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Scandinavian, and Portuguese. At least one or combinations of these languages are recognized almost in all foreign nations, making driving-related issues hassle-free globally.
Protects from Accidental Damages
No matter how good of a driver you are, driving in a foreign country comes with various degrees of uncertainties and unpredictable circumstances. In these situations, the IDL can come to your rescue giving you massive protection that otherwise would have left you quite vulnerable in an unknown foreign land.
The IDL offers protection in the event of any accidental damage to the vehicle or the loss of any legal identification while you are abroad. For instance, if you happen to lose your passport in a foreign land, the IDL can serve as valid identification proof and will help you with the official authorities. In other words, it functions as your supplementary identification document globally.
Makes Vehicle Rental Process Simpler
Vehicle renting services are popular in many countries. Renting a vehicle in a foreign nation becomes simpler and more convenient when you are a holder of an IDL. In fact, most rental agencies require you to possess this document if you want to drive internationally.
It gives travellers the ability and freedom to explore new destinations at their own will and convenience and the vehicle of their choice in a foreign land. This will significantly speed up the vehicle rental process. If you are a foreigner buying properties in Dubai and settling down in the city, you can save a lot of money by renting vehicles as well.
Countries Recognizing the UAE International Driving License
The IDL in Dubai is an extremely diverse document that is valid in almost all the nations of the world. This is a list of the countries where you can drive effortlessly with the help of an IDL.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Anguilla
- Angola
- Antigua
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cape Verde Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Congo Democratic Republic
- Costa Rica
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France & French Overseas Department
- French Polynesia
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guernsey
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Gabon
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Korea (Rep.)
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Lichtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao (People’s Republic of China)
- Macedonia (FYROM)
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Malta
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Russia
- Romania
- Rwanda
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St Kitts & Nevis
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan (People’s Republic of China)
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Windward Islands
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Eligibility to Apply for an International Driving License in Dubai
In order to be eligible to apply for an IDL in Dubai, you need to hold a valid driving license issued in Dubai. Both citizens and residents are eligible to apply for IDL service in Dubai.
As for the cost of the International Driving License in Dubai, you have to pay AED 177* and an additional AED 20 as part of the Knowledge and Innovation fees.
The license will be issued to you on the spot or can be mailed to you later as well. If you want to get delivery services, there are provisions for that although that comes with an additional charge.
How to Apply for an International Driving License in Dubai?
The International Driving License remains valid for one year and there is zero waiting time as you receive it instantly once you apply for it. The processing time is essentially five minutes. You can apply for an IDL in Dubai either through the application form found on the official website of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) or through the RTA Smart Apps.
Additionally, you can also obtain it from the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) which has offices all across the UAE including in Dubai. It is also available from Dubai National Air Travel Agency (stylized as Dnata), emirates post offices, and MOI (Ministry of Interior) UAE app.
Applying for an International Driving License in Dubai through the RTA Website
Once you apply for an IDL in Dubai through the RTA website, the system will verify your identity by sending an OTP to your registered phone number in the system. You have to then proceed to pay the fines, if any, and choose the delivery method for your license. The authorities can deliver it to your address or you can pick it up from Customer Happiness Centre at Deira or Al Barsha.
Applying for an International Driving License in Dubai through RTA Smart Apps
Once you log into the RTA Smart Apps with your username and password or UAE Pass, you have to select the service ‘Apply for an International Driving Licence’. Next, you have to settle all your traffic fines, if there are any, and proceed to enter your personal details. You then have to upload a personal photo and in case you are uploading a new photo, you need to collect the license from Customer Happiness Centre.
After this, you need to select the method of delivery of the license, either through courier service or from the Customer Happiness Centre. Review the application details, settle the fees, and await the license to get issued.
Documents Required for Applying for an International Driving License in Dubai
In order to apply for an IDL in Dubai, you must make sure you have the original as well as photocopies of the following documents.
- IDL form
- Emirates ID
- Passport
- Valid Residency
- UAE driving license
- Two passport photos
To Conclude
The IDL is the most important piece of document that will validate your ability to drive internationally outside the UAE. It makes renting vehicles easy in foreign locations and also serves as the translation of your driving license in your home country. Additionally, it protects you from accidental damages and functions as proof of your identification in the event you lose your passport.
If you want to explore international destinations while steering behind the wheel at your own pace, then you need to get yourself an IDL. Not to forget, it has an extremely easy application process and you can even do it from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
Common Questions about International Driving License in Dubai
Where to get an International Driving License in Dubai?
There are various ways to get an IDL. You can apply for it through the official website of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) or the RTA Smart Apps. Furthermore, you can also obtain it from the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) which has offices all across the UAE including in Dubai. IDL is also available from Dubai National Air Travel Agency (stylized as Dnata), emirates post offices, and MOI (Ministry of Interior) UAE app.
Do you need an International Driving License to rent a car abroad?
Although it differs from place to place, many foreign locations require you to have an International Driving License on a mandatory basis in order to rent a car.
Is an International Driving License valid for driving in the UAE?
If you are getting an International Driving License in the UAE, it means you already have a driving license in your home nation, in this case, the UAE, as it is a pre-requisite for applying for an IDL. Therefore, in a way, an IDL is valid for driving in the UAE.
What to Do If the License Is Lost or Damaged?
In the event you lose or damage your IDL, then you need to immediately report to the RTA or ATCUAE. You then have to submit the same set of documents and pay the same fees as you did during the application process for the license. Within a few days, you will be provided with a replacement of the license.
Can I Drive in Dubai with a European Union (EU) License?
Yes, you can drive in Dubai with a European Union (EU) license if you are coming to the city as a tourist for a short time.