For expatriates new to Abu Dhabi who intend to drive, ensuring the validity of their existing driving licence within the UAE is a prerequisite. This typically involves converting their current licence to a UAE licence. Abu Dhabi offers an accessible conversion process for individuals holding licenses from eligible countries. The provided information outlines a comprehensive, step-by-step guide applicable for the year 2025 to facilitate this conversion.
Who can Convert their Licence in Abu Dhabi?
Residents who hold a valid driver’s licence from any of the below countries can apply for a quick and easy Abu Dhabi driving licence conversion.
| Australia | France | Italy | Portugal | Sweden |
| Austria | GCC countries (Applies to GCC citizens, not expats who have lived in another GCC country and converted their licence there) | Japan | Romania | Switzerland |
| Belgium | Germany | Netherlands | Singapore | Turkey |
| Canada | Greece | New Zealand | South Africa | UK |
| Denmark | Hong Kong | Norway | South Korea | USA |
| Finland | Ireland | Poland | Spain |
Documents Required for Licence Conversion
- Original valid driving licence from your home country
- Legal translation of your licence (if not in Arabic/English)
- Valid Emirates ID
- Passport and visa copy
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Eye test certificate from an authorised optician.
Where you can go to convert your driving licence in Abu Dhabi?
- Vehicles and Drivers Licensing Directorate: CCP9+8CW Opp Thailand Embassy – Muroor Rd – Al Sa`Adah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.
- Phone: +971 800 3333
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7 am–4 pm; Friday: 7–11:30 am; Saturday & Sunday: Closed
- Website: www.adpolice.gov.ae
- Map: View Google direction here.
Is there need to make an appointment for License conversion?
- You don’t need to make an appointment or do anything else before going there.
- Enter the main building and proceed to the reception desk.
- The staff will guide to the office for your eye test.
- You will directed to the office for an eye test (about 20 steps from the reception desk).
- Complete your eye test successfully and pay the required fee.
- Proceed to the next building.
- Get your driver’s licence translated into Arabic.
- Ensure the translated licence is uploaded into the system.
- Receive an SMS from AUH Traffic confirming your request.
- Wait for about 10 minutes while the system processes your application.
- Get a second SMS confirming that your license has converted.
- Download the TAMM app (your portal for government and traffic services).
- Once the SMS arrives, pay the Dhs600 conversion fee via the TAMM app or at reception.
- Wait for your Abu Dhabi driving licence card to printed (usually under 10 minutes).
- Collect your card, ready to drive safely and legally in Abu Dhabi.
Tip: the translation must be paid in cash, so if you do not have cash with you, draw money at the ATM in the main building before leaving. You will need Dhs157.50.
Fees for Driving Licence Conversion
| Fees | |
| Eye Test | Around Dhs 100 |
| Language Translation (into Arabic) | Dhs 157.50 |
| Conversion and printing the License | Dhs 600 (plus an additional Dhs3 service charge) |
Finally, converting your licence to an Abu Dhabi driving licence will set you back Dhs 860.50.
Note:
- Remember that each transaction paid for separately
- You can pay for the eye test by card or cash, while the translation charge must paid in cash (an ATM in the main building)
- Dhs600 fee can be paid online via the TAMM app or by card or cash at the reception counter. [/su_box]
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