Lost Your Dubai Driving Licence? How to Replace It, Fees and Steps
Lost or damaged your Dubai driving licence? You can replace it online in minutes and get a digital licence straight away. Here are the RTA fees, steps and delivery options.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
If you have lost your Dubai driving licence or the card is too damaged to use, you can replace it online without applying for a new licence. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issues a digital replacement as soon as you pay, and the new licence keeps the remaining validity of the old one, according to Gulf News.
Replacements are open to residents and citizens with a valid licence, on the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app or a self-service machine.
How much it costs to replace a Dubai driving licence
The RTA sets the replacement fee by age, and each includes a AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee:
| Your age | Replacement fee | Knowledge and Innovation fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 21 | AED 100 | AED 20 | AED 120 |
| 21 or older | AED 300 | AED 20 | AED 320 |
You must also clear any outstanding licence fines. Unpaid fines can cause other problems too: see whether a bounced cheque or unpaid traffic fine can stop you leaving the UAE.
People of Determination who hold a Sanad card can get a 50 per cent discount on RTA services.
How to replace your Dubai driving licence online
On the RTA website:
- Go to rta.ae and open 'Apply for or Manage a Driving Licence'.
- Choose 'Replace Lost/Damaged Driving Licence'.
- Log in with your valid Emirates ID, passport or UAE Pass.
- Enter the one-time password sent to the mobile number on your Traffic File.
- Pick the reason: lost or damaged.
- Check the licence details on screen and confirm them.
- Choose how to get the physical card: from a self-service machine or by delivery.
- Pay any outstanding fines and the replacement fee.
Once you pay, your Digital Driving Licence is issued straight away. You can find it under My Docs in the RTA Dubai app and add it to an Apple or Samsung Wallet.
If your Emirates ID is not valid, the RTA says you must update your Traffic File with a valid one before you apply. Any changes already made to your Traffic File, such as a new photo, name or nationality, will show on the reprinted card, so there is no separate amendment request.
Where to print a replacement licence in Dubai
To skip delivery, print the card at an RTA self-service machine or smart kiosk. Kiosks at Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, Al Twar and Deira run 24/7, and the Umm Ramool centre itself is open around the clock, including weekends and public holidays.
At the machine, you enter:
- Your driving licence number
- The licence issuing authority
- The reason for reprinting: lost or damaged
Then check the details, pay and print. The RTA Dubai app and website show the nearest kiosk.
Delivery fees for a Dubai driving licence
For delivery, the RTA charges:
- Standard delivery: AED 20
- Same-day delivery: AED 35
- Delivery within two hours: AED 50
- International delivery: AED 50
Be wary of social media claims about licence changes: Dubai Police have already had to debunk driving licence rumours. Check rta.ae first.
Key takeaway
Replacing a lost or damaged Dubai driving licence is an online task, not a new application. Expect to pay AED 120 under 21 or AED 320 at 21 and over, plus any fines, and you get a digital licence immediately.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace a lost driving licence in Dubai?
The RTA charges AED 120 if you are under 21 and AED 320 if you are 21 or older. Both totals include a AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee, and you must also pay any outstanding licence fines.
Can I replace my Dubai driving licence online?
Yes, on the RTA website, the RTA Dubai app or a self-service machine. Log in with your Emirates ID, passport or UAE Pass.
Does a replacement licence have a new expiry date?
No. The replacement keeps the remaining validity period of your original licence, according to the RTA.
How long does it take to get a replacement driving licence in Dubai?
The digital licence is issued as soon as you pay. Print the card at a kiosk or choose delivery, including same-day or two-hour options.
Can I replace my licence without a valid Emirates ID?
You must first update your Traffic File with a valid Emirates ID before applying for a replacement, the RTA says.
Further reading
The UAE week, every Monday
The week's stories on jobs, visas, money and daily life in one short email. Unsubscribe in one click.
