Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai: When You Need a Translation

Residents with a valid licence from an eligible country can exchange it for a Dubai licence through the RTA. Whether you need a translation, and whether it must be legalised, depends on the country that issued your licence. Check the RTA’s table for your country before you pay for anything.

Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai

The RTA’s licence exchange service covers residents who hold a valid licence from an eligible country and sets the documents by country. Rules and country lists can change, so confirm them on the RTA page. This guide explains where a translation fits.

Last reviewed: 25 October 2026. Requirements change, so we verify them with the relevant authority before you submit anything.

Check Eligibility

The exchange is for residents with a valid licence issued by an eligible country. Licences from other countries generally mean applying for a new licence through a driving institute.

Gather the Documents

The RTA lists items such as a valid Emirates ID, an electronic eye test and the original licence, plus a legalised translation of the licence where required.

Check the Translation Rule

The RTA’s tables set the translation requirement country by country. Some countries need a legalised translation and others an embassy or consulate certificate.

Check for Security Features

If the licence lacks security features, the RTA asks for a certificate from the issuing country’s embassy or consulate that confirms the data.

PEOPLE TRUST

We Are Best

What a Legalised Translation Means

The RTA uses the term for a translation that has gone through the legalisation steps set out for the issuing country. The steps differ, so we confirm them for your licence before we start. See driving licence translation in Dubai.

What to Prepare

A clear scan of the front and back of the licence
Your passport, so name spellings can be matched
The country that issued the licence
Your timeline

We translate every detail on the licence, including categories, dates and restrictions, and arrange any attestation required. The exchange itself is applied for through the RTA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Translating before checking the RTA requirement for your country
Name spellings that differ from the passport
Translating only the front of the licence
Assuming every country needs the same steps
Starting after your licence has expired

Why Choose Dunes for Driving Licence Translation

Dunes provides driving licence translation in Dubai:

Certified translation by Ministry of Justice-approved translators
Names and categories matched to your passport
Licences in any language or script
Written quote before you commit

Why Book Through Dunes

We handle the translation and any attestation. See our document translation services and translation and attestation services.

Get Started Today

Send a scan of your licence through our contact page. Related reading: Embassy vs MOFA attestation.

Need a Driving Licence Translated?

Visit our driving licence translation page, or get in touch directly for a written quote.

Call or WhatsApp +971 52 147 4345 to get started.

Hear from our clients

Our clients love working with us,
just read what they have to say!

"Dunes Legal Translation and Attestation Services always exceeds our expectations! Their professionalism was outstanding from start to finish. The team was incredibly responsive, attentive to detail, and ensured all my documents were translated and attested accurately and efficiently."...

Very professional, I know them and I deal with them for the last 8 years. They always support and provide service even in last minutes. I highly recommend them

I have experience to work with company Dunes Legal Translation Sevices LLC and company consistently delivered top-notch services promptly. Their commitment to meeting deadlines is truly commendable. Timely and efficient – a winning combination!

They provide exceptional quality of services and instant speed! Every time I request their assistance I get very satisfied! I can recommend them to anyone

I have one line for Dunes Legal Translation Services and Mr. Ansari, no one will have regrets and disappointment after working with Dunes. We are working with Mr. Ansari from last 3 years and i can say with confidence that they are team of highly professionals with no compromise on quality and strongly committed with client deadlines."...

I highly recommend Dunes Legal Translation Services L.L.C. From the moment I reached out to them, their responsiveness was truly impressive. Their team was not only prompt in their communication but also incredibly friendly and accommodating. They delivered on their promises with precision and efficiency, which is a rare quality to find in service providers these days."...

Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Dubai: When You Need a Translation