In the recent past, applying for a driving licence in Dubai was stressful and time-consuming. From processing all the requirements to jumping through hoops to pass all the theoretical and practical tests – acquiring a driving licence was not for the faint of heart.
However, now, the Dubai government has taken multiple steps to ease the process of acquiring a licence. Those wishing to learn how to drive can get the coveted licence in 8 different ways. In some cases, one can even skip classes and do the test directly.
It’s not just the process of getting a driver’s licence that has eased – replacing a lost or damaged licence is simple, too.
Here’s your guide on how to apply for a replacement:
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Eligibility
If you’re a Dubai resident whose driving licence got lost or damaged, you may be eligible to apply for this service.
Requirements
You only need to present your Emirates ID to apply for a replacement to your lost or damaged driver’s permit.
Service fees
If you’re younger than 21 years old, you only need to pay Dh100. Meanwhile, if you’re 21 years old or older, you will pay Dh300. Additionally, all applicants regardless of age will need to prepare Dh20 or more to pay for the knowledge and innovation fees.
Validity
Your licence will be valid up until the remaining validity period of your damaged or lost permit.
How to apply
You can apply through the RTA website by entering your Emirates ID, driver’s licence details, or traffic file number.
- When you’re on the homepage, click ‘Apply for Replacing a Lost/Damaged Driving License’.
- Complete filling in the ‘Identity Verification’ tab. You can choose whether to fill in your Emirates ID, driving licence, number plate, or traffic file number.
- The system will then verify your identity by sending an OTP to your registered phone number.
- Click ‘Next’.
- Pay all required fees and fines using your debit card or credit card.
Likewise, you can apply for a replacement through the RTA app.
- Log in with your RTA account or log in using your UAE Pass account.
- Tap ‘Renew a driving licence’ tab.
- Choose ‘Driver Licensing’
- Tap ‘Replace a driving licence’.
- Fill in your licence number and your licence issue date
- Fill in your traffic code number.
- Fill in your date of birth
- State whether your licence was lost or damaged.
- Pay all required fees and fines using your debit card or credit card.
You can also apply for a replacement through Mahboub Chatbot on the RTA website.
- Click the Mahboub Chat icon at the bottom of the page (right next to ‘Contact Us’ icon)
- Fill in the information such as your name, mobile number, and email address.
- Type ‘lost my driving licence’ or type ‘my licence is damaged’ in the chat box.
- Click ‘Apply Now’.
- Provide the following information: traffic file number, licence issuance date, and your birth year.
- The bot will ask you “what is the reason for replacement?”
- Click either ‘Lost’ or ‘Damaged’.
- Click ‘Select’.
- Pay all required fees and fines using your debit card or credit card.
If you don’t feel like going to the website or downloading the app, you can also apply for a replacement through self-service machines.
- Enter your driving licence number, the issuing authority, your birth year, and the reason for reprinting the licence (lost or damaged).
- The driving licence details will be displayed to you for verification and completion of the transaction.
- Pay all required fees and fines using your debit card or credit card.
New driving licence
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a temporary driving licence by email while awaiting your new licence. You can claim your new driver’s licence at self-service machines or customer happiness centres in Deira or Al Barsha.
If you have an Apple device, you can receive your electronic licence from the Apple Wallet through the RTA Dubai App.
Meanwhile, you can also opt to have your new licence delivered to you. Through the delivery service, you only need to pay the following:
- Dh20 for the standard delivery fee.
- You only need to pay Dh35 if you wish for your licence to be delivered within the day.
- If you’re in a rush and want to get your licence the soonest time possible, you can pay Dh50 and have your licence delivered to you within two hours.
- If you’re staying outside the UAE at the time of application and wish to get your licence, you only need to pay Dh50 for international delivery fees.