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The deadline for renewing your driver’s license seems like a “do it later” type of task to many. However, it’s not something to delay.
First, the legal risk. Driving with an expired license is a direct violation of the law. If caught in Abu Dhabi, there is a risk of fines, black points, and even vehicle impoundment. Second, traffic fines and additional costs. If you do not renew within the specified timeframe, a monthly fine will be added. This amount can unexpectedly increase as it accumulates month after month. Another aspect that many overlook is the impact on insurance. If the license is not valid, the car insurance is also not valid. The company can easily avoid liability if an accident or claim is made.
The sooner you complete it, the better. Rather than having to deal with last-minute hassles, renewing a few weeks in advance allows you to do everything from eye exams to online payments with peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about any unexpected fines or paperwork. I always advise against considering the renewal of your driving license as secondary. Renewing it on time will not only keep your driving hassle-free but will also give you peace of mind.
Eligibility for license renewal in Abu Dhabi
Some basic conditions must be met before renewing your driving license. Below is a clear explanation of the Government rules and latest updates for Abu Dhabi.
- Drivers under 21 years of age: License validity is 1 Renewal also remains valid for 1 year.
- Drivers over 21 years old:
- For UAE and GCC citizens: The license can be renewed once for a period of 10 years.
- For residents of other countries: The Renewal period is 5 years.
Renewal before and after expiration
- It is possible to apply for renewal 6 months before the license expires. Renewing early can avoid last-minute hassles.
- Once the term expires, a late fee of approximately AED 10 will be added per month. There is no specific maximum limit specified in the Government policy, so the longer the delay, the more fees will accrue.
Driving record, black points and traffic fines
- All outstanding traffic fines must be paid before your license is renewed.
- If there are black points on your driving record, they must be resolved before renewal.
- Passing an eye test is mandatory; you must have your eyes tested at a government-approved center and upload the report.
Required documents
Valid Emirates ID
Without it, work will not start. Whether online or at the Customer Happiness Center, your valid Emirates ID is linked to your original ID and traffic file. So keep your ID card handy while it is still valid.
Approved eye test report
An eye test is mandatory before renewing a driving license. Get the test done at a government-approved optical center or hospital.
The report can be uploaded directly to the system, or if offline, a print copy can be submitted for review.
Current driving license card
If you renew online, the information is typically recorded in the system. However, keep the old license with you when you go offline. This will be useful when matching identities and taking the final printout.
Additional things to keep in mind
- Pay all outstanding traffic fines. Fines may cause your application to be blocked.
- If you are an expat, some typing centers may ask for a copy of your passport or residence visa. Although it is not usually required online, it is helpful to have it in hand.
Renewal costs and payment structure
The cost of renewing a driving license in Abu Dhabi is fixed and easy to remember. The renewal fee for drivers under 21 years of age is approximately AED 100, valid for one year. For individuals over 21 years of age, the cost is AED 300, and the validity period varies depending on your status. UAE or GCC nationals have their licenses renewed for 10 years, while residents of other countries typically have their licenses renewed for 5 years. There is usually a separate delivery charge of around AED 15 for offline card collection or courier.
If you do not renew before the expiration date, you risk incurring additional costs. According to Government regulations, a late fee of AED 10 is added for each month of delay. There is no specific maximum limit, so the fee increases the longer you delay. Therefore, it is safe to renew a few months before the expiration date.
There are two ways to pay, online and offline. Payment can be made directly through the TAMM portal, the MOI UAE app, or Abu Dhabi Police eServices using a credit/debit card or Apple Pay/Samsung Pay. If desired, the renewal fee can also be paid by card or cash at a Customer Happiness Center or authorized typing center. Paying online speeds up the entire process, and the receipt can be downloaded immediately.
Main ways to renew a license
There are several official ways to renew your driving license in Abu Dhabi, all of which are safe and government-approved. You can choose any one as per your convenience. Below is a step-by-step guide with verified information for each option.
Tamim Portal / Abu Dhabi Police Services
This is the most popular and fastest way. You can renew directly from the Abu Dhabi Government TAMM portal or the Abu Dhabi Police eServices website.
The steps are usually like this:
- Login – with UAE Pass or TAMM account.
- Select the Driving License Renewal service.
- Provide the required information (Emirates ID, old license number, eye test report).
- Pay the fee online using a credit/debit card, or Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.
- You will receive an e-receipt immediately, and your new license will usually arrive by courier within 2-3 business days.
MOI UAE App
The Ministry of Interior (MOI UAE) app is convenient for those who drive in different emirates or whose licenses are also linked to the records of another emirate.
The process is simple:
- Install the MOI UAE app and log in with your Smart Pass or UAE Pass.
- Go to the Traffic and Licensing section.
- Enter the required information and upload the Eye Test report.
- An e-receipt is generated immediately after payment of the fee, and the card usually arrives by courier within 3–5 working days.
Customer Happiness Center or Typing Center
Suppose you are comfortable going directly to work. In that case, you can renew through the Abu Dhabi Police Customer Happiness Center or an authorized typing center.
What to do:
- Please bring the necessary documents (Emirates ID, old license, and Eye Test report) with you.
- Submit the information at the counter and pay the fee by card or cash.
- You can collect the new license on the same day after processing is completed, or you can opt for the courier option.
Exceptional cases and additional conditions
Renewing a license in Abu Dhabi is generally easy, but there are some special circumstances where additional rules apply. If your license has been out of date for more than 10 years, you may be required to take a new driving evaluation or road test. If you are over 65, you may be required to undergo not only an eye exam, but also an additional medical screening report if necessary. And suppose the license is lost or damaged. In that case, a duplicate license can be easily obtained online from the TAMM or MOI app, which typically incurs a fee of approximately AED 300, plus delivery charges. In such cases, it is possible to avoid additional delays or unexpected test hassles by confirming online or on the helpline in advance.
Ways to avoid fines
It is mandatory to clear all traffic fines and black points before renewing the license. For faster resolution, check your outstanding balance and pay online through TAMM, Abu Dhabi Police e-services, or the MOI UAE app. The system usually updates within 24-48 hours. If there are incorrect black points, submit a complaint with evidence to the Abu Dhabi Police app or Customer Happiness Center. Completing these steps on time will not result in additional late fees or delays in the renewal process.
FAQs
After applying online, it typically takes 2-5 working days; offline applications may take a slightly longer time, depending on the center.
The test must be performed at a government-approved optical center or hospital listed on the Abu Dhabi Police and TAMM portal.
It is possible to renew the license after its expiration, but a late fee of AED 10 is added per month. The longer the delay, the higher the cost, so it is best to apply as soon as possible.
Yes. TAMM, Abu Dhabi Police eServices, and MOI UAE apps all utilize government-secured SSL gateways.
You can re-download the receipt from the “My Transactions” or “Payment History” section by logging into the platform where you made the payment. If necessary, you can also collect a copy by visiting the Customer Happiness Center.