5.Get international driving licence in 5 minutes as new service launches at Dubai airport

Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | Rabi al-Thani 5, 1448 | Fajr 04:48|DXB 31.4°C

Dubai residents and citizens can now get an International Driving Permit in as little as five minutes at Dubai International Airport, authorities announced on Monday.

The service, available 24/7 at the Customer Happiness Centre in Terminal 3 Arrivals, is open to citizens and residents who hold a valid UAE driving licence.

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) launched the service in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club and Amer.

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Applicants need to present their Emirates ID, a valid UAE driving licence, a copy of their passport and a personal photograph.

An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is essentially an internationally recognised translation of a motorist’s domestic driving licence, allowing authorities overseas to verify the licence in their own language. It allows UAE motorists to legally drive in many countries without having to take additional driving tests or apply for a separate local licence. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be used alongside a valid UAE driving licence.

Until now, motorists in Dubai could obtain the permit through channels including the RTA and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE. Through the RTA, Dubai driving licence holders apply online, verify their identity, pay the required fees and receive a digital international licence before collecting or receiving the original. The service currently costs Dh197, including Dh177 for the licence and Dh20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees, with additional charges for delivery.

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE also offers online and over-the-counter applications. Its website lists the fee as Dh170 plus VAT, with online applications generally processed within three working days and delivery taking up to five working days. Counter applications can typically be completed within half an hour.

The latest GDRFA announcement did not specify the fee for the new five-minute airport service.

The service is intended to help travellers obtain the permit shortly before travelling, without having to complete the process separately ahead of their journey.

Authorities said integrated digital systems allow the applicant’s details to be automatically verified and the request approved immediately, enabling the International Driving Permit to be issued within five minutes.

Major General Khalaf Ahmed Al Ghaith, Assistant Director-General for Entry Permits and Residency, said the service was aimed at making the travel process easier by providing services at locations where customers need them.

Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at the RTA, said the initiative was an example of cooperation between government partners and would improve customer experience by providing an instant service at one of Dubai’s busiest locations.

As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.

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