To get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UAE, apply through the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), either directly or through RTA Dubai, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or an Emirates Post counter. It costs AED 178.50 (ATCUAE or MOI) or AED 197 (RTA Dubai), lasts one year, and you need a valid UAE driving licence, your Emirates ID and no unpaid traffic fines.
An IDP is a translation and certification of your UAE licence for use abroad. It is not a separate licence, and it only works when you carry it together with your original UAE driving licence.
IDP in the UAE at a glance
- Issuer: Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE)
- Fee: AED 197 via RTA Dubai; AED 178.50 via ATCUAE direct or the MOI UAE service
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issue
- You need: a valid UAE driving licence, Emirates ID, two passport photos and zero outstanding traffic fines
- Format: physical booklet only. Digital IDPs are no longer issued.
- Fastest route: a counter at an ATCUAE office or Emirates Post branch, where ATCUAE says applications are completed within about half an hour
Clear your fines first. RTA states that you must pay all your driving licence fines, including the unpayable ones, before it will process an IDP. Check and settle them before you start, or the application will stop at checkout.
What an IDP is and when you need one
The IDP is issued under the UN road traffic conventions and translates your licence details into several languages so foreign police and car rental desks can read them. Even in countries whose law accepts a UAE licence, rental companies and their insurers often ask for the IDP booklet, so carrying one saves arguments at the counter.
A UAE-issued IDP cannot be used to drive inside the UAE. Residents must drive on their UAE licence.
Documents you need
- Your Emirates ID
- A copy of your valid UAE driving licence
- Two passport-size photos (white background)
- A copy of your passport and residence visa, if the channel you use asks for it
ATCUAE lists the Emirates ID, licence copy and two photos as its requirements. Extra copies are only needed where the individual channel asks for them.
Which application route should you use?
| Route | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| RTA Dubai (website or app) | AED 197 plus optional delivery | 2 working days (RTA) |
| ATCUAE online | AED 170 + VAT (AED 178.50) | 3 working days to process; allow 5 for delivery |
| MOI UAE service | AED 178.50 (AED 170 + AED 8.50 delivery) | Courier delivery |
| ATCUAE office or Emirates Post counter | AED 170 + VAT at ATCUAE; counter fees can vary slightly | About half an hour |
Pick RTA Dubai if your licence was issued in Dubai, MOI if it came from another emirate and you want home delivery, and a counter if you are travelling soon.
1. Apply via RTA Dubai
RTA Dubai handles IDP applications for Dubai-issued licences through the RTA international driving licence service page, which is also reachable from its app and DubaiNow.
- Pay any outstanding fines on your driving licence.
- Open the RTA service page and sign in.
- Enter your details and upload the requested documents and photo.
- Choose delivery or collection, then pay.
The total is AED 197: AED 177 for the licence and AED 20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees. Delivery is extra: AED 20 standard, AED 35 same day, AED 50 for 2-hour delivery, and AED 50 for GCC international delivery. Collecting from an RTA Customer Happiness Centre avoids the delivery charge.
2. Apply through the Ministry of Interior
Drivers with licences from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain or Fujairah can apply through the Ministry of Interior digital services. The fee is AED 178.50, made up of AED 170 for the permit and AED 8.50 for Emirates Post delivery. MOI hotline: 800 5000.
3. Apply directly with ATCUAE
ATCUAE is the body that issues the permit, so applying to it directly is the most direct route. Use the ATCUAE online registration portal for home or work delivery, or visit an ATCUAE office in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain or Sharjah. The fee is AED 170 plus VAT (AED 178.50). Online applications are processed within 3 working days of receipt, and ATCUAE advises allowing 5 working days for delivery. Details are on the ATCUAE IDL page, and the club can be reached on +971 4 296 1122.
4. Walk in at an Emirates Post branch
Emirates Post offices are listed by ATCUAE as an issuing channel, which makes them the quickest option if you have a flight coming up. Bring your Emirates ID, your UAE driving licence and two photos. Counter fees can differ slightly from the online price, so confirm the amount at the desk. Emirates Post customer care: 600 599 999; site: emiratespost.ae.
Rules that catch people out
Unpaid fines block the application
RTA’s prerequisite is to pay all your driving licence fines, including the unpayable ones. Clear them first.
Digital IDPs are discontinued
RTA states that digital International Driving Licences are no longer issued because they are not considered reliable. Carry the physical booklet. Sign it in ink in the signature box as instructed inside the booklet, and keep it together with your UAE licence.
Travelling to Japan
RTA’s instruction is to obtain the IDL from RTA first, then visit the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club to receive the International Driving Licence recognised in Japan (the old version). Do this before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an International Driving Permit cost in the UAE?
AED 197 through RTA Dubai, and AED 178.50 through ATCUAE (AED 170 plus VAT) or the MOI service. Delivery may add to the price.
How long does it take?
About half an hour at an ATCUAE or Emirates Post counter, 2 working days for RTA’s service, and around 3 working days plus delivery for ATCUAE online applications.
How long is an IDP valid?
One year from the date of issue.
Can I drive in the UAE with a UAE-issued IDP?
No. It is for driving abroad. Residents drive on their UAE licence.
Can I get a digital IDP instead of the booklet?
No. RTA says digital versions are no longer issued.
Do I need an IDP for other GCC countries?
UAE licences are generally accepted across the GCC, but a rental company may still ask for an IDP, so carrying one is the safer choice. RTA Dubai hotline: 800 9090.
