Are you envisioning an adventurous journey across borders with your loved ones? Or are you contemplating renting a vehicle for an upcoming business trip? Whether it's for leisure or work, most nations mandate the possession of an International Driving License (IDL) for driving within their territories.
Significance of the International Permit
For citizens and residents of the UAE, acquiring an IDL is imperative if planning to drive abroad. This license, in accordance with a United Nations convention, holds legal significance.
Individuals intending to operate vehicles in the UAE are likewise required to secure an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their respective home country or country of residence before embarking on their travels.
The IDP authorizes drivers to legally operate their vehicles outside the UAE without the need for additional tests or applications. Acting as a translation of one's local driving license, it validates the legitimacy of the driver's license from their home country for a period of one year.
Moreover, it offers a layer of protection in situations involving accidental vehicle damage or the loss of primary identification documents, such as a passport, while abroad. Its global recognition, available in 10 languages, aids in overcoming language barriers, thereby facilitating communication with law enforcement and authorities in foreign jurisdictions.
Acquiring an IDL is a straightforward process that can be completed through various channels, including the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website, the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), affiliated members of ATCUAE, the Ministry of Interior via the MOI UAE app, Emirates Post offices, and the Dnata office on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
Necessary Documentation, Procedures and fees
To obtain an IDL, applicants typically need to submit an IDL form along with their passport, valid residency permit, Emirates ID, a copy of their valid UAE driving license, and two passport-sized photographs.
The cost of obtaining an IDL is approximately Dh177, plus an additional Dh20 for knowledge and innovation fees, as per the RTA website. Online applications are processed within three working days and delivered within five working days, while over-the-counter applications can be completed within 30 minutes.
Applicants can initiate the process through the RTA website, where they verify their identity via an OTP sent to their registered phone number. Upon settling the required fees, applicants receive an SMS within two working days containing a link to access the digital IDL until the original copy is received. The original copy can be obtained either from Customer Happiness Centers in Deira or Al Barsha or through a courier service for an additional fee.
It is crucial to obtain an IDL prior to travel, and note that it is valid for one year, requiring renewal upon expiration. Additionally, it is essential to distinguish between the IDL and the local driving license required within the UAE.
For further information on countries recognizing UAE driving licenses and those requiring an IDP, reference the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, which lists 174 countries mandating an IDP.