The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) operates self-service driving licence renewal machines — smart kiosks — at 12 locations across Dubai. These machines allow eligible residents to renew their driving licence without visiting a staffed counter, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The process takes a few minutes and produces a temporary digital licence on the same day.
Do This Next
- Complete your eye test at an RTA-approved centre before visiting any kiosk
- Settle all outstanding traffic fines via the RTA website or app before you go
- Locate your nearest kiosk from the 12 confirmed Dubai locations listed below
Table of Contents
Who Can Use the RTA Driving Licence Renewal Machine
Not every licence holder is eligible to use the smart kiosk. Understanding the eligibility rules before travelling to a location saves time.
Visitors on a tourist visa cannot renew a driving licence through the smart kiosk — UAE residency is a mandatory requirement. The kiosk is available to UAE residents only, including both UAE and GCC nationals and expatriate residents.
Renewal validity differs by nationality and age:
| Applicant Type | Renewal Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UAE and GCC nationals | 10 years | Standard renewal period |
| Expatriate residents | 5 years | Linked to residency status |
| Drivers aged 65 and above | 3 years | Regardless of nationality |
Requirements Before Using the Kiosk
Four conditions must be met before the kiosk will process a renewal. Missing any one of them stops the process at the machine.
- Valid Emirates ID — required to access the system and verify identity
- Eye test certificate — mandatory for all applicants aged 21 and above, completed at an RTA-approved eye test centre before visiting the kiosk. Results are sent electronically to the RTA system — you do not carry a paper certificate
- No outstanding traffic fines — all fines must be cleared in advance via the RTA website, RTA app, or at the kiosk itself before renewal can proceed
- Valid driving licence in hand — the licence must be a permanent one, not a temporary permit
The eye test must be completed before you arrive at the kiosk — the kiosk does not direct you to an eye test centre and will not hold your renewal session while you complete one elsewhere.
Pro Tip: If your driving licence has been expired for more than 10 years, the smart kiosk cannot process your renewal. You will need to contact the Roads and Transport Authority directly and may be required to pay additional fees of up to AED 850 and retake driving tests. Confirm your situation with RTA before visiting any location.
How to Use the RTA Smart Kiosk Step by Step
Before You Arrive
Complete the eye test at any RTA-approved eye test centre. The standard fee is AED 140 to AED 180. Results transfer electronically to the RTA system — typically within a few hours of completion. Confirm the result has been received before proceeding to the kiosk.
At the Kiosk
- Locate the kiosk touchscreen and select your preferred language — Arabic and English are available, with additional language options on most machines
- Enter your Emirates ID number or driving licence number. If your accounts are linked via UAE Pass, the system auto-fills your personal details
- Verify all displayed information — full name, licence details, eye test results, and any black points recorded on your licence
- Review any outstanding fines — these can be paid at the kiosk if not cleared in advance
- Pay the renewal fee using cash, credit or debit card, or an NFC-enabled smartphone
Fees
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee — applicants over 21 | 300 |
| Renewal fee — applicants under 21 | 100 |
| Knowledge and Innovation Fee | 20 |
| Eye test at RTA-approved centre | 140–180 |
| Courier delivery of permanent licence (optional) | 25 |
| Late renewal fine — per month beyond 30 days | 10 (capped at AED 500) |
After Payment
Once payment is confirmed, a temporary digital driving licence valid for 5 to 15 days is issued immediately via email or through the RTA dashboard. The permanent licence is produced within 3 to 5 business days and can be collected from an RTA Customer Happiness Centre at Deira or Al Barsha, or delivered by courier for an additional AED 25.
The temporary digital licence is legally valid for driving in Dubai during the waiting period — you do not need the physical card to drive once the digital version has been issued.
RTA Driving Licence Renewal Machine Locations in Dubai
The Roads and Transport Authority has confirmed 12 kiosk locations across Dubai as of April 2026, with additional sites planned.
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
| Customer Happiness Centre — Umm Ramool | RTA Centre |
| Customer Happiness Centre — Deira | RTA Centre |
| Customer Happiness Centre — Al Barsha | RTA Centre |
| Customer Happiness Centre — Al Manarah | RTA Centre |
| Customer Happiness Centre — Al Twar | RTA Centre |
| Customer Happiness Centre — Al Kifaf | RTA Centre |
| Tasjeel — Al Tawar | Vehicle Services |
| Barsha Tasjeel | Vehicle Services |
| Muhaisna Shamil | Vehicle Services |
| Tamam Vehicle Testing | Testing Centre |
| Al Qusais Tasjeel | Vehicle Services |
| Wasel Vehicle Testing — Al Jaddaf | Testing Centre |
To find the kiosk nearest to your location, use the RTA Dubai app — the app’s branch locator shows live operating hours and real-time availability for each site.
For information on clearing outstanding fines before your renewal, the traffic services hub covers RTA fine checks and payment options across Dubai. If you need to check whether your Emirates ID details are correctly registered with RTA, the Emirates ID benefits page explains how the Emirates ID links to government service accounts including UAE Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driving licence without an eye test?
No. An eye test is mandatory for all driving licence renewal applicants aged 21 and above. The test must be completed at an RTA-approved eye test centre before visiting the kiosk — the cost is AED 140 to AED 180. Results are transmitted electronically to the RTA system. The kiosk will not process a renewal if no eye test result is recorded against your Emirates ID.
How long does the RTA kiosk driving licence renewal take?
The kiosk process itself takes a few minutes once you are at the machine with all requirements met. A temporary digital driving licence is issued the same day. The permanent physical driving licence is produced within 3 to 5 business days and can be collected from an RTA Customer Happiness Centre at Deira or Al Barsha, or delivered by courier for AED 25.
Can I use the RTA smart kiosk without UAE Pass?
Yes. UAE Pass is not mandatory — you can access the kiosk using your Emirates ID number or driving licence number directly. However, linking your accounts to UAE Pass before your visit auto-fills your personal details and reduces the time spent at the machine. UAE Pass is free and available through the UAE Pass app.
What happens if I renew my licence late?
A fine of AED 10 per month applies for renewals delayed beyond 30 days past the expiry date, capped at a maximum of AED 500. If the licence has been expired for more than 10 years, additional fees of up to AED 850 apply and the renewal cannot be processed through a smart kiosk — direct contact with the Roads and Transport Authority is required and driving tests may need to be retaken.
Last verified: April 2026
Reviewed by: UAEwow Content Team
Source: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
