You replace a lost or damaged Dubai driving licence through the RTA — in the RTA Dubai app, on rta.ae, or at a Customer Happiness Centre — by applying for a replacement, paying the fee, and receiving a temporary digital licence immediately while the new card is printed and delivered. If the licence was stolen, report it to Dubai Police first.
Quick facts
- Where: RTA Dubai app, Dubai Drive, rta.ae, or RTA Customer Happiness Centres (e.g. Al Barsha, Deira, Al Kifaf)
- Cost: Typically around AED 320 including standard delivery for most drivers — the app shows the exact total; check it before you pay
- Time needed: 10 minutes to apply; card delivered in 2-5 working days, digital copy instant
- New expiry: A replacement keeps your original expiry date — it is not a renewal
- Eye test: Not needed for a simple replacement if your file is current
How to replace it, step by step
- Report a theft, if applicable. If your wallet was stolen, file a report with Dubai Police (app or station) and keep the report reference. For a simple loss or damage, you can go straight to RTA — a police report is not normally required just for a lost licence, but having one helps if your documents are misused.
- Clear any blocking fines. Check your traffic file in the RTA or Dubai Police app. Unpaid fines can block card issuance, so settle them first.
- Open the replacement service. In the RTA Dubai app or on rta.ae, sign in with UAE PASS and choose driving licence services, then Replace a Lost/Damaged Licence (sometimes listed under licence card services).
- Confirm your details. The system pulls your photo and licence data from your Emirates ID and traffic file. Check your delivery address and mobile — the courier will use them.
- Pay the replacement fees. Pay online by card. You will see the replacement fee plus knowledge, innovation and delivery charges itemised before you confirm.
- Use the digital licence straight away. Your licence in the RTA app and UAE PASS remains valid proof for driving and for any check. Show the digital version if stopped.
- Receive and check the new card. The courier delivers in a few working days. Verify the details, then destroy the damaged card. If your old “lost” card later turns up, do not use it — the replacement is the valid one.
Damaged card vs lost card — any difference?
The process and fee are essentially the same. For a damaged card you may be asked to surrender the old card at a centre if you apply in person; online, you simply declare it damaged. If the damage is only cosmetic and the chip and print are readable, weigh whether you need a replacement at all — but a card that cannot be read by an officer or a rental desk will cause you problems, so most people replace it. Note that replacing is different from renewing: if your licence is also near expiry, it is usually smarter to renew instead, since renewal issues a fresh card with a new validity period for a similar cost.
Costs in AED
Expect the replacement itself to be typically around AED 300 for drivers 21 and over (less for younger drivers), plus AED 20 knowledge and innovation fees, plus delivery typically around AED 20-35. Applying at a Customer Happiness Centre costs the same government fees; service centres and typing-style intermediaries may add their own charge. If you also need to renew because expiry is close, the renewal route totals a similar amount and gives you a full new term — compare both totals in the app before choosing.
Common mistakes
Driving without any proof while waiting is unnecessary — your digital licence is valid, so set up the app before you need it. Another common slip: applying for a replacement when the real problem is an expired Emirates ID or expired licence — the system will redirect you to renewal, so check the expiry date first. People also lose time visiting a centre with no appointment at peak hours for something the app does in minutes. Finally, if you lost your licence together with your Emirates ID, replace the Emirates ID through ICP first — RTA services key off a valid Emirates ID, and deliveries require ID to receive.
FAQ
Can I drive while I wait for the replacement card?
Yes. Once your replacement is issued in the system, the digital licence in the RTA Dubai app or UAE PASS is your valid proof. Keep your phone charged and the app signed in when you drive.
Will my licence number change?
No. Your licence and traffic file numbers stay the same; only the physical card is reprinted, with the same expiry date as before. A replacement does not extend your validity.
I found my old licence after getting a replacement. Which one is valid?
The replacement. The old card should not be used — keep it aside or destroy it to avoid confusion at rental desks or checkpoints, where the newer issuance is the one on record.
