Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you already hold a valid driving licence from your home country, you may not need to start from scratch at a Saudi driving school. Many residents can convert their foreign licence into a Saudi one through a straightforward, mostly online process. This Saudi Living guide walks you through eligibility, the documents you'll need, the medical test, and how to book and complete your appointment — so you know exactly what to expect before you begin.

Who Can Convert Directly?

Whether you can convert your licence directly — or must go through full training and testing — depends on your nationality and the country that issued your licence.

• Nationals of an officially listed group of around 48 countries can usually convert directly, without completing full driving-school training, provided the licence is valid and reciprocity applies.
• If your issuing country is not on the approved conversion list, you'll generally follow the full training and testing route at an approved driving school instead of direct conversion.

Because lists and reciprocity arrangements can change, always confirm your eligibility on the official Absher (أبشر) portal before spending money on translations or a medical test.

What You'll Need Before You Start

An active Absher (أبشر) account linked to a valid Iqama and a Saudi mobile number is essential — this is how you'll book the appointment and upload documents. Make sure your account is verified and your mobile number is current.

Typical required documents for conversion include:

• Your original valid foreign driving licence.
• An Arabic or certified English translation of that licence (usually mandatory, with some GCC exceptions).
• Your Iqama (original and/or a copy).
• A passport copy (bio page, and sometimes the visa page).
• Recent passport-size photos, usually with a white background.
• A medical report / eye test from an approved clinic linked to the traffic system.

Getting Your Licence Translated

Unless you fall under a GCC exemption, you'll need a certified translation of your licence into Arabic (or certified English). This is handled by certified translation offices or approved online translation services.

• Typical cost is around SAR 100 (ريال سعودي).
• Turnaround is usually 1–2 business days.

Keep both the original licence and the translation together, as you'll upload scans and present the originals at your appointment.

The Medical Examination

A medical check — mainly an eye test and general fitness assessment — must be completed at an approved clinic or medical centre that's electronically linked to the traffic system. In most cases the results are submitted directly into the system, so you don't need to carry a paper report yourself. Bring your Iqama when you visit the clinic, and choose a centre that is clearly listed as approved for driving-licence medicals.

Booking Your Appointment on Absher

Once your translation and medical test are done, book your appointment through Absher (أبشر):

• Log in to your account and go to Appointments → Traffic → Replacement of Driving Licenses / Driving License Conversion.
• Select your region or city — for example الرياض, جدة, الدمام or Medina.
• Upload scans of your required documents: licence, translation, Iqama, passport and photo.
• Confirm your booking, then download or print the appointment confirmation.

Pick a Muroor (Traffic Department) branch that's convenient for you, and note the date and time carefully.

On the Day of Your Appointment

Visit your selected Muroor (Traffic Department) office at the booked time with all your original documents and proof of payment. Staff will verify your paperwork and, after everything checks out, the Saudi licence is typically printed and issued on the spot within minutes.

• Arrive a little early and bring originals of everything you uploaded.
• Double-check that your medical results are already reflected in the system.
• Keep your appointment confirmation handy for reference.

Final Tips

Start by confirming your eligibility, then handle the translation and medical test before booking — this keeps the process smooth and avoids rescheduling. Because exact fees and requirements can be updated, always verify the current details on the official Absher (أبشر) portal and with the relevant Saudi authorities. With a little preparation, converting your licence can be one of the easier parts of settling into life in the Kingdom.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving