Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you already drive back home, converting your foreign driving licence in Saudi Arabia can save you the time and cost of a full driving school course. The process is managed by the General Department of Traffic (Moroor) and starts online through Absher. Depending on your nationality and the country that issued your licence, you may be able to convert directly — or you may be directed to the driving-school route. This Saudi Living guide walks you through eligibility, the documents you need, the medical test, and what happens on your appointment day.

Who can convert (eligibility)

Eligibility depends on your nationality and the country that issued your licence. The simplest way to check is to start the application in Absher: if the system allows you to select your issuing country and licence details, direct conversion is available to you.

• If your issuing country is not accepted for conversion, you'll need to follow the standard driving-school and training route instead.
• Your foreign licence must still be valid — an expired licence generally cannot be converted.
• You need a valid Iqama, as conversion is tied to your residency record.

Documents you'll need

Prepare these before you begin so the online steps go smoothly:

• Valid Iqama (residence permit).
• Original foreign driving licence, still valid.
• Certified Arabic or English translation of the licence from an approved translation office. Translation typically costs around SAR 100.
• Medical report including an eye test from an approved clinic or optical centre, uploaded electronically into the traffic system.
• Passport copy (bio page and visa page, where requested).
• Recent passport-sized photos — commonly 4x6 cm, white background, 2–4 copies.

Step-by-step: the online application

Most of the process is completed through Absher before you ever visit a traffic office:

• Log into your Absher Individuals account (or create one) using your Iqama number and a Saudi mobile number.
• Go to Traffic → Driving Licenses and choose Driving License Conversion or Replacement of Driving Licenses.
• Select your region or city — for example Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or Medina.
• Upload the required scans: the front and back of your licence, the certified translation, your Iqama, your passport, and your photo. In some cases the process links to the dedicated Saudi Driving License Portal connected to traffic services.
• Book an appointment at your chosen Moroor branch or licence replacement centre, then print or save the appointment confirmation (it will be in Arabic).

The medical and eye test

You'll complete an eye test and a basic medical check at an approved clinic or optical centre. The clinic uploads your results directly into the traffic and health-insurance-linked system. Because the record is digital, you often won't need to carry a paper report — as long as your result shows as completed in the system, that's usually enough.

• Bring your Iqama and, ideally, your glasses or contact lenses if you use them for driving.
• Confirm that the clinic is approved to submit results to the traffic system before you pay.

Your visit to the traffic office

On your appointment date, attend the designated traffic office or licence replacement centre in your region with everything ready:

• All original documents plus copies.
• Your passport-sized photos.
• Your printed or saved appointment slip.

Staff will verify your documents and confirm the medical result in the system. Once everything checks out and any applicable fees are settled, your Saudi driving licence is issued. Fees are collected through the official channels shown to you during the process — always confirm the current amounts on Absher or at the traffic office rather than relying on estimates.

Tips for a smooth conversion

• Get your translation done early at an approved office, since an unapproved translation may be rejected.
• Double-check that your foreign licence won't expire during the process.
• Keep clear, high-quality scans ready — blurry uploads are a common cause of delays.
• If the Absher system won't let you select your country, don't keep retrying; that usually means conversion isn't available and the driving-school route applies.

For the latest requirements, accepted countries, and exact fees, always confirm through Absher and the General Department of Traffic (Moroor). Rules can be updated, and checking the official portals ensures you don't make an unnecessary trip.

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