Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you're settling into life in Saudi Arabia, one of the first practical tasks is sorting out your driving. Instead of starting from scratch, many expats can convert a valid foreign driving licence into a Saudi one. The process is managed through أبشر under Traffic services, using the “Replacement of Driving Licenses” function combined with an appointment at a Muroor (traffic police) office. This Saudi Living guide walks you through who qualifies, what documents you need, and how the process works step by step.

Two Paths: Direct Conversion or Driving School

Your route depends on your nationality and where your current licence was issued:

• Direct conversion — available to nationals of an official list of around 48 countries whose valid foreign licence can be exchanged without repeating training.
• Full driving school training and tests — required for other nationalities (including most South Asian, Southeast Asian, African, and South American countries). This involves enrolment, lessons, and passing the official tests.

Before doing anything else, confirm whether your issuing country appears on the conversion list within the Traffic Department system. If it does, you can proceed with the simpler direct route below.

Who Is Eligible for Direct Conversion

To convert your licence directly, you generally need:

• A valid foreign driving licence (not expired).
• Your nationality and issuing country to match the approved conversion list.
• A valid iqama (residence permit).

If any of these don't apply, you'll likely be directed toward the driving school path instead.

Documents You'll Need

Prepare the following before booking your appointment. Gathering everything in advance saves you a return trip:

• Original foreign driving licence.
• Arabic translation of the licence (front and back), usually done by a certified translator.
• Copy of your iqama.
• Copy of your passport (bio page, and often the visa page).
• 2–4 recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background).
• A medical report (eye test plus a basic blood test) from an approved clinic.
• In some cases, a sponsor letter for non-Saudis.

Step-by-Step: How the Conversion Works

The typical flow for a direct conversion is straightforward once your paperwork is ready:

• Get the Arabic translation. Have your foreign licence translated by a certified translator, covering both sides.
• Complete the medical tests. Do the vision and blood tests at an approved medical center. Results are either printed or uploaded electronically through the medical system.
• Log in to أبشر (Individuals) using your iqama number and Saudi mobile number, or create an account if you don't have one.
• Book your appointment. Navigate to Services → Traffic → Driving Licenses → Replacement of Driving Licenses, choose your region and traffic office, and reserve a slot.
• Upload documents. Attach scans of your licence, the translation, iqama, passport, and photo as prompted in the appointment flow.
• Pay the licence fee electronically before your appointment, then print or save the payment receipt.
• Attend the Muroor office at your booked time with the originals, your printed appointment slip, and the payment receipt. After document verification, your Saudi licence is issued.

Fees and Validity Periods

For a standard private driving licence (2025–2026 practice):

• SAR 200 for 5-year validity.
• SAR 400 for a longer 10-year validity, where offered.

Fees can be revised over time, so always confirm the current amount on أبشر at the payment stage before your appointment.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Make sure your iqama is valid throughout the process — an expired iqama will stall your application.
• Double-check your Arabic translation includes both sides of the licence; missing details are a common reason for delays.
• Keep the medical test recent, as older results may not be accepted.
• Bring both originals and copies to your appointment, along with printed confirmations.

For the most up-to-date list of eligible countries, fees, and appointment availability, always verify directly through أبشر and the Traffic Department, as procedures and figures may be updated.

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