Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you already hold a valid driving licence from your home country, you may be able to skip driving school entirely and convert it into a Saudi licence. In this Saudi Living guide, we walk you through who qualifies, the exact steps, the documents you'll need, and a realistic idea of the total cost — so you can drive legally in the Kingdom with minimal hassle.

Who Can Convert a Foreign Licence?

Direct conversion is currently available to nationals of a defined list of around 48 countries whose licences are recognised by the Saudi authorities. If your country is on this list, you avoid the full driving-school route and simply exchange your existing licence for a Saudi one after completing the required checks.

If your country is not on the approved list, you'll need to follow the standard process through an accredited driving school, including training and testing. Because the eligible-country list can be updated, always confirm your status on the official Absher platform before booking anything.

Documents You'll Need

Requirements can vary slightly between Traffic Department (Muroor) offices, but you should generally prepare:

• Your original valid foreign driving licence.
• An official Arabic translation of the licence if it is not already in Arabic (typically SAR 100–150).
• A valid Iqama (residence permit) and passport.
• Recent passport-size photographs.
• A completed medical and eye test from an approved clinic.

Make photocopies of everything in advance, as some offices ask for copies alongside the originals.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Works

The conversion is handled by Muroor (the Traffic Department), with appointments booked through Absher. A typical journey looks like this:

• Translate your licence: Get a certified Arabic translation if required.
• Complete the medical test: Visit an approved clinic or Efada-linked centre for the standard eye and medical check (typically SAR 115–250).
• Book an appointment: Log in to Absher, select the Traffic Department licence service, and choose an available slot at your nearest Muroor office.
• Pay the fee: Settle the issuance fee electronically via the Sadad system linked to Absher or through your bank app. Cash payment is still possible at some Muroor offices.
• Attend your appointment: Submit your documents, complete any final checks, and receive your Saudi driving licence.

Choosing Your Licence Validity

When you pay, you can select how long your Saudi licence will be valid. The standard government tariff is based on roughly SAR 40 per year of validity:

• 2-year private licence: SAR 80.
• 5-year private licence: SAR 200 (some guides still quote around SAR 250, reflecting older practice or added service charges).
• 10-year private licence: SAR 400.

Most residents opt for the 5-year or 10-year options for convenience and to avoid frequent renewals.

What Does Conversion Really Cost?

Beyond the issuance fee, factor in translation, the medical test, and small miscellaneous costs. Based on 2025–2026 figures, a realistic breakdown looks like this:

• Licence translation: SAR 100–150.
• Medical / eye test: SAR 115–250.
• Issuance fee (2 or 5 years most commonly): SAR 80–250.
• Miscellaneous (photos, copies, booking overhead): SAR 50–75.

Altogether, most applicants can expect a total in the range of roughly SAR 350–600, depending on the validity period they choose and clinic pricing.

Practical Tips Before You Start

• Confirm your country's eligibility on Absher before paying for translation or a medical test.
• Keep both originals and copies of every document with you at your appointment.
• Book your medical test and Absher appointment close together to avoid expired paperwork.
• Because fees and lists can change, always verify the latest figures and requirements through the official Absher platform or your local Traffic Department office.

With a little preparation, converting your foreign licence is one of the smoother administrative tasks you'll handle after arriving — and it gets you legally on the road across the Kingdom.

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