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 swap it for a Saudi licence without sitting a full driving test — as long as your country is on Saudi Arabia's approved list. In this Saudi Living guide we walk you through eligibility, the documents you'll need, the medical check, fees and the exact steps to complete the process the right way through official channels.

Are You Eligible for a Direct Replacement?

Direct replacement (swapping your foreign licence for a Saudi one without testing) is available only if your licence was issued by a country on Saudi Arabia's current approved-country list. This list can change over time, so before you start anything else, confirm your eligibility with the General Directorate of Traffic (Muroor). If your country is not on the list, you'll need to go through a driving school instead — more on that below.

The Official Channel: Absher

The standard, correct way to arrange a foreign-licence replacement is through Absher Individuals. The path is straightforward:

• Log in to Absher Individuals.
• Go to Appointments → Traffic → Replacement of Driving Licenses.
• Book the nearest available appointment at a Muroor branch.

The transaction itself is finalised in person at your scheduled Muroor appointment. Note that other government platforms such as Qiwa, Muqeem, Najiz, Nafath, Balady, Tawakkalna and Etimad are not the channels used for licence replacement — stick with Absher and Muroor.

Documents You'll Need

Gather these before your appointment so nothing delays your visit:

• Your original, valid foreign driving licence.
• A certified Arabic translation of that licence.
• Valid Iqama and passport (for non-Saudis).
• Four passport-style photographs, 4×6 cm.
• The completed application form.
• A sponsor identification letter, where requested.

Medical Check and Translation

Before your Muroor appointment you must complete an eye and general medical examination at an approved medical centre. This typically costs around SAR 150–250. You'll also need the certified Arabic translation of your licence, which usually runs about SAR 100–150. Handle both of these in advance, as they are prerequisites for a smooth appointment.

Fees and Payment

The government licence fee depends on the validity period you choose. Commonly reported amounts are SAR 80 for a two-year licence and SAR 250 for a five-year licence. Always confirm the exact payable amount in the government-payment system before you pay, as figures can change.

Payment is made through your Saudi bank's electronic services under government payments (SADAD) once the applicable fee appears in the system. Keep your payment confirmation for the appointment.

Completing the Process at Muroor

On the day, bring all your original documents plus your appointment confirmation to the Muroor branch. When your new Saudi licence is issued, your foreign licence is generally surrendered — so don't expect to keep both. One important point: the Saudi licence is valid for the period you selected and paid for; it does not automatically carry over the remaining validity of your foreign licence.

If You're Not Eligible for Direct Replacement

If your country isn't on the approved list, you'll follow the standard route through an approved driving school. This involves:

• Registering with an approved driving school.
• Completing the required theory and practical training.
• Passing the theory and practical tests.
• Paying the school and examination charges.

There's no single nationwide fixed total for this route, because school fees vary from one centre to another.

Total Cost at a Glance

For a direct replacement, budget roughly SAR 330–650 in total — combining the medical check, translation and government fee. This excludes transport and any optional additional testing. For anyone going through a driving school, add the school and exam fees, which differ by provider.

Do your homework first: confirm your eligibility with Muroor, prepare your documents, complete the medical and translation, then book through Absher. Getting these steps in order is the fastest way to be legally driving on Saudi roads.

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