Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you've recently moved to Saudi Arabia or you're a long-term resident, converting your foreign driving licence into a Saudi one is a straightforward process for most people — provided your licence was issued by an approved country. This guide walks you through eligibility, the documents you'll need, realistic costs, and the exact channel to use so you can drive legally and avoid problems at traffic checkpoints.

Who can exchange a licence without a driving test?

Saudi Arabia maintains a list of 48 approved countries. If your foreign licence was issued by one of these countries, you can generally exchange it directly for a Saudi licence without sitting a driving test. This is the fastest and most affordable route.

As a resident, you may usually continue driving on a valid foreign or international licence for up to 12 months after your arrival. After that period, you must exchange it or obtain a Saudi licence to keep driving legally.

If your country is not on the approved list

If your licence was issued by a country that is not on the approved list, direct exchange is normally not available. In that case, you'll typically need to:

• Register with an authorised driving school.
• Complete the required training.
• Pass the official testing.
• Then have your Saudi licence issued through the regular traffic process.

Documents you'll need

Prepare originals and clear copies before your appointment. The commonly required items are:

• A valid Iqama (residency permit).
• Your valid foreign driving licence.
• Passport or national identity document.
• Passport-size photographs.
• An approved Arabic translation of your licence, where required.
• A medical and vision examination result from an approved clinic.
• Proof of payment for the licence fee.

The step-by-step process

The exchange is handled through official government channels. The main booking tool is أبشر (Absher), but you'll still complete in-person verification at a Traffic Department (Muroor) office.

• Medical test: Complete your vision and medical fitness test at an approved clinic.
• Translation: Obtain an approved Arabic translation of your foreign licence if it's required.
• Pay the fee: Pay the government licence fee for your chosen validity period.
• Book your appointment: Open Absher Individuals → Appointments → Traffic → book an appointment at a Traffic/Muroor office.
• Attend in person: Bring all originals and copies to your appointment.
• Surrender or present your foreign licence and complete any required verification.
• Receive your Saudi licence once approved.

Note that platforms such as مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, and توكلنا are not the primary channel for exchanging a foreign driving licence — Absher is the tool you need for appointments and related traffic services.

Costs and fees to expect

The government licence fee follows a standard private-licence tariff of SAR 40 per year:

• 2 years: SAR 80
• 5 years: SAR 200
• 10 years: SAR 400

Be aware that some current guidance reports SAR 250 for a 5-year licence instead of SAR 200. Always treat the amount shown to you in the official payment or issuance system as the correct figure.

Beyond the licence fee, budget for:

• Arabic translation: commonly around SAR 100–150.
• Medical/vision examination: commonly around SAR 100–200.

All in, a typical direct exchange costs approximately SAR 280–550, excluding optional extras like photographs, copies, and transport. The final amount depends mainly on translation fees, medical fees, and the licence duration you choose.

Validity and practical tips

Your Saudi licence is issued for the period you select and pay for, calculated at the SAR 40 Choosing a longer validity (5 or 10 years) saves you repeat visits in future.

• Don't let your 12-month grace period lapse — plan the exchange early.
• Bring extra copies of every document to avoid delays.
• Confirm whether your specific licence requires an approved Arabic translation before your appointment.
• For any fee discrepancy, rely on the figure displayed in the official Saudi government system.

With the right documents and an Absher appointment, most eligible residents complete the exchange smoothly. For the latest requirements and fees, always confirm on the official Saudi government portals.

---

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