Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you already hold a valid driving licence from your home country, you may not need to start from scratch in Saudi Arabia. The General Directorate of Traffic (Muroor) allows eligible residents to convert an approved foreign licence into a Saudi one through the Absher platform, without repeating a full driving course. This Saudi Living guide walks you through eligibility, the exact steps, the documents you need, and what to expect at the traffic office in 2026.

Who Can Convert (and the 3-Month Rule)

To be eligible for conversion rather than a brand-new licence, you generally need two things: a valid Iqama (resident ID) and a valid driving licence issued by a country on the Kingdom's approved list. If your licence comes from a country that is not on that list, you'll typically need to follow the standard new-licence process, including full testing at a driving school.

• Your foreign licence must still be valid (not expired).
• Your Iqama must be active.
• You should ideally complete the conversion within 3 months of receiving your Iqama.

Because the approved-country list is updated periodically, confirm your country's status on the official traffic services before beginning.

Step 1: Translate and Do the Medical Test

Two preparations happen before you touch Absher:

• Certified Arabic translation: Take your foreign licence to a certified translation office and get an official Arabic translation of both the front and back.
• Medical examination: Visit an approved clinic or hospital for a basic check-up that includes an eye/vision test, blood group, and general health assessment. The result is linked electronically to the traffic system under your Iqama number, so you usually don't carry a paper report — but keep any copy you're given.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment on Absher

Log in to your Absher Individuals account and navigate to Traffic → Appointments, then choose the service for replacing or issuing a licence for non-Saudis (labelled as "Replacement of Driving Licenses," "Replace Foreign License," or "License Issuance for Non-Saudis" depending on your region).

• Select a convenient Muroor office or designated driving school.
• Upload the required documents on the appointment screen (typically the front/back of your licence plus the Arabic translation; some regions also ask for Iqama, passport, and photos).
• In several regions you'll also submit documents through the Saudi Driving License Portal (sdlp.sa) under the "Service for converting foreign driving license," then wait for preliminary approval via SMS or Absher.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

Licence issuance fees are usually paid online through Sadad or your banking app before the appointment. Complete payment early so there are no delays on the day. As fees vary and are updated over time, check the exact amount shown in your Absher/SDLP request rather than relying on a fixed figure.

Step 4: Attend the Traffic Office

On your appointment day, bring your original documents and printed appointment slip to the Muroor office or designated replacement centre. Even for conversions, the officer may — at their discretion — request a short theory or practical driving test, so it's wise to be prepared.

Once approved, your Saudi licence is usually printed on the spot, or delivered within about 1–3 business days, or sent via postal delivery depending on your region.

Documents Checklist

• Original Iqama + a copy.
• Original foreign driving licence (front and back) + a copy.
• Certified Arabic translation of the licence.
• Medical report / Efada result from an approved clinic or hospital.
• Passport copy (bio page).
• Passport-size photos with a white background (usually 2–4).
• Printed Absher appointment slip.

Practical Tips

• Do the translation and medical test first — they're prerequisites for a smooth Absher submission.
• Double-check spellings of your name against your passport and Iqama to avoid mismatches.
• Keep both the original and photocopies of every document on the day.
• If your country isn't on the approved list, budget extra time for testing at a driving school.

For the most current requirements, approved-country list, and fees, always confirm on the official Absher platform and the Saudi traffic services before you begin.

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