Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you already drive back home, you don't always have to start from scratch in Saudi Arabia. Depending on your nationality and the country that issued your licence, you may be able to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Saudi one without completing the full driving-school course. In this Saudi Living guide, we walk you through who qualifies, which documents you need, how to book through Absher, what it typically costs, and how long the process usually takes — so you can get on the road legally and with confidence.

Who can exchange a licence directly?

Saudi Traffic (Muroor) maintains a list of approved countries whose valid licences can be exchanged directly, meaning you skip the full training course. Eligibility is assessed case by case, and it depends on your nationality, the issuing country, and the current status of your foreign licence.

• If your licence is from an approved country and still valid, you are likely eligible for a direct exchange.
• If your licence is not eligible, you may need to enrol in a driving school and complete theory and practical training and testing.
• An International Driving Permit or your foreign licence alone is not a substitute for a Saudi licence if you are a resident.

Documents you'll need

Requirements can vary slightly by nationality and by the Muroor office handling your case, but you should generally prepare:

• Your original foreign driving licence.
• A certified Arabic translation of the licence.
• A valid Iqama (residency permit).
• A copy of your passport.
• Recent 4×6 cm photographs.
• The completed application form.
• For non-Saudis, employer identification details.

It's worth gathering everything before your appointment, since a missing document is the most common reason for delays.

How to book through Absher

The whole process is organised through the official Absher platform, with the final step completed in person at the Muroor office:

• Log in to Absher Individuals.
• Go to Appointments → Traffic.
• Select the service for replacing or exchanging a foreign driving licence.
• Choose a convenient Muroor office and time slot.
• Attend in person with your documents to complete the transaction.

The medical examination

An eye and medical-fitness examination at an approved centre is normally required before issuing your licence. This is a quick check-up, and the typical cost falls in the range of SAR 100–200. Keep the result handy, as you'll present it as part of your application.

What it costs

There is no single fixed government fee for the whole process — your total is made up of several smaller components. As a general guide:

• Certified Arabic translation: roughly SAR 65–100.
• Medical examination: around SAR 100–200.
• Government licence fee: commonly reported at about SAR 40, with examples such as SAR 80 for two years and SAR 200 for five years.

Altogether, a direct exchange usually works out to approximately SAR 300–600. If your licence isn't eligible for direct exchange and you need full driving-school training, reported totals range from about SAR 1,500 to SAR 3,500 depending on the school and the number of training hours. Always confirm the exact payable amount during the official Absher payment step.

Validity and timelines

When your Saudi licence is issued, you choose its validity period — reported options include two-year and five-year terms. This validity is independent of how much time is left on your foreign licence. A direct exchange is commonly completed in about one to two weeks, subject to appointment availability and approval of your documents.

A few practical tips

• Book your Absher appointment early, as slots at busy offices fill quickly.
• Use an accredited translation office so your Arabic translation is accepted without question.
• Double-check that your Iqama is valid and that your employer details are up to date.
• Requirements and fees can differ by nationality and office, so verify the latest details on the official Saudi government portals before you go.

At the time of writing, there is no verified nationwide change to the exchange fee schedule, the approved-country list, or resident deadlines. For the most current and accurate information, always rely on Absher and the relevant Saudi Traffic (Muroor) channels.

---

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