Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you have moved to Saudi Arabia with a valid driving licence from your home country, you may be able to convert it into a Saudi licence without sitting a full driving test. The process is managed by the General Department of Traffic (Muroor) and handled largely online through أبشر. In this guide, سعودي ليفنج walks you through who qualifies, the documents you need, the medical check, translation requirements, and the step-by-step route to receiving your Saudi licence.

Who can convert without a driving test

Foreign licence conversion is currently available for resident expatriates who hold a valid iqama. A direct conversion path — meaning no driving test — is offered to holders of licences issued by a defined list of 48 approved countries spanning Europe, Asia-Pacific, the GCC and wider MENA region, North America, and South Africa.

• If your issuing country is on the approved list, you can usually convert directly: submit documents, attend your appointment, and receive the Saudi licence once approved.
• If your country is not on the list, the online system will block the conversion option and redirect you to register with a certified driving school for the standard testing path.

Because the approved list can change, confirm your country's status on أبشر before booking anything else.

Documents you'll need

Preparing your paperwork in advance is the single biggest time-saver. The typical document set includes:

• A valid iqama (residence permit).
• Your original foreign driving licence, plus clear front and back scans in a compressed PDF or image file.
• A certified Arabic translation of the foreign licence, stamped by an approved translation office or online translation service.
• A copy of your passport, including the visa page, and — if requested — a sponsor letter.
• A recent passport-sized photo with a white background (commonly 4×6 cm or the digital equivalent).
• A medical report from an approved centre covering eyesight and basic health.

The medical examination

The medical check is a required step and is carried out at an approved clinic or medical centre. Common checks cover vision, blood pressure, and general health. Many centres upload the results electronically straight into the traffic system, though it is wise to carry a printed copy to your appointment as a backup. The exam typically costs around SAR 150–200, but confirm the current fee with the centre before you go.

Translation requirements

Your foreign licence must be translated into Arabic by a certified translation office or an approved online service, with an official stamp. Make sure both the front and back are translated and that the details match your original licence exactly. Any mismatch between the translation and the licence can delay approval, so review it carefully before uploading.

Step-by-step: doing it through أبشر

The whole process runs through your أبشر (Individuals) account. Here is the general flow:

• Log in to أبشر and go to Traffic services → Driving Licenses → Replacement of Driving Licenses / Driving License Conversion / Replace Foreign License.
• Enter your licence details. The system will confirm whether your country qualifies for direct conversion or redirects you to a driving school.
• Complete your medical examination at an approved centre and secure your Arabic translation.
• Book an appointment with Muroor via أبشر under Appointments → Traffic → Replacement of Driving Licenses.
• Pay the licence issuance fee through Sadad in your bank app, under government services / driving licence issuance.
• Attend your appointment with all original documents. If everything is approved, you'll receive your Saudi driving licence.

Tips for a smooth conversion

• Double-check that your iqama is valid and won't expire soon, as the licence validity can be linked to it.
• Compress your scans before uploading to avoid file-size rejections.
• Bring both digital and printed copies of everything to your appointment.
• Since exact fees and the approved-country list can change, always confirm the latest details directly on أبشر before you start.

With your documents in order and your appointment booked, converting a foreign licence is a straightforward process for most eligible residents — and it means you can drive legally in the Kingdom without repeating a test you've already passed at home.

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