Converting a Foreign Driving Licence in Saudi Arabia

If you already hold a driving licence from your home country, you may be able to swap it for a Saudi one without sitting a full driving course. The process is handled by the General Department of Traffic (Muroor) and is started online through Absher. This Saudi Living guide walks you through eligibility, documents, the medical test, and the official steps so you know exactly what to expect before you book an appointment.

Who Can Convert Directly?

Direct conversion is reserved for holders of a valid foreign licence issued by a country on the traffic authority's reciprocity list. That list currently includes around 48 countries. If your licence was issued by an approved country, you can apply to swap it straight away. If your country is not on the list, you'll generally need to follow the driving school route instead — enrolling, testing, and obtaining a Saudi licence from scratch.

Before you begin, make sure your foreign licence is still valid (not expired) and that your Iqama is current.

Documents You'll Need

• A valid Iqama (residence permit).
• Your valid foreign driving licence — clear copies of both the front and back.
• A certified Arabic or English translation of the licence, stamped by an approved translation office. This typically costs around SAR 100 and takes about 1–2 working days.
• A copy of your passport, including the visa page.
• A recent passport-style photo, 4×6 cm on a white background (or the digital equivalent).
• In many cases, expats may be asked for a sponsor or employer letter.

The Medical Test

A medical check is mandatory and covers vision and a blood test. It must be done at an approved clinic or hospital. In most cities the results are sent electronically to Muroor, so you usually don't need to carry paper results yourself. Budget roughly SAR 150–200 for the test, and keep your Iqama with you when you go.

Step-by-Step on Absher

1. Log into your Absher Individuals account (or create one) using your Iqama number and a Saudi mobile number.
2. Go to Services → Traffic → Driving Licenses → Replacement of Driving Licenses / Convert Foreign License.
3. Select your region and your preferred Muroor office.
4. Upload the required files: licence front, licence back, the certified translation, your Iqama, passport copy, and photo (as PDFs or images).
5. Book a Replacement of Driving Licenses appointment, then download and print the Arabic confirmation slip to bring with you.

On the day, arrive at your chosen Muroor branch with all original documents. Staff will verify your paperwork, confirm your medical results are on file, and process the new licence.

Fees and Licence Duration

The government issuance fee depends on how long you want the licence to be valid:

• SAR 80 for a 2-year licence.
• SAR 250 for a 5-year licence.

You may still come across older figures in circulation, such as SAR 200 for five years or SAR 400 for ten years. Because fee structures are periodically updated, always confirm the current amounts on Absher or with the Muroor office at the time you apply.

Practical Tips

• Get your translation done early — it's the item most likely to hold up your application.
• Double-check that the name on your licence, passport, and Iqama matches; mismatches can cause delays.
• Do the medical test before your appointment so results are already transmitted.
• Keep both digital and printed copies of every document.

Once approved, your Saudi driving licence is valid across the Kingdom. For the latest requirements, approved-country list, and exact fees, always rely on Absher and the General Department of Traffic as your official sources.

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