The quickest way to replace a lost driving licence in the UAE is exclusively online through the official channels of your issuing emirate's traffic authority, with RTA Dubai processing applications the fastest, often within 48 hours for delivery. The standard fee for a replacement card is AED 300, but the total cost can rise to around AED 420 when including knowledge and innovation fees and express delivery, especially in Dubai. Here's a cost comparison for the main service:
| Authority | Replacement Card Fee (AED) | Estimated Total Cost with Fees & Delivery (AED) | Typical Processing Time |
|---|
| RTA Dubai | 300 | ~420 | 24-48 hours |
| Abu Dhabi Police (MOI UAE) | 300 | ~400 | 3-5 working days |
Key data points from official sources:
- The driving licence card itself is a standard plastic card valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the holder's age and medical fitness, as per Federal Traffic Law (MOI UAE).
- RTA Dubai reports that over 95% of its licence-related services, including replacements, are completed digitally, with no need to visit a customer happiness centre for this specific transaction.
- The total cost calculation is based on the RTA's published fee structure: AED 300 (card) + AED 20 (knowledge fee) + AED 10 (innovation fee) + AED 90 (express delivery via Empost within Dubai) = AED 420.
The process is straightforward: log into the RTA Dubai or MOI UAE smart app using your UAE Pass, select "Replace a Lost Driving Licence," pay the fee, and your new card is printed and dispatched. You can use the digital version in the app immediately while waiting for the physical card. For urgent needs within Abu Dhabi, visiting a licensed typing centre affiliated with Abu Dhabi Police might expedite the submission, but the card production timeline remains similar. Always ensure your traffic file has no outstanding fines, as this will block the transaction.
