Planning to swap your UAE driving licence for one abroad? Then you’ll likely bump into something called the Driver Experience Certificate or, in true official style, the “To Whom It May Concern” certificate. It’s essentially a piece of paper that proves you’ve been driving in Dubai without racking up a messy record. And truth be told, this little document can make all the difference when applying for a new licence overseas.
How to Get a Driver Experience Certificate in Dubai for Overseas Licences
Why You’ll Need It
A lot of countries want reassurance that you’re not a hazard on the road. The UK, parts of Europe, and several other nations won’t just hand you a licence because you flash your Emirates ID. They want proof of your driving history — when you got your licence, whether you’ve had any major run-ins, and confirmation that your file is clean.
The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) issues this certificate digitally, and once stamped and authenticated, it works as an official driving report card. Employers may ask for it. Insurance companies sometimes need it. And, of course, foreign licensing authorities pretty much demand it. In practice, it’s a “don’t leave Dubai without it” type of document.
Before You Apply For The Dubai Driver Experience Certificate
Now, here’s the catch. You can’t apply with outstanding fines. So, if you’ve been ignoring those pesky speeding tickets on Sheikh Zayed Road, settle them first. Only once your record is squeaky clean will the RTA process your request.
Also, keep in mind that the certificate only reflects records from Dubai. So, if you once held a licence in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, that history won’t show up here. The issuance date recorded will also depend on where your licence was first granted. A tiny detail, but one that matters when another country is scrutinising your file.
Making It Valid Abroad
Here’s where it gets a little more official. For the certificate to carry weight internationally, you need two extra steps:
- Apply for the “To Whom It May Concern” certificate via the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website or app.
- Get the document authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.
Without those stamps, your certificate is about as useful overseas as a car without fuel.
How to Apply Online
Good news: the process is smooth, and you don’t need to queue up in a government office unless you really want to.
- RTA Website
- Log in with Emirates ID, licence details, UAE Pass, plate number, or your RTA account.
- Select Driver Experience Certificate.
- Pay the fees (Dh100 + Dh20 knowledge fee) with a credit card.
- Receive the certificate by email.
- Log in with Emirates ID, licence details, UAE Pass, plate number, or your RTA account.
- RTA Dubai Drive App (iOS & Android)
- Open the app, log in or continue as a guest.
- Select Driver Experience Certificate.
- Confirm licence details and reason for the certificate.
- Clear any fines, pay the fees, and the certificate lands in your inbox.
- Open the app, log in or continue as a guest.
Other Ways to Apply
If apps aren’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives:
- RTA website (rta.ae)
- Dubai Now app
- RTA self-service kiosks
- In-person at Customer Happiness Centres (Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar, Al Kifaf, Al Manarah)
- Tasjeel centres in Barsha, Qusais, and Al Twar
- Shamil, Tamam, or Wasel vehicle testing facilities
Also Read: You Can Get Your Driving License Renewed In Just Three Minutes In Dubai; Here’s How
A Few Final Notes
The certificate is valid for 60 days. So, don’t get it months before you plan your overseas move or you’ll just be reapplying.
To be fair, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. But let’s face it, nothing feels quite as satisfying as receiving that email confirming you’ve officially ticked off another piece of Dubai admin. And in this case? It could save you a lot of hassle when starting fresh behind the wheel abroad
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