I hold a foreign licence
Find out whether your valid licence can be exchanged or recognised, and which supporting documents your Muroor appointment requires.
Foreign licence guide ↓Home / Life Admin / Driving licences
MEACH LIFE ADMIN · DRIVING & TRANSPORTYour driving licence in Riyadh.
Exchange a foreign licence, apply for your first Saudi licence or renew an existing one. Here are the starting points, the official portals and useful local services.
Step 01
Which situation applies to you?
Choose the correct administrative route first. Do not confuse a foreign licence exchange with renewal or a replacement for a lost Saudi licence.
I need my first licence
Start with an authorised driving school through Absher. Training, assessment and medical checks may be required.
First licence guide ↓I already have a Saudi licence
Renew an eligible private or motorcycle licence using Absher, subject to the relevant requirements.
Renewal guide ↓Foreign licence holders
Exchanging a driving licence
A licence issued abroad is not automatically exchangeable. Eligibility, recognition and potential test exemptions depend on the issuing country, the licence and Traffic Department rules. Check your exact situation through Absher or Muroor.
- Check your eligibility and prepare the licence.Keep your original foreign licence valid, and check whether your country and licence type are accepted for exchange.
- Prepare supporting documents.For residents, typically check Iqama, passport, original licence and a certified Arabic translation when requested. The exact checklist is confirmed by the service.
- Complete a medical examination where required.Choose a medical centre authorised for driving licence examinations and confirm that the result is reported electronically through Efada/Traffic.
- Book through Absher → Appointments → Traffic.Choose the available replacement / foreign licence service, region and appointment, if offered to your account.
- Attend the appointment and follow the official instructions.Bring required originals and proof of appointment. The authority will confirm any further evaluation, payment and issue requirements.
First-time drivers
Applying for your first Saudi licence
Official Absher guidance describes booking or updating an appointment with a Traffic-authorised driving school, followed by the applicable training and tests. A medical check at an approved centre is required.
Already licensed in Saudi Arabia
Renewing a Saudi driving licence
For an eligible private or motorcycle licence, the government lists the online route as Absher → My Services → Traffic → Renew Driving License. Medical examination, applicable fees, fines and eligibility conditions must be satisfied. Check the current details in your account.
Official renewal guide ↗Useful local contacts · Riyadh
Translation offices and medical centres.
Important: These are independent examples with published service information — not MEACH partners or guaranteed approvals. Before visiting, confirm they can handle your specific driving-licence application, your language, and any required stamp or Efada upload.
Certified Arabic translation
In Saudi Arabia you will generally see the term certified translation (ترجمة معتمدة). Ask the Traffic Department which certification it accepts for your particular file.
Al Murabba · Riyadh
Nile Valley Certified Translation
Publishes its commercial registration and a Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission licence. Ask for a driving-licence quote.
Visit official website ↗ Al Olaya · RiyadhHigh Project Translation
Explicitly advertises certified driving-licence translations. Confirm language, official stamp and turnaround.
View translation services ↗You can also consult the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission's translator directory ↗. Certification for one type of document does not guarantee acceptance by Muroor.
Driving licence medical examination
A licence medical examination can include a vision check and other required tests. Ask whether the centre is authorised for your application and submits results through Efada/Absher; a regular optician's sight test may not be sufficient.
Al Taawun · Riyadh
Medical World Clinics
Advertises driving-licence examinations, vision checks and electronic connection to Efada and Traffic.
See examination details ↗ Omm Al Hamam · RiyadhOmm Al Hamam Polyclinic
Lists driving-licence medical examinations including vision and other health checks.
See medical examinations ↗To locate other licensed medical establishments, consult the official Ministry of Health facility directory ↗ and verify that the specific location performs the driving-licence exam.
Sourced guidance · Last researched 23 October 2026
Official links first.
Government instructions take priority over community tips. This guide is informational, not legal or immigration advice, and it does not guarantee a licence exchange, clinic approval or application outcome.
Always check before travelling.
Opening hours, fees, mandatory documents, required tests and provider accreditation can change. Never share Absher passwords or verification codes with third parties.