Steps to Replace a Foreign Driver’s License with a Saudi License via Absher

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Many residents and expatriates in Saudi Arabia hold valid driver’s licenses from their home countries and are looking for a way to convert them into a Saudi license without starting from scratch. The good news: The General Directorate of Traffic provides the Foreign Driver’s License Replacement service electronically through the Absher platform, in simple steps.

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In this article, we will explain everything about replacing a foreign license: the requirements, steps, required documents, and fees.

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Requirements for Replacing a Foreign Driver’s License

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To be able to replace your license, the following requirements must be met:

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  • You must have a valid residency permit (Iqama) (legal resident)

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  • The foreign driver’s license must be valid and not expired

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  • The license must be issued by a country recognized by Saudi Traffic (list of recognized countries)

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  • If the license is in a language other than Arabic or English, a certified translation is required

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  • Passing the medical examination through “Efidah” clinics

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Required Documents

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  • Original residency permit (Iqama) + a copy

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  • Passport + a copy

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  • Foreign driver’s license (original)

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  • Certified translation of the license into Arabic (if in another language)

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  • Personal photos (2 copies)

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  • Medical examination certificate from Efidad clinics

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  • An Absher account (Individuals)

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Steps to Replace the License via Absher

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First: Medical Examination
\nBefore you begin, go to the nearest clinic accredited in the “Efidah” system and complete the medical examination. The examination includes: vision test, blood type, and general examination. The results are sent electronically to Traffic, and no paper is needed.

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Second: Booking an Appointment in Absher
\n1. Log in to the Absher website: absher.sa
\n2. Select “Absher Individuals” and log in
\n3. Click on “Appointments”
\n4. Select “Traffic”
\n5. Click “Book New Appointment”
\n6. Select the “Driver’s License Replacement” service
\n7. Specify the region and choose the appropriate Traffic branch for you
\n8. Fill in the required data: license type, number, expiration date, issuing country, license language
\n9. Upload an image of the license (front and back) in PDF format
\n10. Agree to the terms and conditions
\n11. Choose the appointment that suits you
\n12. Print the appointment ticket

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Third: Paying the Fees
\nThe fee for replacing a foreign driver’s license is 200 Saudi Riyals (for a private license) + 40 Riyals issuance fee. You can pay via the Sadad system at an ATM or through your banking app.

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Fourth: Visiting Traffic
\nOn the day of the appointment, go to the Traffic branch where you booked and bring all original documents. The officer will verify your data and issue the Saudi license immediately on the same day.

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How Long Does License Replacement Take?

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The replacement process itself at Traffic does not take more than 15-20 minutes. However, booking an appointment depends on availability in your region. Some regions offer appointments within a week, while others may take two weeks.

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Countries Allowed to Replace Their Licenses

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Saudi Arabia has expanded the list of accredited countries for direct replacement. Among the most popular countries are: USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and others. If your country is not on the list, you will have to take a training course at a driving school and pass the test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Does license replacement require a driving test?
\nA: No, if your country is one of the accredited countries, you do not need a test — you just submit the documents and receive the license.

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Q: Can a visitor replace their license?
\nA: No, the service is exclusively for residents. Visitors can drive with their home country’s license for one year from the date of entry.

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Q: Is the medical examination mandatory?
\nA: Yes, the medical examination is mandatory for anyone applying for license replacement.

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س: كم رسوم استبدال رخصة القيادة الأجنبية؟
\nج: 200 ريال للرخصة الخاصة + 40 ريال رسوم إصدار = 240 ريال إجمالاً.

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س: هل أقدر أسوي العملية كلها أونلاين؟
\nج: الحجز والبيانات كلها عن بعد، لكن لازم تحضر بنفسك للمرور عشان تستلم الرخصة وتصوير بصمتك.

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إذا عندك أي استفسار إضافي، تقدر تتصل على رقم المرور الموحد 993 أو تزور موقع أبشر absher.sa.

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