UAE Driver Experience Certificate: Essential Steps for Application, Fees, and MOFA Attestation

Dubai residents planning to relocate abroad and seeking to apply for a driving licence in their new country will find their UAE driving history crucial. To provide proof of driving experience, individuals must obtain a Driver Experience Certificate from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

This article outlines the significance of the Driver Experience Certificate, the application process, and the necessary attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for international use.

Understanding the Driver Experience Certificate

The Driver Experience Certificate is an official document that details an individual’s traffic records, including the issuance date of their driving licence as recorded in the issuing emirate. This certificate has been updated to align with international standards, making it suitable for use abroad.

Not only does the Driver Experience Certificate validate driving history in foreign jurisdictions, but it also serves as an official traffic record that can be presented to potential employers requiring proof of driving experience. For those without a driving licence or training file, a ‘To Whom It May Concern’ Certificate can be requested from the RTA and the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) to document previous traffic records.

Key Considerations Before Applying

Before initiating the application for the Driver Experience Certificate, applicants should be aware of the following requirements:

• Eligibility for application is limited to individuals holding a driving licence issued in Dubai.
• All outstanding fines and dues with the RTA must be settled prior to application.
• The Driver Experience Certificate requires authentication by MOFA for international validity.
• The certificate is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

Application Process for the Driver Experience Certificate

Applying for the Driver Experience Certificate can be conveniently done online through the RTA website or the RTA Dubai app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

To apply via the RTA website, follow these steps:

1. Visit rta.ae, navigate to ‘RTA Services’, and select ‘Apply for a Driver Experience Certificate’.
2. Log in using one of the following: Emirates ID number and expiry date, driving licence number and issuance date, or vehicle plate number.
3. Enter the one-time password sent to your registered phone number for identity verification.
4. Pay any outstanding fines and fees.
5. Upon successful submission, the certificate will be emailed to you instantly.

Cost: The application service fee is Dh100, with an additional Dh20 Knowledge and Innovation fee.

Attestation Requirements for International Use

To ensure the Driver Experience Certificate is valid for use outside the UAE, it must be authenticated and stamped by MOFA.

Imran Khan, managing director at I K Lawyers, noted that while the certificate does not require attestation for local use, it must be authenticated for international purposes. Depending on the destination country, further legalisation, such as apostille or embassy attestation, may be necessary. This attestation process certifies the traffic record by the authorities, making it admissible in court and facilitating job applications, visa processes, and the acquisition of an international driving licence.

To attest the Driver Experience Certificate, applicants must first obtain it from the RTA, ensuring it includes a verification mechanism such as a QR code, reference number, or barcode.

Steps for Digital Attestation

To complete the digital attestation process, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official MOFA service portal at mofa.gov.ae/en/services/attestation and register for the service.
2. Select ‘Digital document’ from the available options.
3. Enter the required details, including the issuing authority, document type, and applicant information.
4. Confirm that the document was issued in the UAE and select the destination country.
5. Upload the Driver Experience Certificate.
6. Review the information and pay the fees using a credit card.
7. A confirmation message will be sent upon successful submission, including a reference number to track the application status via ‘My Workspace’ on MOFA’s website. The process typically takes around two hours during working hours.

For those preferring a courier-based attestation, MOFA offers a service where the document will be sent to the applicant via courier within one to three working days, depending on the provider.

Cost: The attestation service fee is Dh150.

For further details, visit the original reporting source: www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-07-26 18:16:00 • By the Editorial Desk