Life changes — people get married, move house, change jobs — and sooner or later the details on your driving licence stop matching reality. If you’re wondering how to change your driving licence information in the UAE, the good news is that updating it is a straightforward process handled by each emirate’s transport authority. The not-so-good news is that the exact steps differ between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the northern emirates, so it pays to know the right route before you start.
This guide covers the most common updates — name changes, address changes, photo updates, and corrections to errors — plus the documents you’ll need, how to apply online or in person, typical fees, and how long it usually takes. All of it is general information based on official UAE processes; always confirm current requirements on the relevant authority’s portal before applying.
Quick Answer
To change your driving licence information in the UAE, apply through the transport authority of the emirate that issued your licence — RTA in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Police/TAMM in Abu Dhabi, or the Ministry of Interior’s MOI UAE app and service centres for Sharjah and the northern emirates. You’ll need your current licence, Emirates ID, and supporting documents proving the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a tenancy contract for an address change). Most updates can be done online and take a few working days.
How to Change Your Driving Licence Information: What Triggers an Update
Your driving licence is an official identity document, and the information on it should reflect your actual details. Common reasons drivers update their licence include:
- Name change — typically after marriage, divorce, or a legal name change.
- Address change — after moving to a new home or a different emirate.
- Photo update — when the old photo no longer resembles you.
- Correcting errors — misspelled names, wrong dates of birth, or incorrect nationality entries.
- Profession or sponsor changes — where the licence record includes employment-related details.
It’s also worth reviewing your licence details periodically even if nothing has changed. You can check your driving licence information online in a few minutes and catch errors before they cause problems — for example, when renting a car or dealing with insurance.
Changing Your Name on a Driving Licence
Name changes are the most paperwork-heavy update because the transport authority needs legal proof that the change is genuine. In all emirates, you’ll need your Emirates ID updated first — the licence follows the Emirates ID record, not the other way around. So if your name changed after marriage, start by updating it with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, which is also covered in our Emirates ID renewal and update guide.
Once your Emirates ID reflects the new name, the typical document set for the licence update includes:
- Current driving licence
- Updated Emirates ID (original)
- Passport showing the new name
- Legal proof of the name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, attested if issued outside the UAE
In Dubai, name-change requests go through the RTA, either online, through the RTA app, or at a customer happiness centre. In Abu Dhabi, the process runs through Abu Dhabi Police channels or TAMM. The authority verifies your documents against the Emirates ID database and issues a replacement licence with the corrected name. If your current licence is damaged while you’re going through this process, read how to replace a damaged driving licence — a replacement request and a name change can often be handled together.
Changing Your Address on a Driving Licence
Address updates are simpler than name changes but still require proof. Authorities generally want evidence that you actually live at the new address — commonly a tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai), a utility bill in your name, or an updated Emirates ID showing the new address.
A few practical points:
- In most cases, updating the address doesn’t require a brand-new physical licence — the record is corrected in the system and a replacement card is issued on request.
- If you’ve moved to a different emirate, check whether your licence needs transferring. Some drivers keep the licence issued in their original emirate; others are advised to transfer it — the transport authority’s customer service can confirm which applies to you.
- Address changes are a good moment to double-check your vehicle registration details too, since the registration record carries your address as well.
Updating Your Photo or Correcting Errors
If your licence photo is years old and no longer looks like you, you can request a photo update when applying for a replacement or renewal — you’ll need to visit a service centre in person so the new photo can be taken on the spot. For data errors (a misspelled name, wrong date of birth), bring the documents that show the correct information — usually your passport and Emirates ID — and the authority will correct the record after verification.
Once any correction is issued, consider getting the updated digital version as well. Our guide on how to download a digital driving licence explains how to pull the latest version onto your phone so the details you carry match the details in the system.
How to Apply: Online vs In Person
Most licence information updates can be started online:
- Identify your authority. Dubai → RTA website or app; Abu Dhabi → TAMM or Abu Dhabi Police channels; Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain → the MOI UAE app or website, or a local traffic department.
- Log in with UAE Pass or your registered account.
- Select the service — look for options like “modify driving licence data,” “replace driving licence,” or similar wording.
- Upload your documents — clear scans or photos of the licence, Emirates ID, and supporting proof.
- Pay the fee online if one applies.
- Track your request and collect or receive the updated licence.
If your case is unusual — a court-ordered name change, documents from another country, or a correction the system won’t accept online — visit a customer service centre in person with the originals. Staff can verify documents on the spot and process cases the online forms don’t cover.
Fees and Timelines
Fees for updating licence information vary by emirate and by the type of change. As a rough guide, simple data updates typically cost modest administrative fees plus the charge for issuing a replacement card — but exact amounts change, so check the official portal or app for the current fee before paying. Here’s what to expect in general:
| Type of change | Typical process | Rough timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Name change | Online or in person, with legal proof | A few working days |
| Address change | Online, with proof of residence | 1–3 working days |
| Photo update | In person at a service centre | Same day in many cases |
| Data correction | Online or in person, with supporting documents | A few working days |
Don’t let a pending update delay other obligations. If your licence is approaching expiry while you’re sorting out a correction, it’s worth checking how to check driving licence validity so you don’t get caught with an expired licence in the meantime — and review the UAE traffic fines guide to understand what’s at stake if document details don’t match up during a stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my driving licence information online?
Yes, in most emirates. Dubai’s RTA, Abu Dhabi’s TAMM, and the MOI UAE app all offer online services for modifying licence data or requesting a replacement with corrected details. Complex cases may still require an in-person visit.
Do I need to update my Emirates ID before my driving licence?
For name changes, yes — update your Emirates ID first, because the transport authority verifies against the Emirates ID database. For address changes, having the updated ID or separate proof of residence (like a tenancy contract) is usually sufficient.
What documents prove a name change for a driving licence update?
Typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, along with your updated Emirates ID and passport. Documents issued outside the UAE usually need attestation before they’ll be accepted.
Will I get a new physical licence after updating my information?
Usually, yes — a replacement card is issued with the corrected details, and a fee for the replacement card typically applies. The digital version in official apps updates at the same time.
I moved to a different emirate. Do I need a new licence?
Not necessarily. Many drivers keep the licence issued in their original emirate. However, updating your address record is still advisable, and in some situations the authority may recommend transferring the licence file — ask customer service for your specific case.
How long does a licence information update take?
Simple updates are often completed within one to three working days; name changes involving document verification can take a little longer. Applying online with complete, clear documents is the fastest route.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to change your driving licence information comes down to three things: update your Emirates ID first (for name changes), gather proof of the change, and apply through your emirate’s transport authority — RTA, TAMM/Abu Dhabi Police, or the MOI UAE app. Keep your documents clear and complete, check the current fee on the official portal, and download the updated digital licence once it’s issued. Accurate licence details mean fewer headaches at checkpoints, with insurers, and at car rental desks.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.