How to Renew Driving License in Saudi Arabia

Are you looking to renew your driving license in Saudi Arabia? You’ll be happy to know the entire process now takes just minutes instead of hours! No more standing in long lines or dealing with mountains of paperwork.

The Saudi driving license renewal process has become incredibly straightforward thanks to the Absher platform. You can now complete everything online from the comfort of your home. The renewal fees vary based on how long you want your license to be valid – 80 Saudi Riyals for 2 years, 200 Saudi Riyals for 5 years, or 400 Saudi Riyals for 10 years.

Timing matters when planning your renewal. You must wait until your license has less than 180 days of validity remaining before you can start the process. Don’t wait too long, though! If you miss the renewal deadline, you’ll face penalties of 100 Saudi Riyals for each year of delay, up to a maximum of 500 Saudi Riyals.

A valid Absher account
All traffic violations cleared
A completed medical examination

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of how to renew your driving license in KSA. We’ll cover everything from gathering the requirements to completing your payment and receiving your new license. Follow our instructions and you’ll have your renewed license in no time!

Requirements for Saudi Driving License Renewal

Do you want to renew your Saudi driving license without any hassle? You must first meet several essential requirements. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to complete the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.

Iqama and Absher account

You must have an active Absher account with all your details correctly registered. If you’re a Saudi citizen, make sure you have a valid Civil Affairs ID. For expatriates, a valid Iqama (residency permit) is mandatory.

Keep your information updated! Your mobile number and other personal details must be up-to-date on the Absher platform to ensure you receive all notifications regarding your renewal status.

First-time Absher users should complete the registration and activation process before trying to renew their license. This registration is your gateway to all government services in the Kingdom.

Medical test and fingerprint status

A medical examination is essential for driving license renewal in Saudi Arabia. Visit an Efada-approved medical center to complete this requirement. Here’s what the medical test includes:

Blood sampling to determine your blood group (which will appear on your license)
Eye testing to check color differentiation and vision capabilities
General health assessment by a physician

The medical test costs approximately SR 150 plus VAT. After completing the test, the results are automatically updated in the Absher system. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation from seha.sa when this happens.

Your fingerprint status must also be enrolled in the Ministry of Interior systems, along with a recent photograph. This biometric verification keeps the process secure and prevents fraud.

License validity under 180 days

Timing is critical! You can only start the renewal process when your driving license has less than 180 days remaining before expiration. The official Absher platform enforces this requirement to ensure timely renewals and prevent last-minute applications.

If you attempt to renew before this six-month window, the system will reject your application. Plan your renewal within this timeframe to avoid any inconvenience.

Clearing traffic violations

Before renewing your license, you must clear all outstanding traffic violations. Any unpaid fines will prevent your renewal application from being processed.

You can pay your traffic violations through several government payment channels:

Bank ATMs
Absher platform
SADAD service

Once you’ve paid all your traffic fines, your record will be updated automatically. This allows you to proceed with the renewal process without any roadblocks.

How to Renew a Driving License in KSA via Absher

Looking to renew your Saudi driving license without visiting the traffic department? Thanks to the Absher platform, the entire process is now quick and easy to complete online. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have your renewed license in no time!

Log in to the Absher platform

First, visit the official Absher website (www.absher.sa) or open the Absher mobile application on your device. Enter your username and password to access your account. If you’re using the mobile app, you may need to verify your identity using fingerprint or facial recognition, depending on your phone’s settings.

Navigate to Traffic Services

Once you’re logged in, look for the “My Services” tab on your dashboard and click it. Next, select “Traffic” from the list of services shown on your screen. Find and click the “Renew Driving License” option. This directs you to a service description page, where you can review all terms and conditions before proceeding.

Select license type and duration

After reviewing the service details, click “Next” to proceed. The system will show your personal information for you to verify. Now choose your license type (private or motorcycle) and pick how long you want it to be valid for. Your options are:

2 years (80 SAR)
5 years (200 SAR)
10 years (400 SAR)

Remember, private driving licenses cost 40 SAR per year, while motorcycle licenses have different pricing.

Confirm and pay through SADAD

Double-check all your information and click “Confirm Renewal.” The system will ask you to pay the renewal fees through one of these payment methods:

Bank ATMs
Direct payment through Absher
SADAD service via your banking app
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mada, Mastercard)

Choose a delivery or collection method

Finally, decide how you want to receive your new license:

Have it delivered to your registered Saudi National Address for 17.25 SAR
Visit a traffic department office with your original ID and old license
Pick it up from authorized centers like Dallah Driving School

After completing these steps, you’ll get a confirmation message on your mobile number. Ensure that all your details are accurate to avoid any delays. If you choose postal delivery, you’ll receive tracking information via SMS, allowing you to monitor your shipment status.

Driving License Renewal Fees in Saudi Arabia

Do you want to renew your Saudi driving license? Understanding the fees will help you plan better. The Kingdom offers several renewal options to match your needs and budget. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll pay.

Private license fees by duration

The Saudi Traffic Department (Muroor) maintains a straightforward fee structure. For private vehicle licenses, the annual fee is 40 Saudi Riyals. Here’s what that means for different renewal periods:

40 SAR for a 1-year renewal
80 SAR for a 2-year renewal
200 SAR for a 5-year renewal
400 SAR for a 10-year renewal

Lost your license? No problem. Replacing a lost or damaged private driving license costs a flat fee of 100 SAR, regardless of the license type.

Motorcycle and commercial license fees

Riding a motorcycle? Good news – these licenses are cheaper. You’ll only pay 20 SAR per year, meaning a 10-year motorcycle license costs just 200 SAR. That’s half the price of a private vehicle license!

Commercial drivers face different rates:

Public Work Licenses: 100 SAR per year
200 SAR for a 2-year renewal
500 SAR for a 5-year renewal
1,000 SAR for a 10-year renewal

Heavy vehicle licenses cost 50 SAR annually.

How to pay via ATM or Absher

You have two easy ways to pay your renewal fees:

ATM payment method:

Select “Government Services” at any bank ATM
Choose “Payments” then “Driving License”
Enter your national ID number
Select your license type and renewal period
Complete the payment transaction

Absher payment method:

Log in to your Absher account
Navigate to “Traffic Services.”
Select “Driving License Renewal”
Choose your license type and duration
Pay using SADAD, Mada, Visa, or Mastercard

Once your payment is processed, it will be reflected in your account, and you can complete your license renewal through Absher. The system makes everything fast and straightforward!

Penalties and Common Issues to Avoid

Do you want to avoid hefty fines when renewing your Saudi driving license? We’ve put together this guide to help you steer clear of common problems that can cost you time and money.

Late renewal fines

The Saudi Traffic Department doesn’t take expired licenses lightly. Miss your renewal deadline and you’ll face an immediate fine of SR 240. Things get even worse if you’re caught driving with an expired license – the penalty jumps to between SR 300 and SR 500.

In worst-case scenarios, traffic authorities can impound your vehicle if they catch you driving with an expired license. Once these penalties are applied, they can’t be waived, making timely renewal essential.

Error messages during renewal

When using Absher for your license renewal, you might run into these common roadblocks:

“Only licenses with expiry dates less than 180 days are eligible for renewal.” This means you’re trying to renew too early. You need to wait until your license has fewer than 180 days of validity remaining.
“The medical report status or information is not available.” – Your Efada Medical Test results haven’t reached the system yet. Give it 24-48 hours, or contact the clinic to check if they’ve submitted your results.
Renewal Request Rejected – This typically occurs due to unpaid traffic violations, an expired Iqama, or missing medical test documentation.

Tips to avoid delays

We recommend these five steps to ensure your driving license renewal goes smoothly:

Set calendar reminders for one month before your license expires
Complete your Efada medical test early to give plenty of time for system updates
Check and clear all outstanding traffic violations through Absher before starting
If technical issues with Absher cause your license to expire, submit an objection request to avoid penalty fees
Make sure your Iqama (residency permit) is valid – expired permits will block your renewal

Follow our guidelines and you’ll navigate the renewal process without any unnecessary headaches or extra costs. We’ve helped countless drivers renew their licenses hassle-free, and you can be next!

FAQs

What are the steps to renew a driving license in Saudi Arabia?

To renew your driving license in Saudi Arabia, log into your Absher account, navigate to Traffic Services, select “Renew Driving License,” choose your license type and renewal duration, pay the fees through SADAD, and select your preferred delivery method. Ensure you have a valid Iqama, a clean driving record, and a recent medical examination before starting the process.

How much does it cost to renew a driving license for 10 years in Saudi Arabia?

The cost to renew a private driving license for 10 years in Saudi Arabia is 400 Saudi Riyals. This fee is based on the standard rate of 40 SAR per year for private vehicle licenses. For motorcycle licenses, the 10-year renewal fee is 200 SAR, while commercial permits have different pricing structures.

What is the cost of the medical test required for driving license renewal?

The medical test required for driving license renewal in Saudi Arabia typically costs around 150 Saudi Riyals plus VAT. This examination includes blood sampling, eye testing, and a general health assessment. The results are automatically updated to the Absher system once completed.

How can I check the expiry date of my driving license in Saudi Arabia?

To check your driving license expiry date, log into your Absher account, click on “My Services,” then “Inquiries,” followed by “Traffic,” and finally select “Public Query Driving License Information.” This will display your license details, including the expiration date.

What happens if I don’t renew my driving license on time in Saudi Arabia?

If you fail to renew your driving license on time in Saudi Arabia, you’ll face a fine of 240 SAR for late renewal. If caught driving with an expired license, the penalty increases to between 300 and 500 SAR. In severe cases, your vehicle may be impounded. To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to renew your license before it expires.