Convert Foreign Driving License to Saudi Eligibility and Step by Step Process
If you’re moving to Saudi Arabia and already have a valid driving license from your home country, the good news is that in many cases you can convert foreign driving license to Saudi driving license without going through full driving school again.
This guide walks you through eligibility, required documents, the Absher process, what happens at Muroor, and the practical tips that make the whole thing smoother for expats.
Eligibility for Converting a Foreign License in Saudi Arabia
Not every foreign license can be converted directly, so eligibility is the first thing to check.
In general, you can apply for conversion if
- You are a legal resident with a valid iqama
- You have an unexpired foreign driving license
- Your license is issued by a country accepted for exchange in Saudi Arabia
- You are applying through the General Department of Traffic (Muroor)
Saudi authorities have expanded direct conversion for licenses from dozens of countries, and the list is typically handled through Traffic services rather than published as one simple public page. Many expat guides report around 48 approved countries in recent updates.
If your license is not eligible for exchange, you will usually need the standard driving school route instead.
Documents You Need Before You Start
Before booking anything, gather these basics. Missing paperwork is the number one reason people get delayed.
Typical requirements include
- Original iqama plus a copy
- Original passport plus a copy
- Valid foreign driving license
- Official Arabic translation if the license is not in Arabic
- Passport sized photos (often two)
- Completed medical fitness report linked to Traffic services
- Absher account for appointment booking
- Medical Test (Efada) Requirement
One mandatory step is completing the Efada medical test for driving license services.
This is usually done at an Efada approved clinic and includes
- Vision test
- Blood group test
- General fitness check
The medical report is sent electronically and linked to your Absher and Muroor application.
Most expat reports place the medical cost around SAR 150 to SAR 200 depending on the clinic, so it’s smart to confirm the exact amount when you book.
If you want a full breakdown of how Efada works, KSABuddy has a helpful guide with practical tips for getting it done quickly through the system
Step by Step How to Convert Your Foreign License
Here is the process most residents follow once documents are ready.
Complete the Efada Medical Report
Do this first, because Traffic will not proceed without it.
- Choose an approved medical center
- Bring your iqama and foreign license
- Finish the tests
- Wait for the report to update electronically in the system
Book a Traffic Appointment in Absher
The conversion process requires an official appointment.
- Log in to Absher
- Go to Traffic Services
- Select Driving License services
- Book an appointment for license issuance or exchange
Absher appointments are managed through the Ministry of Interior portal
Pay the Required Fees Through Sadad
Driving license fees in Saudi are typically charged based on validity years.
A commonly referenced benchmark is SAR 40 per year for private license fees, but the exact payable amount appears in Absher before payment, so always confirm inside the portal before paying.
Visit the Muroor Traffic Office
On your appointment day, go to the Traffic Department with
- All original documents
- Translations
- Medical clearance
- Payment confirmation
The officer will verify your foreign license, process the exchange, and complete the issuance steps.
Receive Your Saudi Driving License
Once approved, your Saudi driving license is issued under your iqama details.
Many people receive it the same day, depending on appointment volume and document clearance.
How Long Does the Conversion Take?
If everything is prepared correctly, the timeline is usually
- Efada medical test: same day
- Absher appointment availability: a few days to a couple of weeks
- Traffic office processing: often completed during the visit
- Overall, many residents finish within one to three weeks.
What If Your License Cannot Be Converted?
If your country is not eligible for direct exchange, Saudi usually requires
- Enrollment in an approved driving school
- Theory lessons and tests
- Practical driving exam
- Full license issuance process
In that case, driving school timelines and fees are much higher than a direct conversion.
Practical Tips to Avoid Delays
- Make sure your foreign license is still valid
- Do the medical test before booking Muroor
- Translate your license professionally if needed
- Arrive early for your Absher appointment
- Double check your documents match your iqama details exactly
For more living guides and Saudi step by step help, you can always explore the practical resources on KSABuddy’s main page.
