Can you drive in Saudi Arabia with a foreign license or IDP?
If you're visiting Saudi Arabia, you can drive temporarily with a valid foreign driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). This rule only applies if you are staying in Saudi Arabia for a short period, typically within one year from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia or until your foreign license expires, whichever comes first.
If you become a resident and plan to stay long-term, you must obtain a Saudi driving license to continue driving legally. While enforcement and roadside checks can vary by region and context, the official rule from the General Directorate of Traffic (Muroor) requires all residents to hold a Saudi driving license.
Do you need to convert your foreign driving license in Saudi Arabia?
If you want to drive legally in Saudi Arabia long-term as a resident, you need to convert your foreign driving license to a Saudi one. However, the requirements and process depend on the issuing country and the length of your stay in Saudi Arabia.
Here's what you should know:
Short-term (visitor/temporary stay)
If you’re in Saudi Arabia as a visitor, you can usually drive with your foreign or international driving license for up to 1 year from your entry date, as long as it’s valid and translated into Arabic.
Expat resident (longer stay with Iqama)
If you’re living in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama (residence permit) and plan to stay in Saudi Arabia permanently, you need to convert your foreign license into a Saudi one to keep driving legally. However, your foreign license must have been issued by one of the 48 countries on Saudi Arabia's approved list to qualify for direct conversion without a driving test.
Other cases where you require a conversion include
Employment: Your employer requires it as a condition of employment or to drive company vehicles
Car insurance application: Your insurance company or car leasing firm requires you to provide coverage or approve your lease
If you don't qualify for direct conversion, you will need to complete the full Saudi driving license process. That means enrolling in a driving school, passing theory and practical tests, and meeting all the exact medical and administrative requirements.
Who is eligible for direct license conversion in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a direct driving license conversion policy for individuals from any of the 48 approved countries listed. Some countries on the list are Australia, Canada, the United States, South Africa, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, and Germany.
Here are some eligibility requirements:
You must be a citizen of one of the countries on the official 48-country approved list
You must hold a valid, non-expired driving license issued by that country
You must have a valid Iqama (residence permit) and meet the age category requirements for driving in Saudi Arabia
Note: The approved country list may change; always verify the latest information on the Absher platform, operated by the Ministry of Interior.
Who needs to apply as a new driver in Saudi Arabia?
You'll need to apply for a Saudi driving license if your country isn't on the approved 48-country list for direct conversion, or if your foreign license has expired or isn't recognised by Saudi authorities.
The authorities will ask you to provide your foreign license (if applicable), Iqama, medical certificate, passport, and certified Arabic translations of any non-Arabic documents for the application process. You must also enrol in driving lessons and take the theory and practical tests.
Types of Saudi driving licenses
The traffic department (Muroor) will determine which Saudi category corresponds to your foreign license based on the categories you currently hold.
The main Saudi license categories relevant to most expats are:
Private/light vehicle license: The most common category for personal cars and light vehicles. If you hold a standard car license from your home country, you'll typically convert to this category in Saudi Arabia.
Motorcycle license: For two-wheeled motorised vehicles. If your foreign license includes motorcycle privileges, you can convert to this category as well.
Commercial/heavy vehicle licenses: These cover taxis, buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Note that commercial categories often include additional conditions, medical requirements, and, in some cases, age restrictions.
Note: If you hold a license in multiple categories abroad (for example, car and truck), it may only be approved for conversion to a private vehicle license in Saudi Arabia. The approved license category affects your application, including medical examination requirements, fees, and whether additional training or testing is required.
Documents required for Saudi Arabia foreign driving license conversion
Valid foreign driving license (both front and back)
Certified Arabic translation of your foreign driving license by a recognised translator or translation office
Valid Iqama (residence permit)
Passport and entry details (some offices may request this for verification)
Proof of medical fitness from an approved clinic
Proof of fee payment via Sadad or the relevant payment system
Appointment confirmation from Absher
Recent passport-size photos, if required (note that some centres capture photos on-site)
Any additional documents requested locally, such as a letter from your employer or proof of address
Step-by-step: how to convert a foreign driving license in Saudi Arabia
Converting a foreign license in Saudi Arabia requires a certified Arabic translation, a medical examination, scheduling an appointment, and submitting all other documents. Here's a breakdown of the steps to follow:
Check your eligibility
Confirm that you're a national of one of the 48 countries eligible for direct conversion and that your foreign driving license is valid. You can verify through the Absher platform to ensure you meet all current requirements.
Translate your foreign license into Arabic
Obtain a certified Arabic translation of your foreign driving license from a recognised translator or translation service. This translation must be accurate, properly formatted, and include any necessary stamps or certifications required by Saudi authorities.
Book an appointment via Absher
Register on the Absher platform (if you haven't already) and book a license conversion appointment at your nearest Muroor office. Appointment availability varies by location and time of year, so book as early as possible.
Pay license and service fees
Pay the required fees through the Sadad payment system or as directed in your Absher account. Fees typically depend on the validity period you choose (1, 2, 5, or 10 years) and the license category. Keep your payment confirmation, you'll need to show proof at your appointment.
Complete the medical examination
Visit an approved medical centre or clinic to complete the mandatory medical examination. The exam typically includes vision testing, blood pressure measurement, and general health assessment.
Attend your appointment at the Muroor office
Arrive on time with all required documents: original foreign license, Arabic translation, Iqama, passport, medical certificate, proof of payment, and appointment confirmation. The officer will verify your documents, check your details in the system, and process your conversion application. If everything is in order, you may receive your Saudi license the same day or be told when to collect it.
Receive your Saudi driving license
Once approved, you'll receive your Saudi driving license, typically in card format similar to permits in most countries.
Costs & fees of converting a foreign driving license in Saudi Arabia
The cost of converting a foreign driving license in Saudi Arabia typically ranges from SAR 350 to SAR 600+. The price includes mandatory fees for medical tests, translation, and license issuance.
Here's a breakdown
Appointment booking: 50 SAR
Medical test: 115 -250 SAR
Certified translation: From 100SAR
License issuance fees (Government Fee - SAR):
2 Years: SAR 80.
5 Years: SAR 250.
10 Years: SAR 400.
Processing times for converting a foreign driving license in Saudi Arabia
Converting a foreign driving license in Saudi Arabia for approved countries generally takes 1-4 weeks, with same-day issuance at the traffic police (Muroor) office, provided all documents are in order. Here's a breakdown
Translation: Official Arabic translation takes 1–2 business days.
Appointment scheduling: Booking via the Absher portal can take 5+ days depending on availability, with some users reporting waits of up to 4 weeks.
Medical check: Performed at Efada-approved centres, usually taking a few hours.
Finalisation at Muroor: Obtaining the Saudi license takes 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on the completeness of the documents.
Do you need certified translations for Saudi license conversion?
You need a certified Arabic translation for any non-Arabic documents you present during the license conversion process. This translation must be completed by a recognised translator or translation company in Saudi Arabia. Standard documents you must translate include your foreign driving license, birth certificates, previous traffic records, or employer letters.
Translayte provides fast, accurate certified translations in Saudi Arabia of foreign driving licenses and related documents, with formatting and translator statements designed to meet typical Muroor and consulate expectations. We provide digital delivery within 12-24 hours, with hard copies sent by courier as needed. Request a free quote for certified Arabic translation of a foreign driver's license.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
Here are the most common mistakes applicants make when converting foreign driving licenses in Saudi Arabia, and how to avoid them:
Driving on a foreign or international license beyond the one-year limit: Start your conversion at least 2-3 months before your one-year mark to avoid any gap in legal driving status.
Assuming all nationalities qualify for direct conversion: Always verify through official sources, such as Absher, if your issuing country is on the eligibility list.
Bringing an expired license to Saudi Arabia: Your foreign license must be valid at the time of conversion. If it's nearing expiration, renew it in your home country, or be prepared to follow the new driver process.
Arriving at Muroor without Arabic translations or with improperly formatted translations: Use a professional translation service that understands Saudi requirements and provides appropriately stamped or certified documents.
Forgetting to pay fees in advance or not bringing proof of payment: The Sadad payment system requires advance payment for most services, and your appointment will be wasted if you can't show proof.
Not completing the medical exam or using a non-approved clinic: Check the list of approved medical facilities for your area and ensure results are in the correct format.
Why use Translayte for your Saudi license conversion translations?
Translayte offers certified Arabic translation services in Saudi Arabia for driving licenses, birth certificates, and other official documents.
Here's why Translayte is the best choice for your license conversion translations:
Certified translations of foreign driving licenses and supporting documents that are accepted by the Saudi authority.
Coverage of 150+ languages commonly used by expats in Saudi Arabia, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Filipino, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and many more
Fast turnaround times with digital delivery in 12 - 24 hours for most documents.
Option for printed copies sent by courier when you need physical documents for submission
Transparent, upfront pricing through the online quote and ordering system.
Proven experience handling license conversions and immigration documents for customers worldwide.
Translayte's specialised, certified translation service ensures inaccurate documents do not delay your license conversion application. Request a free quote to get an accurate translation for the Saudi Arabia license conversion process.
