I lost my UAE driving licence and my passport as well. I cancelled my visa from the UAE three months ago and have since left the country. Is it possible to get another driving licence to replace the one I lost? I have copies of my licence and passport. What should I do? AH, Pakistan
It used to be the case that only someone with a UAE residency visa could use a UAE licence, but this was overturned by a Dubai court a few years ago, so theoretically it is possible to get a replacement licence even if a person no longer has a visa. It was stated that even if a residency visa is cancelled it does not mean that the driving licence is invalid, so it is usable for the time remaining until it expires. However, a driving licence cannot be renewed without residency. The difficulty is that to request a replacement licence a person is supposed to go to a RTA (Road & Transport Authority) office in person. The RTA has advised that an application can also be made via its website www.rta.ae, but I understand that the replacement licence must still be collected in person.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice
