Renewing your Saudi driving license doesn’t require a visit to the traffic department anymore. The Absher platform has streamlined the entire process, allowing you to renew your private or motorcycle license from the comfort of your home or office. This step-by-step guide for 2025 will walk you through the entire process, including requirements, fees, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
Recommend: Top 10 Reasons Why Living in Saudi Arabia and Life in Saudi Arabia as an Expat
Quick Overview: Online Renewal
The online renewal process is designed for efficiency. Provided you meet all the conditions, you can complete your application in about 15-20 minutes. Once your payment is confirmed, your renewed license is immediately valid in the digital system, even before you receive the physical card.
You can choose a validity period of 2, 5, or 10 years, pay the fees online via SADAD or a credit/debit card, and have your new license delivered to your registered national address.
Who is Eligible?
You can renew your license online if:
-
Your license is for private vehicles or motorcycles (not commercial).
-
Your license has not expired for more than 2 years.
-
You have no outstanding traffic violations.
-
Your medical examination is valid and registered in the system.
-
Your Iqama (for residents) is valid.
How to Renew on Absher
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth renewal process:
Recommend: How to Get an Emergency Cash Loan from Saudi Al Awal Bank (SAB)
-
Preparation is Key: Before you even log in to Absher, ensure all your traffic violations are paid and you have completed your medical exam at an approved center. Your application will be rejected if these are not cleared.
-
Log In to Absher: Access your account on the Absher portal or through the Absher mobile app using your username and password.
-
Navigate to the Right Service: From the dashboard, go to:
My Services →ÂTraffic →ÂDriving License Services →ÂRenew Driving License. -
Verify Your Information: Carefully review the pre-filled personal details, your current license information, and the status of your medical exam. Confirm that everything is accurate.
-
Select Validity Period: Choose how long you want to renew your license for (2, 5, or 10 years). The cost will update automatically based on your selection.
-
Pay the Fees: Complete the payment using your preferred method: SADAD, credit card, or debit card (Mada, Visa, Mastercard). Save a screenshot or note of the transaction receipt for your records.
-
Choose Delivery Method: You will be given two options:
-
Home Delivery:Â Your license will be shipped to your registered National Address for an additional fee of SAR 17.25.
-
Pickup:Â You can collect it from your local traffic department once it’s ready.
-
-
Receive Confirmation: You will receive an SMS and an email confirming your successful renewal. If you opted for delivery, you will receive a separate SMS with tracking information once it’s shipped.
Recommend: How to Get Personal Finance in Saudi Arabia as an Expat
Requirements Checklist
Before starting, make sure you have the following ready:
-
A Valid Absher Account:Â Ensure you remember your login credentials.
-
Completed Medical Exam:Â From an approved medical center (results are sent electronically to Absher).
-
Zero Traffic Violations:Â All fines must be paid and cleared from the system.
-
Valid Iqama:Â For non-Saudi residents, your Iqama must be active.
-
Registered National Address:Â Crucial for home delivery.
-
Payment Method:Â SADAD account or a valid credit/debit card.
Medical Examination
The Efada medical exam is a non-negotiable part of the renewal process.
-
Where to Go:Â You must visit a government-approved medical center. This includes Ministry of Health facilities and many private clinics authorized by Efada.
-
What it Includes: The standard examination includes a vision test, a blood pressure check, and a general physical assessment.
Recommend: King Salman Park: World’s Largest Park Is Transforming Saudi Arabia
-
Cost: The fee typically ranges from SAR 100 to SAR 150.
-
Validity: The results are usually valid for 3 months, so time your exam accordingly before starting your renewal.
-
Important Note:Â The medical center will electronically submit your results to the Absher system. You do not need to upload any documents yourself. Allow up to 24 hours for the results to appear in your account.
2025 Renewal Fees & Costs
Understanding the costs upfront will help you choose the right validity period.
License Renewal Fees
| License Type | Annual Fee (SAR) | 2 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years | Replacement Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | 40 | 80 | 200 | 400 | 100 |
| Motorcycle | 20 | 40 | 100 | 200 | 100 |
Additional Charges
-
Home Delivery:Â SAR 17.25 (including VAT)
-
Late Renewal Penalty:Â SAR 100 per year after the expiration date.
-
Medical Examination:Â SAR 100 – 150 (paid directly to the medical center).
Payment Methods:Â You can pay the government fees securely through Absher using SADAD, bank ATM cards, or international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Mada).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I renew my license if it’s already expired?
A: Yes, but late fees will apply. You will be charged SAR 100 for every year it has been expired. If it has expired for more than 2 years, you may be required to retake the driving test.
Q: How long does delivery take?
A: If you choose home delivery, expect your license to arrive at your National Address within 3-7 working days. Pickup times from the traffic department vary but are typically processed within 2-3 working days.
Recommend: How to Fill Up UK VISA Application form from Bangladesh
Q: What if my medical results aren’t showing up in Absher?
A:Â First, wait 24 hours. If they still don’t appear, contact the medical center where you had your exam and confirm they submitted the results correctly. If the problem persists, you may need to visit a traffic department with your physical medical certificate.
Q: Can I renew a commercial driving license (for trucks, taxis) online?
A:Â No. The online renewal service through Absher is only for private vehicle and motorcycle licenses. Commercial license holders must renew in person at the traffic department and may need to undergo additional testing.
Q: I paid my violations, but they still show in the system. What should I do?
A: System updates can take 24-48 hours. If after this time the violations still appear, contact the traffic department call center at 993 for assistance. Have your payment receipts ready.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on procedures available in early 2025. Regulations and processes by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) are subject to change. Always refer to the official Absher website or contact their support for the most current information.
