Expatriates who previously held a Saudi driving license and later returned to Saudi Arabia with a new Iqama can renew their previous driving license through the Absher platform, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
This service is particularly useful for residents whose previous Saudi driving license is linked to their earlier residency record. Instead of going through the driving school process again, eligible residents can use the electronic traffic services available through Absher.
The standard Absher driving license renewal service allows eligible citizens and residents to renew their licenses online after completing the required medical examination and paying the applicable government fees.
Can You Renew a Saudi Driving License with a New Iqama?
Yes, eligible expatriate residents may be able to renew or reissue a previous Saudi driving license after returning to Saudi Arabia with a new Iqama.
The key requirement is that the applicant must have a previous Saudi private driving license that can be processed through the applicable Absher traffic service.
This is especially relevant for expatriates who:
- Previously lived and worked in Saudi Arabia
- Held a valid Saudi private driving license
- Left Saudi Arabia and later returned
- Received a new Iqama after returning
- Want to use their previous Saudi driving license instead of starting the licensing process again
The availability of the service and the information displayed in the applicant’s Absher account may depend on their individual records and eligibility.
Requirements for Driving License Renewal with a New Iqama
Before applying, make sure you meet the applicable requirements.
1. Previous Saudi Private Driving License
The service is intended for residents who already have a previous Saudi driving license. For private driving licenses, the applicable renewal service can be completed electronically through Absher when the license and resident record are eligible.
2. Valid Medical Examination
A medical examination is required for Saudi driving license renewal. The examination must be completed through an approved medical center and linked to the applicant’s records.
Absher’s official guidance confirms that a medical examination is required for driving license renewal.
3. Pay the Required Government Fees
Any applicable driving license renewal fees must be paid before completing the renewal process.
For a private driving license, the current government fee schedule lists SAR 40 per year as the renewal fee.
The total amount payable can also depend on the renewal period and any other applicable charges.
4. Active Absher Account
The applicant needs to have a registered and activated Absher account to access the electronic driving license services.
Absher identifies citizens and residents registered and activated on the platform as beneficiaries of the driving license renewal service.
5. Pay Any Outstanding Requirements
Before renewal, check whether there are outstanding traffic-related payments or other requirements associated with the driving license.
If the renewal option is not available in your account, check the information shown by Absher and resolve any outstanding requirements before trying again.
How to Renew a Driving License Through Absher
Eligible residents can follow these steps to renew their Saudi driving license electronically.
Step 1: Log in to Absher
Open the Absher platform and log in to your individual account using your registered credentials.
Step 2: Open My Services
After logging in, go to:
My Services → Services → Traffic → Driving License Renewal
This is the official navigation path provided by Absher for the driving license renewal service.
Step 3: Review Your Driving License Information
The system will display the available driving license information associated with your account.
If your previous Saudi driving license is available for renewal, select the relevant license and continue with the application.
Step 4: Select the Renewal Period
Depending on your eligibility and the options available in Absher, select the required license renewal period.
Absher’s current service information lists renewal periods including 2, 5 and 10 years for applicable driving licenses.
Step 5: Confirm Your Address
Review your National Address information before requesting delivery of the renewed physical driving license.
Make sure your address information is accurate so that the document can be delivered correctly.
Step 6: Pay the Delivery Fee
If you choose delivery of the physical driving license, complete the applicable delivery payment through the available electronic payment method.
Step 7: Complete the Renewal
Review the information you entered and confirm the renewal request.
Once the requirements have been completed and the transaction is successfully processed, your driving license renewal will be completed through Absher.
Saudi Driving License Renewal Fees
The government renewal fee for a private Saudi driving license is SAR 40 per year according to the current Ministry of Interior fee schedule.
For example:
| Renewal Period | Government Renewal Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 years | SAR 80 |
| 5 years | SAR 200 |
| 10 years | SAR 400 |
These amounts represent the basic annual renewal fee for a private driving license. Additional delivery or other applicable charges may apply.
Do You Need a New Driving Test?
For an eligible applicant renewing a previous Saudi driving license through the applicable Absher service, the purpose of the electronic renewal process is to renew the existing license rather than start the initial driving-license training process again.
However, if the previous license does not appear in your Absher account or you are not eligible for electronic renewal, Absher may require you to follow a different procedure.
Therefore, check the service available in your account before assuming that a new driving test or driving school visit is required.
How Long Does Absher Driving License Renewal Take?
The processing and delivery time can vary depending on the transaction and delivery method.
Absher’s driving license renewal information states that document delivery can take around 5 to 7 days.
Applicants should therefore allow additional time for physical delivery after completing the electronic renewal.
What If the Previous Driving License Does Not Appear in Absher?
If your old Saudi driving license does not appear after receiving your new Iqama, do not immediately start a new driving-license application.
First, check:
- Whether your Absher account is active
- Whether your new Iqama information is correctly reflected
- Whether the medical examination has been completed and linked
- Whether the required renewal fees have been paid
- Whether there are outstanding traffic requirements
- Whether the previous license is eligible for electronic renewal
If the service remains unavailable, you may need to contact the relevant Saudi traffic authority or use the appropriate Absher service for your situation.
Can an Expatriate Renew a Saudi Driving License Online?
Yes. Absher provides an online driving license renewal service for eligible citizens and residents, allowing the renewal to be completed without visiting a traffic office when the required conditions are satisfied.
For expatriates with a new Iqama, the important point is whether their previous license and current resident record are eligible for the available electronic service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my old Saudi driving license after getting a new Iqama?
Eligible expatriates may be able to renew their previous Saudi driving license through Absher after receiving a new Iqama. The option depends on the applicant’s records and eligibility in the Absher system.
How much does it cost to renew a Saudi private driving license?
The government renewal fee for a private driving license is SAR 40 per year.
Is a medical test required for Saudi driving license renewal?
Yes. Absher states that a medical examination is required for driving license renewal.
How can I renew my driving license through Absher?
Log in to Absher and go to My Services → Services → Traffic → Driving License Renewal. Then review your license information, select the available renewal period, confirm your address and complete the required payments.
Can I renew my driving license if I have a new Iqama?
If your previous Saudi driving license and current resident record are eligible in Absher, you may be able to renew the license using the electronic traffic services.
Final Words
The Absher driving license renewal service makes the process considerably easier for Saudi residents, including expatriates who have returned to the Kingdom and received a new Iqama.
If your previous Saudi private driving license is available in your Absher account and you meet the medical and payment requirements, you can check the Driving License Renewal service instead of automatically applying for a new license.
Before submitting the application, make sure your Iqama information, medical examination, fees and National Address are up to date. This can help avoid delays and ensure that the renewed license is delivered to the correct address.
