Qatar Driving Licence in Qatar
Convert your foreign licence in days if you're from an approved country - otherwise expect driving school and a road test.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
The Qatar driving licence is issued by the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Traffic. Eligibility depends on your nationality and existing licence: holders from GCC and many European, North American, and selected Asian countries can convert directly; others must enrol with an approved driving school for theory and road tests.
Once issued, the licence is valid for 5 years for residents (10 years for citizens) and is renewed through Metrash or the MOI portal. Renewal is fast as long as your QID is valid and an eye test is current.
Documents required
- Valid QID
- Original foreign licence with English/Arabic translation
- No-objection letter from sponsor (some categories)
- Eye test certificate from an approved optician
- Two passport-size photos
Eligibility
- Age 18 or older for private cars
- Hold a valid QID
- Hold an eligible foreign licence (for direct conversion)
- Pass eye test
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct conversion (5 years) | 250 QAR | Standard fee; confirm current amount on portal.moi.gov.qa. |
| New issue after tests (5 years) | 250 QAR | Excludes driving school fees, which range QAR 2,500-7,000. |
| Renewal (5 years) | 250 QAR | Pay through Metrash or service centre. |
| Eye test | 30 QAR | Approved optician charge. |
Step by step
- 1
Check eligibility
Confirm that your nationality and existing licence type qualify for direct conversion on the MOI Traffic page.
online
- 2
Eye test
Visit an approved optician for a basic vision check. The certificate is sent electronically to MOI Traffic.
Same day · center
- 3
Submit application
Either via Metrash (conversion/renewal) or in person at a Traffic Department service centre with documents.
30-60 minutes · either
- 4
Take tests if required
Non-converting applicants enrol with a driving school for theory, parking, and road tests over 2-6 weeks.
2-6 weeks · center
- 5
Pay and collect licence
Pay the issuance fee and collect the plastic licence on the same day at the service centre.
Same day · center
Processing time: Direct conversion: 1-3 days. Full driving school path: 4-8 weeks. Renewal via Metrash: same day.
Renewal
Driving licence is valid for 5 years for expats. Renew through Metrash up to 6 months before expiry. Late renewal attracts daily fines and a possible retest if delayed beyond 1 year.
Fines & penalties
- Driving without a valid licence: QAR 6,000 fine and possible detention
- Late renewal beyond 1 year: full retest may be required
- Outstanding traffic fines block renewal
Common pitfalls
- Assuming all nationalities can convert directly - check the MOI list first
- Letting the licence lapse over a year and being forced into a full retest
- Forgetting outstanding fines, which silently block renewal
- Submitting an untranslated foreign licence
FAQs
Visitors can use an IDP for up to 6 months, but residents holding a QID must obtain a Qatari licence.
GCC states, most EU countries, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and several others. Confirm the current list on portal.moi.gov.qa.
Five years for expat residents and ten years for citizens. Renewal can be done up to six months before expiry.
Yes - through Metrash or the MOI portal, provided you have a valid eye test certificate from an approved optician and your QID is current.
Skip the hassle
A vetted typing centre can handle the paperwork end-to-end.
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