In short:
- Driving license conversion is open to holders of licences from countries on the Traffic Department’s approved list, and that list can change.
- The process usually starts with an Absher appointment, followed by a visit to the Traffic Department with your originals.
- You will usually need an Arabic translation of your foreign licence. Traffic decides which translation it accepts, so confirm before you start.
- At our Al Khobar branch, a driving licence translation typically takes about one hour, and a stamped copy is sent to you on WhatsApp.
New job in the Eastern Province? Whether you have just landed in Al Khobar, Dammam or Dhahran, your driving licence is probably near the top of your to-do list. A foreign licence can only be used for a limited period, after which residents need a Saudi licence. That raises the obvious questions: can I simply swap my licence, what paperwork is involved, and where does translation fit in?
This guide sets out the general picture as we see it every week at our Khobar branch. Traffic rules change, so we always point you back to the official source.
Who can convert a foreign licence?
Not every foreign licence can be exchanged directly. The General Department of Traffic keeps a list of countries whose licence holders may convert without completing the full driving school route. It usually covers the GCC states and a number of other countries. Holders of licences from countries that are not listed are normally asked to follow a different path that includes training and testing.
So your first step is not translation. It is checking that your issuing country is on the current list. You can do that through the Ministry of Interior website or when booking through Absher, where licence replacement appears under Traffic services.
What about Bahraini and other GCC licences?
Because the causeway is so close, many Khobar residents ask about Bahraini licences in particular. GCC licences generally receive special treatment, but the exact steps depend on your residency status. Bahraini licences are often printed in both Arabic and English, so you may not need a translation at all. Ask Traffic first; if a translation is requested, we can help.
Documents usually requested
The official checklist is the only reliable reference. The list below is simply a general picture to help you prepare:
- Your original, valid foreign driving licence.
- An Arabic translation of the licence, presented together with the original.
- Copies of your iqama and passport.
- A letter from your employer in some cases.
- Recent personal photos in the required format.
- A medical check and the official fees, paid electronically.
Depending on your case, you may also be asked to take a short theory or practical test. Do not rely only on what friends went through; what a colleague needed last year may not match what you will be asked for today.
Which translation does Traffic accept?
This is the key question, and the honest answer is that it depends on what the Traffic Department requires when you apply. The official service description mentions bringing a translation of the licence with the original, while some published guides point to specific translation channels. Ask when you book or call Traffic directly: do they accept a translation from a licensed certified translation office?
Our driving licence translation service provides a certified translation that is stamped, signed and checked by a second translator before delivery. Almadani Translation has been licensed since 1982 (licence No. 64, dated 19 February 1983) and has served more than 20,000 clients. Still, acceptance is always decided by the receiving authority, and we will never promise otherwise.
Details we check carefully
- Your name spelled exactly as in your passport.
- Licence number, issue date and expiry date.
- Vehicle categories and their codes.
- Any restrictions printed on the licence, such as corrective lenses.
- The issuing authority and country.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- An expired licence. Renew at home before you travel if you can.
- Name spelling differences. If your licence spells your name differently from your passport or iqama, tell us so we can add a clear note, and ask Traffic how they handle it.
- Missing the back side. Many licences show categories and dates on the reverse, so photograph both sides.
- Reusing an old translation. If you renewed your licence after it was translated, the old translation no longer matches.
One-hour licence translation in Al Khobar
A driving licence is one of the documents we usually translate within about an hour, along with iqamas, ID cards and passport data pages. Here is how it works:
- Photograph both sides of the licence clearly and send them on WhatsApp.
- Add a photo of your passport data page so we use the same spelling.
- You receive a quote and a delivery time before any work starts.
- You get a stamped electronic copy on WhatsApp, then collect the printed copy from the branch.
If your Traffic appointment is very close, ask for urgent certified translation. Urgent service carries an extra fee, shown in your quote.
Where is the branch?
Our Al Khobar branch serves Khobar, Dammam and Dhahran. It is at Office 205, 2nd Floor, Building 4, SQ Towers, Cooperation Council Road, Al Khuzama. Walk-in hours are Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 to 16:00, and WhatsApp takes orders 24/7. See how to order before you visit. If you would rather not make the trip at all, read our guide to ordering without a visit.
FAQ
Do I need a translation if my licence is in English?
An Arabic translation is usually requested for licences not issued in Arabic, but Traffic decides in your case. Ask when you book.
How long does a licence translation take?
About one hour on a normal working day once your order is confirmed, with the stamped copy sent to you on WhatsApp.
Can you book the Traffic appointment or apply for me?
No. We provide the translation only. Booking and applying are done through Absher and the Traffic Department.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the document and the turnaround you need. Send it on WhatsApp for a free quote with no obligation.
Note: Procedures and document lists change from time to time. The General Department of Traffic and Absher are always the reference. This article is general guidance only.
Written by the Almadani Translation Team · Information last reviewed: October 2026