Driving licence translation in Abu Dhabi is not a stamped paper. The translation of your foreign licence is entered electronically into the Abu Dhabi traffic system by a translation office that Abu Dhabi traffic has approved for this service. Wordcraft's Abu Dhabi office in Al Ghaith Tower, Hamdan Street, is one of these approved offices: our approved translator signs in with UAE Pass and records your licence translation directly, so there is nothing to print or carry.
Residents of Abu Dhabi city, Mussafah, Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Ain use the same Abu Dhabi traffic system, so the same service covers them. For other documents, see our legal translation in Abu Dhabi page.
Last updated: October 2026
How Abu Dhabi Differs from Dubai and Sharjah
| Emirate | Who runs driver licensing | How the translation is submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi (incl. Al Ain) | Abu Dhabi Mobility, through the TAMM portal | Entered electronically into the Abu Dhabi traffic system by an approved office; no paper translation |
| Dubai | RTA | A legal translation of the licence as a document, by a legal translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice (see driving licence translation in Dubai) |
| Sharjah, Ajman, RAK and the northern emirates | Ministry of Interior licensing | Through the Ministry of Interior's process; ask us which format your file needs |
A translation made in Dubai or in your home country does not replace this step in Abu Dhabi, because Abu Dhabi needs the translation inside its own system.
How It Works, Step by Step
- Take the eye test first at an approved optician in Abu Dhabi. The result is linked to your Emirates ID.
- Send us your documents on WhatsApp (list below). We check the licence and tell you if anything is missing.
- We enter the translation into the Abu Dhabi traffic system: categories, dates and restrictions, with your name as it appears on your Emirates ID.
- You receive an SMS from Abu Dhabi traffic on the mobile number you gave us.
- Pay the licence fee in TAMM and follow the next step TAMM shows you: the exchange, or a test booking if your licence is not on the exchange list.
| Step | Who does it | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Eye test | You, at an approved optician | Result linked to your Emirates ID |
| Translation | Wordcraft Abu Dhabi, as an approved office | Translation recorded in the traffic system |
| Confirmation | Abu Dhabi traffic | SMS to your mobile |
| Payment and next step | You, in TAMM | Exchange or test booking |
Documents to Send
- Eye test result
- Original foreign driving licence, both sides (clear photos; we may ask to see the original if a detail is unclear)
- Emirates ID, front and back
- A photo with a white background
- Your mobile number (the SMS from traffic comes to this number)
- Gear type: automatic or manual
- Your preferred test centre, if you will need a test
Exchange or Test: Which Route Applies
Abu Dhabi Mobility exchanges licences from GCC countries and from a list of designated countries; other licence holders usually go through training and a test. Either way, the foreign licence translation is entered first. Send us a photo of both sides and we tell you what applies before you start. Official reference: Abu Dhabi Mobility, Driver Licensing Services.
Related guide: How to Convert a Foreign Driving Licence in Abu Dhabi (2026).
What Decides the Cost
Our fee depends on the licence: its language, how many categories it carries, and whether it is a card or a booklet. We confirm it in writing before we start. The government licence fee is separate and you pay it in TAMM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any translation office translate my driving licence for Abu Dhabi?
No. In Abu Dhabi the translation is entered into the traffic system, and only offices approved by Abu Dhabi traffic for this service can do it. Wordcraft's Abu Dhabi office is an approved office.
Do I need a paper translation for Abu Dhabi?
No. The approved office enters the translation electronically, so you don't carry a paper translation for this step.
Do I do the eye test before or after the translation?
Before. Take the eye test first, then send us the result together with your licence.
How will I know the translation has been entered?
Abu Dhabi traffic sends an SMS to the mobile number you gave us. After that you pay the licence fee in TAMM.
Can I use a translation done in Dubai for Abu Dhabi?
Not for this step. Dubai uses a paper legal translation for RTA; Abu Dhabi needs the translation entered into its own system by an approved office.
I live in Al Ain. Can you help?
Yes. Al Ain uses the same Abu Dhabi traffic system. Send your documents on WhatsApp and our Abu Dhabi office enters the translation.
Do I have to visit your office?
Usually not. Send the documents on WhatsApp; we may ask to see the original licence if a detail is unclear.
How long does it take?
Tell us your deadline. Once we have the complete documents and the eye test result, we confirm when the translation will be entered.
What if my licence country is not on the exchange list?
We still enter the translation, and TAMM then shows you the training and test route. Tell us your preferred test centre.
Do you translate other documents for Abu Dhabi offices?
Yes: court papers, contracts, certificates and powers of attorney. See legal translation in Abu Dhabi.
