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2021 Guide to Exchanging GCC Driver's license (My experience)

beirut961

Hey Everyone,
I see this question pop a lot and personally did some research about it, so thought i'd write my own experience!

First thing, you NEED to have a valid GCC driver's license and a valid CPR Card.  Expired ones won't work! Yes, someone you know might have had this work for him/her, but general rule, they shoud be valid at time of submission.


1) Get an appointment on the SKIPLINO application, walk-ins are not accepted.  It's under MOI services, Traffic Services, Driver Licenses Divison - Driving School Branch.

2) Don't make my mistake and pick any service just to get an appointment, you need to pick REPLACE & EVALUATE DRIVING LICENSES.

3) Once you have an appointment, head to the Traffic Directorate (In A'Ali, not the one in ISATOWN) and  when you enter, don't wait for your number, just go to a desk and ask for the form to exchange a foreign license. Make sure to fill it ahead of time.

4) The form will have your details, along with the GCC Drivers license issue and expiry date. If you're like me and have a SAUDI one, the date is in Hijri for the issue, you need to convert it to Gregorian calendar. A quick google search help you with that.

5) You need a passport photo to attach, they will stick it on the form, so just take it as is. Official list of documents required was Photocopy of CPR, Drivers license and Residence Permit. Nobody asked me for anything. Take them with you just in case.

6) Now that your form is ready and number called, take the form, photo, drivers license, and head to the counter. You'll pay 5 BD for the eye test and the employee will scan your drivers license along the form on his system.

7) Once done and handed a pink receipt, head towards the eye test. You'll receive a different token number (keep it on you as they'll call you after the eye test is complete).

8) Once eye test is passed and the optometrist stamp your form, you'll wait again for your number (the new one you got for the eye test), head to the counter, and pay 20 BD to get the new license issued. This will be done on the spot.

Congratulations, you;ve now exchanged it. Took me 50 minutes from start to finish.

NB: Some people on the counters next to me were asked to bring a letter from employer, not sure who needs this, as i wasn't asked anything other than my CPR card.

Hope this helps

See also

Living in Bahrain: the °µÍø½ûÇø guideTransit VisaLabour abuseInvalid visaOpening a business bank account
logicalindian

Thanks for sharing.

Lil_pams

Thanks for this. I am here now in the Traffic Office waiting for my number. I came here the other day thought they would have a counter where photos can be taken.

habibtiruby
Helpful information, Exactly what I needed! I am researching information and was about to call the hotline. However, your blog says it all precisely! Living in the GCC for more than a decade thought me not to assume all the time as the rules / requirements change every now and then.

Thank you very much!
Yoginee
Hello habibtiruby,

Welcome to °µÍø½ûÇø.com!

I'm glad that you found the information you needed on the forum1f60e.svg

I invite you to further browse on the Bahrain forum, you may find other important information as well.

Cheers,

Yoginee
°µÍø½ûÇø team
Ibigcse

I just moved to Bahrain can anyone tell me that I need an opientment for switching a license because there is nothing showing on a SKIPLINO, its not even on it anymore. I have an Indonesian license and anyone had an experience with it before switching in Bahrain?

topinsight01

You will not be able to convert Indonesia license to a Bahrain driving license.

Benji_

Thanks for the great feedback, it is very helpful.


I am just wondering the proccess for non-GCC driving licence holders. Which countries are eligible to switch their licence to the Bahraini one? I have the Turkish licence but not sure if the same steps will be enough for me to get the new licence.

topinsight01

@Benji_

I think you will be able to convert - US, UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and some European countries. You will have to check with the Driving license section.

jordavitkov

hello

can i convert North MACEDONIA driver licence in Bahrainan.

thanks

topinsight01

Give it a try at the driving school. Not sure. Just go with your CPR and your driving license.

Daniel M60

Thak you dr

jiyesh1990

Hi

I came to Bahrain 2 years ago and converted my Dubai valid license to bahrain license, at that time my Dubai driving license was also stored there,,,but now I need to go back to UAE..can I get UAE driving license back here,,,please Can you help??

XTang

I have answered this hundreds of times.  If the UAE license is not expired then you can get it back by going to RTA branch in Deira.

Yatinkumar Mistry

@beirut961 Hi..Is/en/forum/middle-east/bahrain/Downloads%5C1.jpegIn skiplino MOI services not showing for appointment...

Is there any other way to book the appointment

logicalindian

Mawaeid.