How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Qatar

Driving in Qatar is a breeze for so many reasons. For one, the scenery while you are driving is incredible, since you will be surrounded by towering skyscrapers with unbelievable architecture. If you are already driving in the Philippines, adjusting to the traffic in Qatar is not that difficult as well. Plus, in Qatar, right side driving is required, just like in the Philippines. You will need to keep your eyes on the road at all times though, because of the traffic and because the cars are typically big and move relatively fast especially in the main highways.

Renewing your driver’s license in Qatar is easy. All you need to do is follow the steps which are highlighted in the next few paragraphs.

driving qatar

Why Renewing Your Driver’s License in Qatar is Easy

The first thing you need to do to renew your driver’s license in Qatar is to visit the Ministry of Interior’s website. You can renew your driver’s license online if you are a resident in Qatar that has a smart ID card. If you don’t have one yet, you can visit the government of Qatar’s portal website for the requirements. A smart ID card allows you to carry out many transactions, including visas, residencies, business leave notifications and more.

Next, you have to log-in at the e-services portal of the Ministry of Interior website using your smart ID card. You can access the e-services portal here. In the web page you can see the various e-services that the MOI offers. You should click on “Traffic Services.”

The next thing you need to do is choose whether you are renewing your own driver’s license or you are renewing the driver’s license of another person. You can only do this if this person is under your sponsorship. A sponsor is a guardian or a guarantor that does the paperwork, like rental accommodation contracts or opening a new bank account. This system of sponsorship helps Qatar control immigration. For employees in Qatar, the employer is usually the sponsor.

Next step is to read more information about the driver’s license. Then, you are given the option to choose which type of driving license delivery you want. Finally, you will pay all the required fees for driver’s license renewal. Don’t forget to print the receipts afterwards.

For Qataris, the driving license renewal fee is QR 500 and QR 20 for the delivery fee, but only if applicable. For residents, the license renewal fee is QR 250 and QR 20 for the delivery fee, if applicable. If you’re wondering why the fee for Qataris is more expensive, it really isn’t. The difference is that the driving license for Qataris has a 10 year validity, while that for residents has a 5 year validity.

Important Reminders

Once your driving license is expired, you must renew it immediately. If you cannot do so, be sure to have it renewed within six months of the date of expiration. This MOI e-service is only available to civilian drivers owning light vehicles. Moreover, you can also use the app Metrash 2 for renewing your driver’s license. Metrash 2 is an app developed by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior to make accessing its services even more easier.

Once your driver’s license is renewed, be sure you will continue to become a responsible driver in Qatar. You need to know the rules and regulations of driving, not just the ones that are unique to Qatar, but also the universal safety driving tips.

DISCLAIMER: The topics presented in this article are for information-sharing purposes only. They may be used as a personal guide, but they should not be used as a basis for actual student-related concerns. To learn more about renewing your driver’s license in Qatar, visit the Qatar Government Portal official website.