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How to Convert a Pakistani Driving License to a Saudi Driving License

Pakistani nationals are one of the largest expat groups in Saudi Arabia, and most want to convert their Pakistani driving license to a Saudi one. Saudi Arabia allows direct conversion for Pakistani license holders without requiring a full driving test — provided your license is valid and attested by the Pakistan Embassy. This guide explains every step of the process.

Highlights

  • ★Pakistani driving licenses are eligible for direct conversion in Saudi Arabia — no full driving test required if your license is valid.
  • ★The conversion is done at a Muroor (traffic police) office — the process requires an in-person visit and cannot be completed online.
  • ★You must get your Pakistani driving license attested by the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia before visiting Muroor.
  • ★Your Pakistani license must be valid — expired licenses cannot be converted. Renew in Pakistan first if needed.
  • ★A blood type certificate from a Saudi clinic or hospital is required as part of the application.
  • ★The Saudi driving license is issued for 10 years and costs SAR 150–300.

Who Is This For?

Pakistani expats in Saudi Arabia who hold a valid Pakistani driving license and want to convert it to a Saudi driving license without taking a full driving test.

What You Need Before Starting

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1Confirm your Pakistani license is valid — if expired, renew it first through the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia or by visiting a Pakistani Licensing Authority (DLIMS) when travelling home.
  2. 2Book an appointment at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulate in Jeddah for driving license attestation. Use the Embassy's official portal or visit in person. Fee: approximately PKR 2,000–3,000 equivalent (payable in SAR at the Embassy).
  3. 3Visit the Embassy on your appointment date with: original Pakistani driving license, valid passport, valid Iqama, and a photocopy of each. The Embassy verifies and stamps your license confirming it is genuine.
  4. 4Get a blood type certificate — a simple blood test at any Saudi clinic, hospital, or laboratory. Cost: SAR 30–80. This is mandatory for all Saudi driving license applications.
  5. 5Prepare your full document set: original Pakistani driving license + Embassy attestation stamp, valid Iqama (original + copy), passport (original + copy), two passport-size photos (white background), blood type certificate.
  6. 6Book a Muroor appointment through the Absher app → Services → Traffic Services → Driving License → License Conversion. Walk-in visits are possible but appointment holders are served first.
  7. 7Visit your nearest Muroor (traffic department) office with all documents. Submit at the license conversion counter. You will be directed to an eye test — a basic vision check done on-site.
  8. 8Pay the Saudi driving license fee — SAR 150–300 for a 10-year license.
  9. 9Collect your Saudi driving license — printed on the same visit in most offices, or within a few working days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✗Going to Muroor without Embassy attestation — this is the most common mistake. Muroor will not process the conversion without the Embassy's verification stamp on your Pakistani license.
  • ✗Bringing a photocopy of your Pakistani license instead of the original — the original must be submitted for verification.
  • ✗Forgetting the blood type certificate — it is mandatory and is easy to get from any clinic the day before.
  • ✗Not booking a Muroor appointment — walk-in queues can be very long, especially in Riyadh. Book through Absher to save hours of waiting.
  • ✗Letting your Pakistani license expire while in Saudi Arabia — once expired, it cannot be converted. Keep it renewed.

Timing & Fees

Pakistan Embassy attestation: appointment wait 1–2 weeks, fee approximately SAR 30–50. Blood type test: SAR 30–80 at a clinic. Saudi driving license fee: SAR 150–300 for 10 years. Total time from start to license in hand: approximately 2–3 weeks.

Practical Tips

  • 💡The Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh handles attestation for most of Saudi Arabia. The Consulate General in Jeddah handles applicants in the Western region. Book the appointment that corresponds to your region.
  • 💡After getting your Saudi license, add it to the Tawakkalna app — it shows as a digital license and is accepted for most identity checks without carrying the physical card. See the Tawakkalna guide.
  • 💡Your original Pakistani license is returned to you after the Muroor verification — you may keep it. However, always use your Saudi license while driving in Saudi Arabia.
  • 💡Some typing centres near Muroor offices can assist with form filling and document organisation for a small fee — useful if you are not comfortable with the Arabic paperwork.
  • 💡If you are converting from a Pakistani motorcycle license, confirm at the Muroor counter that motorcycle conversion is available — the process is the same but confirm the license category before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a driving test to convert my Pakistani license?

No. Pakistani license holders are eligible for direct conversion without a full driving test. You only need to pass a basic eye test at the Muroor office on the day of your visit.

My Pakistani license is expired — can I still convert it?

No. Your Pakistani license must be valid at the time of conversion. Renew it first through the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia or by visiting a DLIMS centre in Pakistan during your next home visit.

Can I drive on my Pakistani license while waiting for conversion?

Saudi residents are required to hold a Saudi driving license. During the weeks while your conversion is being processed, many expats continue driving on their home country license without issue. However, complete the conversion as soon as possible to avoid any legal risk.

How long is the Saudi driving license valid?

10 years for a standard converted license. The fee of SAR 150–300 covers the full 10-year period.

Is the process different for someone converting from a UAE or other GCC driving license?

GCC driving licenses (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) have a slightly different and simpler conversion process that does not require Embassy attestation. The process described in this guide applies specifically to Pakistani license holders.