It is illegal to drive in Qatar if you don't have driving license. The authority for issuing the driving licenses is traffic department. 

Depending on your stay in Qatar, Driving License will be issued and the options are given below:

On arrival:

Expats can drive for a week on approved licence from their countries. But to check that, expats need to visit Traffic Department. 

Temporary Driving License:

The duration of this is 3 months. If you are staying in Qatar for more than a week and less than 3 months, then we suggest this would be the best option. Once it expires, you can apply for an extension. 

Applying for temporary license:

Fill the application form with the below given documents and submit them in the Traffic Department. 

• Original license from an approved country
• Passport – original and photocopy of the same
• Three passport sized photos with white background. If you need to wear glasses while driving you must be wearing glasses in the photos.

International Driving Licence:

Expats can use their international driving licenses for upto 6 months from the day they enter Qatar. But they can drive only rented vehicles. To drive their own vehicles, they must be having permanant passport. 

Full Driving License

If you have Qatar residence permit, you can apply for Qatar driving license. For Qataris, the license fee is QR500 and license is valid for 10 years. For expats, the license fee is QR250 exluding driving and vision tests and is valid for 5 years.

Renewal of Driving License: 

It is an easy procedure which can be done through Ministry of Interior online website but only if you have smart ID cards.. 

To renew your license:

• Log in the Ministry of Interior e-services portal and select "Traffic Services".
• Select whether to renew your driving license or that of another sponsored person.
• View the driving license information.
• Specify new driving license delivery option.
• Pay QR500 if you are a Qatari and Pay QR250 If you are a resident. 

Driving without a license:

Never drive in Qatar if you don't have a valid license. It is a criminal Offence. If you are involved in an accident, your insurance will be void and you may face imprisonment and deportation. 

Traffic Department Address with Map: 

Khalifa St, Doha, Qatar

Timings: 

Morning 7am to 11am.

Evening 4pm to 7pm.

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