By 2026, renewing a driving license in Saudi Arabia has become one of the simplest government tasks. Most people now do it on their phone through Absher, while sitting at home or during a break at work. As long as the medical report and traffic fines are in order, the whole process takes only a few minutes and the new card arrives by Saudi Post.
Still, many drivers leave renewal until the last week, or get stuck because of a missing step. This guide walks through the full 2026 process, so you can renew calmly and avoid penalties or last-minute stress.
How Driving License Renewal Works in 2026
Saudi traffic services are now tightly linked with Absher, banking systems, and approved medical centers. The Traffic Department (Moroor) no longer expects most drivers to visit branches for a simple renewal. Instead, everything is handled through:
- Absher account (web or app)
- Linked bank or SADAD payment
- Digital medical report from an approved clinic
- National Address for delivery via Saudi Post (SPL)
“I renewed mine while waiting for my coffee,” said a driver in Jeddah. “Absher showed the new expiry date instantly, and the card arrived in my mailbox two days later.”
Basic Requirements for Online Renewal (2026)
Before starting the renewal, make sure the following are ready. If one of these is missing, Absher will stop you halfway:
- Valid medical report from a recognized clinic linked to Absher
- No unpaid traffic fines on your record
- Active Absher account with updated mobile number
- Registered National Address for card delivery
- Enough balance in your bank account for the renewal fee
Once a clinic sends your medical result to the system, you do not upload anything manually. Absher automatically reads the report and unlocks the renewal service.
Step-by-Step: Driving License Renewal Online in Saudi Arabia (2026)
1. Sign In to Absher
Open the Absher portal or app and log in with your username or ID number and password. Confirm with the one-time code (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
2. Open Traffic Services
From the main menu, go to:
- My Services → Traffic → Driving License Services → Renew Driving License
If you do not see this option, check that your Absher profile is active and that you are on the “Individuals” section, not Business.
3. Check Your Current License Details
Absher will show your existing license:
- License type (private, public, motorcycle, etc.)
- Expiry date
- License number
If you hold more than one license type, choose the one you want to renew.
4. Choose the Renewal Period
For most drivers, Absher offers three options:
- 2-year renewal
- 5-year renewal
- 10-year renewal
The longer term costs more at once but is cheaper per year and saves time. Many long-term residents now choose the 10-year period to avoid repeating the process again soon.
5. Confirm the Conditions
Before payment, Absher shows a confirmation screen reminding you that:
- Your medical report must be valid
- Your photo in the system will be used on the new card
- Your National Address will be used for delivery
Tick the confirmation box and proceed.
6. Pay the Renewal Fee via SADAD or Bank
Absher then redirects you to payment. You can:
- Pay directly through your bank app using a generated SADAD bill
- Use a saved card or online payment method, if available
Approve the transaction in your bank app or via OTP. Once payment is done, Absher refreshes the status automatically.
If the payment page freezes, do not repeat the process immediately. First check your bank app or SADAD history to confirm whether the fee was already deducted.
7. Confirm Renewal and Delivery Method
After successful payment, Absher shows a message confirming that your driving license has been renewed and displays the new expiry date. You will see two options:
- Receive the card through Saudi Post (SPL)
- Collect it from a Traffic Department office or self-service kiosk, if offered
Most people now choose SPL delivery because it fits better with work schedules and busy days.
Updating Medical Report for Renewal in 2026
The medical report is still a key requirement. In 2026, most large clinics and hospitals are connected directly to the Traffic system. To update your report:
- Visit an approved medical center
- Provide your National ID or Iqama number
- Complete the eyesight and general health checks
Once the test is done, the clinic staff submits the results electronically. You do not receive paper to upload yourself. If the report does not appear on Absher after a day, contact the clinic and verify that they used the correct ID number.
How to Check Your License Status Online
You can confirm your new license details by opening:
- Absher → My Information → Driving Licenses
Here you can see:
- New expiry date
- License type
- Status (valid / expired)
Common Issues When Renewing Online (2026)
1. Medical Report Not Found
If Absher says you still need a medical report even after visiting a clinic, the problem is usually one of these:
- The clinic is not integrated with the Traffic system
- Your ID or Iqama number was entered incorrectly
- The report is still in processing and not yet sent
Return to the clinic or call them with your ID number and ask them to confirm submission.
2. Outstanding Fines Block Renewal
Absher will not let you renew if there are unpaid traffic fines. You must clear them first via:
- Your bank’s SADAD bills section
- Absher traffic services
After payment, log out and back into Absher, then try again.
3. Wrong Delivery Address
If your National Address is old or incomplete, the license may be delayed or returned. Updating your address before renewal is safer. You can do this through the National Address portal or related services connected to Absher.
4. Payment Confirmed but License Still Shows Old Expiry
Sometimes the system takes a short time to sync. Wait 10–15 minutes and refresh the license page. If nothing changes, check your SADAD history and keep the transaction number before contacting support.
Renewing Your License While Outside Saudi Arabia
Many residents travel for long periods but still hold a Saudi driving license. In 2026, as long as your Absher account works and your medical report is valid, you may be able to renew online from abroad. The challenge is delivery—your card still goes to a Saudi address.
Some people let the physical card wait with family or friends until they return, while others drive outside the Kingdom using another valid license and keep the Saudi license current for future visits.
How Early Should You Renew?
Drivers often wait until the last few days. A calmer approach is to renew a few weeks before expiry, when you receive reminders. This gives enough time for medical tests, payments, and delivery before you risk any penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my license photo during online renewal?
No. The online system uses the photo stored in official records. To change the photo, a separate Civil Affairs process is usually required.
Is it possible to renew without an Absher account?
In 2026, Absher is the main channel for license renewal. Without an account, you will face extra steps and may need to visit a Traffic office.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license can lead to fines and other penalties. If you’ve already passed the expiry date, renew as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary trips until it is valid again.
Can I renew a commercial or public driving license online?
Yes, many commercial and public license types can be renewed through Absher, but extra conditions may apply, such as stricter medical checks or employer involvement.
