Driving License Renewal in Qatar (2026): Eye Test, Fees and Metrash Steps
How to renew your driving license in Qatar in 2026: the QAR 250 fee, the eye test, old fines, renewing on Metrash and what to do if it has expired.
By the Savefy Team. Last updated October 2026
Renewing a driving license in Qatar takes about 20 minutes once you know the order: clear any old fines, take an MOI-approved eye test for your driving license, then renew on the Metrash app and pay. Most people get stuck on one of three things: a fine they forgot about, an eye test result that hasn't reached the system yet, or a license that ran out weeks ago. This guide walks through each step, what it costs in 2026, and how to avoid those problems.
What It Costs to Renew a Driving License in Qatar
Driving license renewal costs in Qatar for 2026. Savefy guide
According to the Ministry of Interior's service page on Hukoomi, renewing a private car license costs QAR 250 for residents, valid for five years, and QAR 500 for Qatari citizens, valid for ten years. If you want the new card delivered, QPost charges QAR 20. The MOI fee schedule lists heavy vehicle licenses at QAR 300 for residents and QAR 600 for Qataris, and motorcycle licenses at QAR 150 and QAR 300.
The eye test is paid separately at the optical. Approved opticals in Doha usually charge about QAR 30 to 50, and some post eye test offers on Savefy. You can compare current prices on Savefy's eye test for driving license page, which lists the approved opticals near you.
When You Can Renew
You can renew from six months before your license expires. Renewing early is the safest choice, because it gives you time to sort out a fine or a missing eye test result without any pressure.
Qatar's Traffic Law (Law No. 19 of 2007, Article 36) requires a license to be renewed within 30 days of its expiry date, and you must not drive on an expired license. If yours has already run out, renew it today and leave the car at home until it's done.
Step 1: Clear Any Old Traffic Fines
This is the step people forget. Under Article 90 of the Traffic Law, fines must be paid within 60 days of being notified. If they are still unpaid after that, the licensing authority will not renew your driving license or your car registration until they are paid, plus QAR 1 for every day of delay.
Open the Metrash app, go to the traffic section and check your violations before you start. Pay anything outstanding, then wait a little before renewing, because the payment can take a short while to show in the system.
Step 2: Take the Eye Test at an MOI-Approved Optical
For a normal renewal you need a vision test at an optical approved by the Ministry of Interior. The test takes only a few minutes. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, bring them and wear them for the test.
The optical uploads your result to the MOI system, and it stays valid for 30 days. Ask for a printed certificate as well and keep it until your new license arrives. If the result doesn't show when you try to renew, give it a few hours and then call the optical.
Several approved opticals post their eye test offers on Savefy, including Al Falah Optics (branches on Al Nasr Street, at Gulf Mall, in Al Gharrafa and Al Rayyan), Dukpion Optics in Doha Jadeed, Max Vision Optics and Al Arab Optics. See the full list and today's prices on the driving license eye test page.
If the test shows your eyesight has changed, the optical can usually check your prescription the same day. If you need new glasses, compare optical shop offers in Doha before you buy.
Step 3: Renew on Metrash or MOI E-Services
The four steps to renew a driving license in Qatar. Savefy guide
Once the fines are clear and the eye test result is in, you can renew online in a few minutes. On the MOI e-services portal, Hukoomi lists these steps:
1. Log in with your smart ID card.
2. Choose the transaction type: Personal for yourself, or the company or sponsor option for someone you sponsor.
3. Select Traffic Services, then Driving License, then Renew Driving License.
4. Check your license details.
5. Choose how you want the new card: QPost delivery or collection.
6. Pay the fee and keep the receipt.
The Metrash app offers the same renewal from your phone, and most people find it quicker. Online renewal covers civilian light vehicle (private car) licenses. For other license types, or if the online service won't accept your request, visit a Traffic Department office.
Renewing for Someone You Sponsor
Qatari citizens and residents with a smart ID card can renew the driving license of a person under their personal sponsorship, such as a family member or a household driver. The steps are the same: choose the sponsored person when you start the request. That person still needs their own eye test at an approved optical first.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
The eye test result isn't showing. Results usually reach the system within a day. Wait a few hours, then call the optical with your QID number.
The system says there are outstanding fines. Pay them on Metrash, then try again later, because payments can take a little time to clear.
The license expired more than 30 days ago. The online service may not accept it. Go to a Traffic Department office with your QID and the eye test certificate, and ask what you need.
You're outside Qatar when it expires. Renew online before you travel. You can renew up to six months early, which avoids the problem completely.
Before You Go
Keep your eyes in good shape between renewals too. If you haven't had a general check in a while, see eye test offers in Doha, and read our guides to choosing an optical shop for your eye test, prescription glasses in Qatar and contact lenses in Qatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew a driving license in Qatar?
QAR 250 for a resident's private car license (valid five years) and QAR 500 for a Qatari citizen (valid ten years), plus QAR 20 if you choose QPost delivery. The eye test at an approved optical is extra, usually about QAR 30 to 50.
How early can I renew my driving license in Qatar?
From six months before the expiry date, on Metrash or the MOI e-services portal.
Do I need an eye test to renew my driving license?
Yes, for a normal renewal you take a vision test at an MOI-approved optical first. The optical sends the result to the MOI system, and it stays valid for 30 days.
Can I renew my driving license if I have unpaid traffic fines?
Not if the fines are more than 60 days old. Under the Traffic Law they block renewal until you pay them, with QAR 1 added for each day of delay. Check and pay them on Metrash first.
What happens if my driving license has already expired?
The law gives 30 days after expiry to renew, and you must not drive until it's renewed. Renew straight away on Metrash, or go to a Traffic Department office if the online service won't let you.
How we checked: Fees, steps and the six-month rule come from the Ministry of Interior's Request to Renew Driving License service on Hukoomi and the MOI fee schedule. The 30-day renewal rule and the unpaid-fines rule come from Qatar's Traffic Law on Al Meezan (Articles 36 and 90). Eye test prices and opticals come from offers posted on Savefy in October 2026. Fees and procedures can change, so confirm the amount on Metrash before you pay.
