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Guides · Bahrain

Driving licence renewal in Bahrain

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with الإدارة العامة للمرور (General Directorate of Traffic).

Renewing a Bahraini driving licence involves updating personal records through the General Directorate of Traffic, either online or in person. The process typically requires the verification of eye test results and the settlement of any outstanding traffic fines.

Your timing

It is generally recommended to begin the renewal process at least 30 days before the current licence expires. This accounts for potential appointment availability at service centers and the time required for electronic processing and physical card production.

Start 30 days ahead

Allows sufficient time for online verification or scheduling a visit to a service center without facing a lapse in driving privileges.

The process

  1. 1Ensure all outstanding traffic fines have been cleared through the official national portal.
  2. 2Visit an authorized optician to complete the required eye test, which is often updated electronically by the clinic.
  3. 3Access the national portal (bahrain.bh) or visit a self-service kiosk to initiate the renewal application.
  4. 4Pay the renewal fees via the electronic payment gateway.
  5. 5Collect the new licence card from the General Directorate of Traffic or opt for postal delivery if that service is available at the time of application.

What to bring

  • Existing smart card or CPR number
  • Electronic eye test certificate
  • Digital or physical form of payment

Who handles it

الإدارة العامة للمرور (General Directorate of Traffic)

https://www.bahrain.bh/

Renewal fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly on the official national portal or through the General Directorate of Traffic’s current fee schedule.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Unpaid traffic fines will prevent the system from processing a renewal request.
  • Ensure the optician's clinic is electronically linked to the traffic department to avoid manual submission delays.
  • Double-check that personal details in the system match current identification documents before payment.

Sources

Other documents in Bahrain

Driving licence renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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