Moving abroad and need to prove your Qatar driving history? A Qatar Driving Experience Certificate saves you from starting over with driving tests. This official document from the Ministry of Interior verifies your driving record, making license conversion simpler in many countries.
What is a Qatar Driving Experience Certificate?
A Qatar Driving Experience Certificate is an official document issued by the Qatar Traffic Department under the Ministry of Interior (MOI). This certificate serves as proof of your driving history in Qatar and is often required when applying for a driving license in another country.
Also known as a Driving Experience Letter or Letter of Authentication, this certificate contains your complete driving record in Qatar, including license details and traffic history. The certificate helps foreign authorities verify your driving experience, potentially allowing you to skip certain tests or waiting periods when applying for a new license abroad.
Information Included in the Certificate
The Qatar Driving Certificate includes comprehensive information about your driving history:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Qatar Driving License number
- Original issue date of your license
- Expiration date
- Vehicle class categories you’re licensed to drive
- Qatar traffic violation history (if any)
This information is presented on an official letterhead of the General Traffic Department under the MOI, making it a recognized document for international purposes.
What is the Format and Appearance of Qatar Driving Experience Certificate?
The Driving Experience Certificate Qatar follows a standard format:
- Printed on the official letterhead of the “General Traffic Department” under MOI
- Dated (must be issued within the last six months for most applications abroad)
- Titled “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN” as the subject line
- Contains all required driving details mentioned above
- Available in both Arabic and English languages
- Includes official stamps and signatures
- Delivered in PDF format when requested online
Who Needs This Certificate?
You might need a Qatar Driving Certificate if:
- You’re relocating to another country and want to convert your Qatar license
- You need to prove your driving experience for employment purposes abroad
- You’re applying for an international driving position that requires driving history verification
- You want to skip beginner driving classes in your new country of residence
- You’re applying for certain types of vehicle insurance abroad
Before applying for this certificate, you might want to check if your Qatar ID Status is active, as this can affect your ability to use certain online services.
Eligibility for Qatar Driving Experience Certificate
To be eligible for a Qatar Driving Certificate, you must:
- Have held a valid Qatar Driving License at some point (even if it’s currently expired)
- Have your driving records in the MOI system
- Have a Qatar ID (even if you’re no longer in Qatar, your records remain in the system)
How To Get Qatar Driving Experience Certificate?
There are two convenient ways to get your Qatar Driving Experience Certificate in 2025:
- Through the MOI E-Services Portal
- Using the Metrash mobile application
Both methods are official, reliable, and deliver the certificate within minutes. Let’s explore each option in detail.
Method 1: Getting Certificate Through MOI E-Services Portal
The MOI Qatar E-Services Portal offers a straightforward way to obtain your driving certificate online. Here’s how:
Requirements:
- Smart ID Card (with e-gate functionality) for login
- Valid email address
- Credit/debit card for payment
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official MOI E-Services Portal at https://portal.moi.gov.qa
- Log in using your Smart Card
- Look for and click on “Traffic Services”
- Select “Requests and Certificates”
- Click on “Traffic Certificates”
- Choose “Driving License Certificate”
- Enter a valid email address where you want to receive the certificate
- Pay the fee (QR10) using your credit or debit card
- Wait for the certificate to arrive in your email (usually within 5 minutes)
If you’re having trouble with the MOI portal, make sure your Qatar ID is not expired and your information is up to date. If your ID has expired while you were traveling, check our guide on QID Expired While Traveling.
Method 2: Getting Certificate Using Metrash Mobile App
The Metrash app (which recently replaced Metrash2) provides a mobile-friendly option for obtaining your driving certificate. This method is particularly useful if you’re outside Qatar.
Requirements:
- Valid Qatar ID (QID)
- Metrash app installed on your smartphone
- Active Metrash account
- Valid email address
- Credit/debit card for payment
Having trouble with the app? Check our guide on How to Use Qatar’s Metrash App: Step-by-Step Guide for comprehensive assistance.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Open the Metrash app on your smartphone
- Log in with your QID and password (If your Qatar ID is Missing from Metrash, follow our troubleshooting guide)
- Tap on the “Traffic” icon in the services menu
- Select “Traffic Certificate” from the options
- Choose “Driving License Certificate”
- Enter your QID number and email address where you want to receive the certificate
- Click “Next” to proceed
- Pay the QR10 fee using your credit or debit card
- Wait for the certificate to arrive in your email (usually within 5 minutes)
What is the Fee and Processing Time of Qatar Driving Certificate?
Getting your Qatar Driving Certificate is affordable and quick:
| Method | Fee | Processing Time |
| MOI Portal | QR10 | Within 5 minutes |
| Metrash App | QR10 | Within 5 minutes |
Both methods cost the same and deliver results equally quickly. Choose whichever is more convenient for your situation.
Can You Apply From Outside Qatar?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of the online application process is that you can request your Qatar Driving Experience Certificate even if you’ve already left the country.
As long as your driving record exists in the MOI system, you can apply through:
- Metrash App: If you still have access to your Metrash account, this is the easiest method.
- Representative in Qatar: If you don’t have access to your Metrash account, a trusted person in Qatar can help you apply using the MOI portal with their Smart Card.
Countries Where the Certificate is Most Useful
The Qatar Driving Certificate is widely accepted in many countries, though requirements vary. Here are some countries where this certificate is particularly valuable:
North America:
- Canada: Most provinces accept the certificate to reduce or waive waiting periods
- United States: Requirements vary by state, but many consider foreign driving experience
Europe:
- United Kingdom: May reduce the testing requirements
- Germany: Can simplify the license conversion process
- France: Often accepts foreign driving history
Middle East:
- UAE: Accepts the certificate for license conversion, especially with attestation
- Saudi Arabia: Can simplify the license application process
- Oman: Recognizes Qatar driving experience
Asia-Pacific:
- Australia: State-specific requirements, but generally recognized
- New Zealand: May reduce testing requirements
- Singapore: Can simplify the license conversion process
Always check with the local driving authority in your destination country for the most current requirements.
Benefits of Having a Qatar Driving Experience Certificate
Obtaining your Qatar Driving Certificate offers several advantages:
1. Skip the Beginner Phase
Many countries allow experienced drivers to skip the learner’s or probationary phase if they can prove prior driving experience.
2. Reduce Waiting Periods
Some countries impose waiting periods for new drivers that can be shortened or waived with proof of prior experience.
3. Insurance Benefits
Some insurance companies offer better rates to drivers who can prove several years of driving experience.
4. Job Opportunities
For positions requiring driving experience, this certificate serves as official proof of your capabilities.
5. Convenience
Obtaining the certificate is quick and affordable, making it a worthwhile investment before leaving Qatar.
6. Official Validation
As an official government document, it carries more weight than informal letters or expired licenses.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Certificate?
If you don’t receive your Qatar Driving Certificate after applying:
- Check spam/junk folders: First place to look as official emails often end up there.
- Verify email address: Ensure you didn’t make any typos in your email address.
- Wait the full processing time: Although usually quick, allow up to 30 minutes before taking further action.
- Apply again: Since the fee is only QR10, it’s often easier to apply again than to troubleshoot.
- Contact MOI: If repeated attempts fail, contact the Ministry of Interior directly:
- Phone: +974 234 5555
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a certificate if my license has expired?
A: Yes, even if your Qatar Driving License has expired, you can still obtain a certificate showing your driving history.
Q: How long is the certificate valid?
A: The certificate itself doesn’t have an expiration date, but most countries require it to be issued within the last six months for license conversion purposes.
Q: Can I request the certificate in a specific language?
A: The certificate is typically issued in both Arabic and English. For other languages, you may need to get it translated by a certified translator.
Q: What if I have traffic violations on my record?
A: The certificate will show your traffic violations history. Having violations doesn’t disqualify you from getting the certificate, but it may affect how foreign authorities assess your application.
Q: Do I need to attest the certificate?
A: For some countries, you may need to get the certificate attested by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy of your destination country. Check your destination country’s requirements.
Abdullah Hasham is an expat living in Qatar and the founder of Qatar Navigate. Drawing from his own experiences, he creates practical, easy-to-follow guides to help others settle in, explore, and thrive in Qatar. His goal is to make everyday life simpler for fellow expats, residents, and newcomers alike.