Save on Dubai metro and bus fares - how to apply, benefits, and costs.

Dubai: If you regularly use the Dubai metro, buses, and taxis, one of the best options is to apply for a personal Nol card linked to your Emirates ID and contact details. 

 What makes a Blue or Personal NoL Card different from an anonymous Silver or Gold NOL Card is the ability to recover funds if the card is lost or stolen. 

The card also allows People of Determination to use the Dubai metro and buses for free or for a fee, and students, seniors, and UAE residents get a 50% discount on bus and metro fares.  If the Nol card is personalized, the maximum amount that can be added to the card is Dh5,000, but an unenrolled card can only be topped up to  Dh1,000. The money loaded onto these Nol cards can be used for purposes other than paying for public transport. 

Here is everything you need to know about the application process, costs, and documents if you want to reap the benefits of a personal Nol card. 

Required Documents for Personal Norcard 

Depending on which category you belong to, you will need to submit the following documents: 

Adult 

 • A copy of your valid Emirates ID (front and back) 

 • A personal photo on a white background.

People of Determination 

 • A copy of your valid Emirates ID (front and back) 

 • A personal photo on a white background 

 • A copy of the People of Determination Card issued by the UAE Ministry of Community Development or the Sanad Card issued by the Community Development Authority of Dubai. 

People of Determination (Tourist) 

 • Copy of the Passport or ID card 

 • Personal photograph with a white background 

 • An official document issued by the competent authorities in the applicant's country, stating that the person requesting the permit is a Person of Determination or requires special assistance. 

  According to the RTA website – rta.ae, for tourists, all submitted documents should be in Arabic or English, otherwise, the applicant will be requested to submit a legalised translation to process the application.

Students – from the age of five to 23 years old 

 • Copy of the valid Emirates ID (front and back) 

 • Personal photograph with a white background 

 • An official document proving that the applicant is a student at a school or university in the UAE.

Senior Citizens and residents in the UAE (60 years old and above) 

 • Copy of the valid Emirates ID (front and back) 

 • Recent personal photograph with a white background. 

How to apply for a personal or blue nol card online 

Nol cards are issued by Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and you can apply for a nol card online on the official RTA website - rta.ae or fill out the personal nol card application form from the ticketing office located in Dubai Metro stations 

 Step 1: Select the service 

 • Go to the RTA website - rta.ae and click on ‘Services’ on the websites homepage. • Click Show public transit services. 

 • Type 'Apply for Personal Nol Card' in the search bar and click on Services.

 • You will  be redirected to the services page. Click "Apply Now". 

 Step 2: Select a Nol Card 

 • Select your travel class, Regular or Gold. • Select one of the map's categories from the drop-down menu. 

 • Regular 

 • student 

 • People of Determination

 • Senior Citizen

 Next, choose a card design. If you want her Nol card with a special design, you have to pay Dh30 extra. Click Select. Click "Next". 

 Step 3: Enter your personal information 

 According to RTA's website, you have to enter your personal information according to your Emirates ID. 

 • full name 

 • mobile number 

 • email address 

 Delivery details: 

 • Please select the emirate in which you live. 

 • Area.  

 • Street name or number.  

 • House or apartment number. 

  Click "Next". 

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Regardless of which category they fall into, everyone must submit a recent personal photo with a white background and a copy of a valid Emirates ID. Both documents should be in her JPG format and less than 2MB in size. After uploading these two documents, upload supporting documents as needed. For example student ID card, admission letter, Sanad card, etc. 

Step 5: Confirm and Pay 

 Review the application form and make a Norcard payment online using a credit or debit card.

 After submitting your documents, you will receive a reference number for further processing of your application.  

 You will receive SMS updates on the progress of your registered mobile number application.  Step 6: Receive your blue Nol card by courier 

 According to the RTA's website,  the card will arrive within four business days of submitting the application. 

Cost of personal NOL card 

Here's a breakdown of costs, depending on which category you fall into: 

 • For Standard Blue NOL Card: Dh70 (includes Dh20 balance and Dh50 registration fee).  

 • For Gold Personal NOL Card: 80 AED (includes 20 AED balance, 50 AED application fee and 10 AED for Gold card design). 

 Prices for specially designed NOL cards: 

 Standard Personal NOL Card: 

 • Registration fee: 50 Dh 

 • Special Design Fee: Dh30 

 • Card balance: Dh20 

 Total: 100Dh 

 Personal Gold Noll Card 

 • Registration fee: 50 Dh 

 • Special Design Fee: Dh30 

 • Card balance: Dh20 

 • Gold Template Design: Dh10 

 Total: 110Dh 

The personal expiration date of the card

The card is valid for 5 years. The Nol Student Card discount period is valid for one year and must be renewed after expiration to continue receiving the 50 percent discount. Without an extension, the card will calculate the regular fare without the 50% discount.