Handling vehicle related services in Saudi Arabia has become more convenient with the advanced digital solutions offered by the Absher platform. One of its most valuable features for car owners is the option to officially authorize another individual to operate a vehicle, transferring full legal responsibility for its use to the authorized driver.
When Is Official Car Driving Authorization Necessary?
This service becomes important when a car owner wants to authorize a family member or a personal driver to use the vehicle for an extended period without personally bearing the legal or financial consequences of any traffic violations. In such cases, the authorized individual assumes full legal responsibility, including any violations or obligations incurred while driving the car within Saudi.
It is especially useful in situations such as managing a company or institutional vehicle fleet, or when the owner has multiple cars that are regularly driven by others. This process helps ensure the legal use of vehicles and clearly defines each party's responsibilities through an official and traceable procedure.
Basic Conditions for Authorizing a Car Driver
To authorize an actual user to drive a vehicle, several essential conditions must be met. The authorized person must hold a valid driver's license, and the vehicle must have an active registration and valid insurance coverage.
In addition, neither the vehicle owner nor the authorized user should have any unpaid traffic violations or existing security or traffic-related restrictions. The authorization becomes effective only after the authorized user accepts the request through their Absher account, confirming their full legal responsibility for the vehicle during its use.
Steps to Authorize and Cancel Vehicle Use via Absher
To authorize an actual user for your vehicle, start by logging into your Absher account. Navigate to the “Traffic” section under electronic services, then select “Add Actual User for Vehicle.” Choose the vehicle you want to authorize, then enter the user’s ID number and date of birth. After submitting the request, the other party must log in to their own Absher account to approve the authorization.
To cancel an existing authorization, go to “Manage Actual Users,” select the vehicle and the authorized user’s name, then click “Cancel Authorization.” Once confirmed, the cancellation is processed immediately, and the user receives an instant notification; no further steps are required.
Authorization vs. Ownership Transfer: Key Differences
Some may confuse authorizing a user with transferring car ownership, but the two differ significantly in terms of legal responsibility and vehicle rights. Under authorization, the car remains registered to its original owner, while the authorized individual assumes responsibility for driving and any traffic violations incurred during use. Authorization can be canceled or renewed at any time as needed.
In contrast, ownership transfer permanently moves the legal ownership of the vehicle to another party, and reversing it requires initiating a new ownership transfer process. Therefore, authorization is ideal for those who want another person to legally use their car without giving up ownership.
What Does Absher Offer Car Owners in Saudi Arabia?
The Absher platform offers a comprehensive suite of digital services that simplify vehicle management for car owners in Saudi Arabia. Users can renew vehicle registration, verify insurance status, and pay traffic fines directly through the platform. In addition, Absher allows users to issue driving authorizations for use within or outside the Kingdom, by approved regulations.
The platform also enables electronic vehicle ownership transfers without requiring a visit to traffic departments, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to digital transformation in public services.
Absher: A Milestone in Traffic and Driving Services
Absher, launched by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior, delivers government services electronically in a secure and efficient manner for both citizens and residents. Today, it stands as one of the most comprehensive digital platforms, offering over 350 services, including traffic management and more.
The platform reduces pressure on government offices while saving users time and effort, all while ensuring the protection of personal data. For car owners in particular, Absher has become an all in one solution for managing vehicle related tasks entirely from home, eliminating the need for paperwork or office visits.

Yasir Al-Mansouri have more than 10 years of experience in the automotive journalism world. He is an expert of automotive news articles, features, and reviews on cars, from the latest models to industry trends. He've built strong relationships with car manufacturers and industry experts. Connect with Yasir Al-Mansouri on LinkedIn to stay updated on all things automotive and join our exciting journey in exploring the world of automobiles.