Documents Needed to Rent a Car in Dubai
What you need depends on one thing: whether you are a visitor or a UAE resident. Visitors rent on a passport and an accepted foreign licence. Residents rent on an Emirates ID and a UAE driving licence.
Written by the Najd Rent a Car team. Last reviewed .
What documents does a tourist need?
A visitor needs three things, all original and valid for the whole rental period.
- Passport.
- UAE entry stamp or visit visa.
- Driving licence from your home country, plus an International Driving Permit if your country requires one.
Keep digital copies on your phone as well. Rental companies record these documents on the rental agreement, and police may ask for them at a checkpoint or after an accident.
What documents does a UAE resident need?
A resident needs an Emirates ID and a valid UAE driving licence. If you hold a residence visa you cannot legally drive on a foreign licence or an International Driving Permit, even if that licence would be accepted for a tourist. This is the single most common reason a rental is refused at the counter.
New residents whose UAE licence is still being issued should wait until they have it. If your home licence is from a country with a transfer agreement, the conversion at the RTA is usually quick.
Which foreign licences are accepted without an International Driving Permit?
Visitors from many countries can drive in the UAE on their national licence alone. This includes the GCC states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries. Visitors from countries outside the recognised list need an International Driving Permit issued in their home country, carried together with the original licence.
The recognised list is maintained by the UAE authorities and is updated from time to time, so check the current position before you travel. You can also send a photo of your licence to Najd Rent a Car on WhatsApp and we will tell you whether it is accepted.
Is there a minimum age to rent a car?
The legal driving age for cars in the UAE is 18. Rental companies set their own minimum age and minimum licence-holding period, and these are often higher for luxury and high-performance vehicles. Ask for the requirement on the specific car you want before you book, and mention the age of every driver who will be named on the agreement.
Official sources
Rules change. Check the current position with the authority concerned before you travel.
Cars mentioned in this guide
- 5 seats
- 3 bags
- Automatic
AED 650 per week · AED 2,600 per month
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Documents you need: questions people ask
Can I rent a car in Dubai with only a passport and licence?
As a visitor, yes, provided you also have a valid entry stamp or visit visa and your licence is from an accepted country or is accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
Can a UAE resident rent a car with a foreign licence?
No. UAE residents must hold a UAE driving licence to drive, including rental cars.
Do I need the original documents or are copies enough?
Bring the originals. Copies are useful as a backup but are not a substitute at handover.
Can I add a second driver to my rental?
Yes, if the second driver provides the same documents and is named on the rental agreement. Only named drivers are insured, so never hand the keys to someone who is not listed.
Where can a tourist rent a car in Dubai with just a home licence?
Najd Rent a Car rents to visitors whose licence is accepted in the UAE. Send a photo of your licence and passport to 058 595 2763 on WhatsApp and we will confirm before you travel. The company has been licensed in Dubai since 2002.
Still have a question?
Call or WhatsApp 058 595 2763. Same number for both.