As a tourist, to rent a car:
- You must show your passport.
- You need a tourist visa or entry stamp.
- You must have your home countryās driving license.
- Some tourists also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card is required for the security deposit.
- Most companies only rent to people 21+ years old.
1. Can I rent a car in Dubai as a first-time visitor?
Yes. As long as you have a valid passport, tourist visa, and an approved driving license (IDP if required), you can rent a car immediately after arriving in the UAE.
2. Do all tourists need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Not everyone. Travelers from the U.S., UK, Canada, EU/Schengen, Australia, Japan, and South Korea can drive with their home license. Others must carry an IDP + home license.
3. What happens if I bring the wrong documents?
The rental company will not release the car. Missing documents, especially the IDP or passport, are the most common reason tourists are refused at pickup.
4. Can I rent a car without a credit card in Dubai?
Some companies accept debit cards, but most require a credit card for the refundable security hold. Always confirm this before booking.
5. What is the most important thing to check before driving off?
Check that your license is accepted in the UAE and ensure all your documents match the driverās name. Also, take photos of the car during the inspection to avoid disputes later.
What Documents Do Tourists Need for Car Rental in Dubai?
To finalize the agreement of car rental Complete Guide in Dubai, tourists must provide a set of specific documents listed in the table below to the rental companies.
| Required Document | Additional Details |
| Valid Passport | Both the original and a copy are required for identity verification. |
| Valid Tourist Visa | Must show the date of entry and the permitted length of stay. |
| Driverās License from Home Country | Must be valid. Many nationalities are required to carry an IDP along with their home license. |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | Mandatory for most tourists; exceptions include many European countries, the U.S., Canada, and others. |
| International Credit Card or Debit Cards | Required for the deposit (amount will be blocked on the card). Debit cards are also accepted by some companies. |
| Deposit (Security Hold) | A blocked amount to cover possible fines, damages, or vehicle return guarantees. |
| Minimum Driver Age | At least 21 for standard cars and at least 25 for luxury vehicles. |
Ifāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā the table seems to be too concise, the information below will assist you in comprehending the car rental requirements in Dubai for tourists more thoroughly.
Valid Passport and Entry Stamp (Visa)
During your rental, your passport must be valid. The entry stamp or tourist visa confirms your legal stay. Along with the car, show the original passport with the visa page or entry stamp. Even if the company accepts copies, having originals is safer for any police checks.
Valid Driverās License (and IDP if required)
A full, valid driverās license is required, usually issued for at least one year. Drivers from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Schengen nations can drive with their home license. Others must show an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the original license.
Credit or Debit Card (and Security Deposit Hold)
Most UAE rental companies require a credit card to hold a refundable security deposit for damages, fines, or fees (e.g., Salik tolls). Some companies, like Saadatrent, also accept debit cards. Always confirm in advance if a credit card is necessary.
Some companies like Saadatrent also accept debit cards. Always check with your chosen company in advance to check if you can rent a car without a credit card in Dubai.
Additional Requirements (Age, Driving Experience,ā¦)
The minimum rental age is usually 21, and licenses should be held for at least a year. Drivers under 25 may pay a Young Driver Fee. Ensure your passport, license, and card names match to avoid delays.
Why You Should Know the Car Rental Documents for Tourists
At Saadatrent, we often see tourists in Dubai unable to pick up a car due to missing or incorrect documents. Many rental requests are rejected because travelers lack a valid passport, visa, or approved driving license. To ensure a smooth, fast pickup and peace of mind, we recommend preparing all required documents in advance.
Before continuing to review the requirements of car rental for tourists in Dubai, you can explore the different car rental options in the UAE at Saadatrent.
Which Countriesā Licenses Are Recognized for Car Rental in Dubai?
Basically, driving licenses from the countries listed below are accepted in the UAE without an International Driving Permit (IDP).Ā
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium
- Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, South Africa, and Schengen countries such as Austria, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Romania, and others
- residents of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, that is to say, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
If the license from your country is not listed above, you will have to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you can rent a car. In the following section, we will talk a lot more about IDPs in āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāDubai.
Rules and Regulations for IDP in Dubai
The IDP is a document issued in one country and recognized in over 150 countries, allowing drivers to use their national license along with the IDP. Mainly for tourists, it is valid for 3 to 6 months. If your status changes to a residency visa, the IDP becomes invalid, and you must get a UAE driving license.
Risks of Driving Without a Valid IDP
Having an IDP is more than an administrative formality; lacking one can cause serious issues:
- Fines: Driving with an invalid foreign license without an IDP can lead to an AED 1,000 fine and 4 black points.
- Insurance Issues: Without a valid IDP, insurance may refuse coverage in accidents, leaving you responsible for repair costs and compensation, potentially tens of thousands of dirhams.
Thus, the absence of carrying an IDP or a properly recognized license may cost you a great deal of āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāmoney.
Common Mistakes in Preparing Documents for Car Rental in Dubai
There are several issues that often create problems for tourists during car rental in Dubai. These mistakes are easy to avoid when you know what to look out for.
- Temporary or probationary licenses: Rental companies do not accept learner or provisional licenses. A full and valid driving license is required.
- No translation or IDP: A license that is not in English or Arabic usually needs an IDP or official translation. Drivers from countries like Japan or Turkey almost always need one.
- Not reading the rental agreement: Ignoring the contract can lead to extra fees for fuel, mileage, or small damages. Reviewing key terms prevents surprises.
- Skipping the vehicle inspection: Inspect the car inside and outside before driving and record any scratches. Take photos or videos to avoid disputes over old damage.
These simple tips help tourists rent a car in Dubai without problems and enjoy a smooth experience.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the car rental requirements for tourists in Dubai and key tips, you are ready to pick up your favorite car in Dubai without stress and enjoy your trip. By preparing your passport, driving license, and credit card, you wonāt waste time at pickup and can hit the road immediately.
Book your car now! Visit the Saadatrent booking page, upload your documents, and finalize your order in just a few minutes. With Saadatrent, you can enjoy your trip with confidence and start exploring the UAE in your chosen rental car.
FAQs
Canāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā I rent a car with my home country’s driving license?
Yes, if your license is from a UAE-approved country (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Schengen, Japan, South Korea) and you have a valid tourist visa. Otherwise, you need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your domestic license.
What is the minimum age to rent a car as a tourist?
The minimum age is generally 21. The limitation age of 25 is the minimum for luxury or supercars, and drivers under 25 may also be additionally charged a fee.
Am I obliged to use a credit card?
Yes, the credit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Normally, debit cards are not allowed, and they may result in the cancellation of your booking.
What if I get a traffic fine in the rental car?
Traffic tickets follow the car plate. The rental firm may use your deposit to cover the fine, send you an invoice, and there might be a charge for the administrative work.
What if my license is less than one year?
Most companies require the license to be at least 6ā12 months old. If it is newly issued, the rental company may refuse rental or charge a higher insurance fee; an IDP may be āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāānecessary.
