What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Dubai?
Renting a car in Dubai is fast once you have the right paperwork. The exact documents depend on whether you are a tourist or a UAE resident, and on the country that issued your driving licence. This guide covers both, updated for 2026.
If you are a tourist
Visitors on a tourist or visit visa need:
- A valid passport (the original, or a clear copy on delivery).
- Proof of entry — your visit-visa stamp or the digital entry record.
- Your home-country driving licence, valid and not expiring during the rental.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not from an approved country (see below).
Which tourists can use their home licence without an IDP?
Drivers from GCC countries and many others can drive on their national licence for the length of their visit. This commonly includes the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, and several others. Drivers from countries not on the approved list must carry a valid IDP together with their home licence.
Because the approved-country list is updated periodically, we confirm your specific nationality on WhatsApp before delivery so there is never a surprise at handover.
If you are a UAE resident
Residents need:
- A valid UAE driving licence.
- Your Emirates ID (original or copy).
- A credit/debit card in your name for any deposit or payment.
Minimum age
The minimum age is typically 21 for economy cars, 23 for SUVs and sports cars, and 25+ for luxury and exotic vehicles. Some exotics require drivers to be 30 or older. Younger drivers can sometimes rent with an added young-driver fee.
What you do NOT need
You do not need a UAE residence visa to rent as a tourist, and you do not need to visit an office — we deliver the car and verify documents at handover. No physical paperwork queue.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to rent a car in Dubai?
Tourists need a passport, a visit-visa stamp or entry record, and either a licence from a GCC/approved country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home licence. UAE residents need an Emirates ID and a valid UAE driving licence. We confirm exactly what applies to your nationality on WhatsApp before delivery.
Can tourists rent a car in Dubai?
Yes. Tourists can rent and self-drive in Dubai. Drivers from many countries (UK, most of Europe, USA, Canada, GCC and more) can use their home licence; others need an International Driving Permit. The minimum age is usually 21–25 depending on the car class.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?
The minimum age is 21 for economy cars, 23 for SUVs and sports cars, and 25+ for luxury and exotic vehicles. Some exotic cars require the driver to be 30+.