How to Rent a Car in Dubai: Requirements and Documents
Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Dubai on your own schedule. You can drive to the beach in the morning, reach a desert camp at sunset and do the mall run without waiting for taxis. The rules are simple once you know them. This guide explains the requirements to rent a car in Dubai for tourists and residents: documents, age, licences, deposits, insurance, tolls and what to check when you collect the car.
In short: you need a passport and a valid driving licence (plus an International Driving Permit if your licence is not on the official lists). Our minimum age is 18 with a valid licence; some cars may require a higher age. UAE residents need a UAE driving licence and Emirates ID.
Can tourists rent a car in Dubai?
Yes. Tourists can rent a car in Dubai with a visit visa and an accepted driving licence. The official rules are:
- UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism: all other visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car, carried with the original licence.
If your licence is on only one of them, bring an IDP and confirm with us.
Rules vary by nationality, so we explain them country by country in our driving licence guide for tourists.
Documents required to rent a car in Dubai
For tourists and visitors
- Passport, valid for your whole stay.
- Visit visa or entry stamp. Visa rules depend on your nationality.
- Driving licence in your name, valid for the whole rental. Many rental companies require that it has been held for at least one year.
- International Driving Permit if your licence is not from a GCC or RTA exception country. An IDP is only valid together with the original licence.
For UAE residents
- Emirates ID
- UAE driving licence. Residents cannot rent on a foreign licence, even if they had one before moving here.
- Passport copy with residence visa, if the rental company asks for it
With Dubai Rent Car
You book online with no upfront payment. Our team then contacts you on WhatsApp or by phone, and you send clear photos of your driving licence and passport (and IDP if required). We confirm everything before you collect the car, so there are no surprises at the handover.
Minimum age to rent a car in Dubai
Dubai Rent Car's minimum age is 18, with a valid driving licence. Some cars may require a higher age. See our luxury car rental page.
Deposit and payment
Most rental companies in the UAE ask for a credit card in the renter's name. They block a security deposit on it to cover traffic fines, Salik tolls, fuel and damage that only become known after the rental.
With Dubai Rent Car, booking needs no payment at all, and cancellation is free.
Insurance
Every car in the UAE must be insured by law. Basic insurance is included. Before you drive, ask whether the windscreen and tyres are covered, and whether cover applies outside Dubai in the other emirates.
Tolls (Salik) and traffic fines
Salik
Dubai uses automatic toll gates called Salik.
Traffic fines
Dubai has many speed cameras and red-light cameras. Fines registered during your rental are the renter's responsibility. Driving on a foreign licence that is not recognised in Dubai is a traffic offence that can lead to a fine; check current penalties with the RTA or Dubai Police.
Step by step: how to rent a car in Dubai
- Check your licence against the list above or our licence guide. Get an IDP at home if you need one, because it must be issued in the country that issued your licence.
- Choose a car that fits your plans: cheap economy, SUV, or luxury.
- Book online. With Dubai Rent Car there is no prepayment and cancellation is free.
- Confirm with our team on WhatsApp or phone and send photos of your licence and passport.
- Inspect the car (see checklist below), then drive.
Pick-up checklist
- Walk around the car and photograph every scratch or dent with the time visible.
- Check the fuel level and mileage and note them.
- Make sure the air conditioning works well, which matters in Dubai.
- Check tyres and the spare or repair kit.
Key driving rules in Dubai
- Drive on the right. Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol when driving.
- No handheld phone use while driving.
- Speed limits are clearly posted and enforced by radar. Don't rely on unofficial "buffers".
- Children must use suitable child seats, so ask for one when you book.
Which rental period to choose?
- A few days: daily rental, ideal for short city breaks.
- One to three weeks: weekly rates usually lower the daily cost.
- One month or more: monthly car rental is the best value for long stays.
FAQ
What documents do I need to rent a car in Dubai as a tourist?
Your passport, a visit visa or entry stamp, and a valid driving licence. If your licence is not from a GCC country or an RTA exception country, you also need an International Driving Permit.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?
Our minimum age is 18, with a valid driving licence. Some cars may require a higher age.
Can I rent a car in Dubai without a credit card?
With Dubai Rent Car you book without any card or payment. At pickup you can pay in cash or by card for the rent, insurance and the deposit. A credit card is not required.
Can UAE residents rent a car with a foreign licence?
No. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism says residents need a valid UAE licence to rent, and the RTA allows foreign licences only on a visit visa.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Dubai?
Yes, unless your licence is from a GCC country or an RTA exception country. Indian, Pakistani, Russian, Egyptian and many other licences need an IDP.
Is insurance included when I rent a car in Dubai?
UAE law requires every car to be insured. Basic insurance is included.
Who pays Salik tolls and traffic fines on a rental car?
The renter.