Summary: Tourists renting a car in Dubai need a valid passport, a home country driving licence, a credit card for payment and deposit, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not from the list of licences accepted for visitors; some agencies may also request a copy of your tourist visa stamp or e-visa page for verification purposes. Visitors from GCC and specific recognised countries can rent and drive with their home licence, while all other nationalities must carry an IDP alongside their home licence.
Quick Checklist
- Passport with UAE entry stamp for identification and contract verification.
- Valid home country driving licence; if your licence is not from a recognised list, carry an IDP as well.
- Credit card for security deposit and rental charges; deposits are typically blocked and released within a maximum of 30 days if no fines or damages are posted.
- Tourist visa copy (if requested); some providers may ask to keep a copy with the rental file.
Who Needs an IDP?
- Visitors from GCC (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) and a defined list of countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea) can rent a car in Dubai using their home country licence while on a tourist/visit visa.
- If your country is not on the recognised list, you must carry a valid IDP together with your original home country licence to rent and drive in the UAE as a tourist.
Also Read – Tips for Renting a Car in Dubai Airport
Documents by Licence Origin
| Licence origin | Documents needed |
| GCC and recognised countries (per UAE tourism authority list) | Passport with UAE entry stamp + home country driving licence + credit card for deposit/payment; visa copy may be requested by the rental desk . |
| All other countries | Passport with UAE entry stamp + home country driving licence + valid IDP + credit card for deposit/payment; visa copy may be requested by the rental desk . |
Deposits, Insurance and Age
- Most car rental agencies in Dubai require a credit card, and the security deposit is blocked (not charged) to cover traffic fines, Salik tolls, or damages; it should be released within a maximum of 30 days after return if no dues remain.
- By law, rentals include third‑party insurance; you can choose additional coverage at extra cost or rely on your travel policy if it covers rentals, so plan ahead to avoid last‑minute premium surcharges.
- The minimum age to rent a car in the UAE is generally 21, while some categories (e.g., supercars) may require 25+; always check your category before booking.
IDP: How to Apply in India (RTO Route)
- Eligibility and where to apply: An Indian resident with a valid Indian driving licence applies for IDP through the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) that has jurisdiction over the place of residence.
- Forms and documents: Submit the prescribed IDP application (as per RTO; referenced as Form IDP/4A in practice) with copies of your valid Indian driving licence, passport, visa (where applicable), and travel details; a medical certificate (Form 1A) is often required by RTOs.
- Fees and processing: Pay the fee as prescribed by your RTO; charges are set by the issuing authority and collected with applicable user charges, and issuance follows successful verification.
Tips for Smoother Bookings
- Match your documents with your licence origin before you rent a car in Dubai to avoid desk‑side delays, especially ensuring you carry an IDP if your licence is from a non‑recognised country.
- Use a credit card that supports international pre‑authorisations so your deposit block and release process remains smooth across billing cycles during or after your trip.
- For longer stays, monthly car rental Dubai can be practical and budget‑friendly compared to repeated daily hires, especially when itineraries include inter‑emirate drives; where preferred, chauffeur hire Dubai remains an option for those who do not wish to self‑drive.
Also Read – Best Time to Rent Supercars in Dubai?
FAQs
1. What documents do I need to rent a car in Dubai?
Passport with entry stamp, a valid home country licence, an IDP if your licence is not on the recognised list, a credit card for the deposit, and sometimes a copy of your tourist visa.
2. Can tourists rent a car in Dubai?
Yes, tourists can rent a car in Dubai if they meet the age requirement and hold the right documents for their licence origin, with many rental options available across the city and airports.
3. Can we drive rental cars in Dubai with an Indian licence?
Yes, Indian tourists should carry an IDP along with their valid Indian driving licence because India is not on the recognised‑licence list for visitors in the UAE.
4. Can Indians drive in Dubai on a tourist visa?
Yes, with a valid Indian licence plus an IDP and passport/visa, Indians on a tourist visa can rent and drive in Dubai, subject to rental terms and traffic laws.
5. Is it better to rent a car in Dubai or use a taxi?
Both are widely available; renting offers flexibility for multi‑stop itineraries and inter‑emirate trips, while taxis suit short, point‑to‑point travel—choose based on comfort with driving and length of stay.
6. Is it easy to drive in Dubai for Indians?
Dubai has excellent, well‑maintained roads and bilingual signage (English and Arabic), which helps visitors navigate confidently while following local traffic rules.
7. Who is eligible for IDP?
An Indian resident holding a valid Indian driving licence may apply for an IDP through the RTO with the prescribed form, required identity and travel documents, and applicable fees.
8. What details do I need to rent a car?
Carry your passport with an entry stamp, a home licence, IDP if required, a working credit card for deposit/payment, and a printed or digital copy of your tourist visa if requested.
9. Can you rent a car in Dubai without an Emirates ID?
Yes, tourists rent using their passport, visa, and valid driving documents; the Emirates ID applies to residents obtaining a UAE licence, not to visitors.
10. How much does IDP cost in India?
Fees are prescribed by the RTO and collected with user charges at the time of application; check your local RTO for exact amounts.
About CarRentalServiceDubai.com
For fast approvals and smooth handovers, CarRentalServiceDubai.com helps tourists rent a car in Dubai with clear document guidance and transparent deposits, making affordable car rental Dubai and monthly car rental Dubai straightforward for every itinerary, with chauffeur hire Dubai available if you prefer not to self‑drive.
Also Read – Luxury vs. Affordable Car Rental in Dubai: Which One Offers the Best Value?
