Documents Required for Rent a Car in Dubai – Full 2025 Guide

Knowing the documents required for rent a car in Dubai helps you avoid delays, rejections, or penalties—whether you’re a tourist, resident, or business traveler. In this guide, you’ll get detailed insights covering eligibility, deposit rules, accepted licenses, and practical tips to ensure a smooth rental experience.

Who Can Rent a Car in Dubai?

Renting a car in Dubai is simple, but there are specific legal and company rules to follow.

Basic Rental Requirements:

• Minimum age: 21 years for most vehicles
• Luxury/sports cars: 25–30 years minimum
• Valid UAE or recognized foreign driving license
• Documents required for rent a car in Dubai vary by visa/residency status

General Car Rental Requirements in Dubai

Before listing the exact documents required for rent a car in Dubai, here are the baseline rules:

• Minimum age: 21 (25+ for premium/luxury vehicles)
• Valid license (UAE or international, depending on country)
• Credit card in your name
• Insurance coverage and clean record recommended

Full List of Documents Required for Rent a Car in Dubai

For UAE Residents:

• Emirates ID (original + copy)
• Valid UAE driving license (6–12+ months)
• Credit card for deposit (usually AED 1,000–5,000)

For Tourists & Visitors:

• Passport with visa or entry stamp
• Home-country license
• International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed
• Credit card
• Flight ticket (for airport delivery option)

For Business Travelers:

• Passport with visa
• Home-country license + IDP if required
• Business card or company authorization letter (optional)
• Company credit card

For GCC Nationals:

• GCC national ID
• GCC-issued license
• Entry visa or UAE stamp

✅ Tip: Always bring both the original and a copy of your license and ID documents.

Why Are These Documents Required?

Car rental agencies must verify that you’re legally allowed to drive in the UAE. These documents required for rent a car in Dubai help process insurance, hold deposits, and protect against traffic fines or accidents.

Recognized Licenses That Don’t Need an IDP

According to Visit Dubai, tourists from over 50 countries can drive using their national licenses—no IDP needed—if the license is in English or Arabic and you’re visiting on a tourist visa.

Countries include:

• US
• UK
• Canada
• Australia
• Saudi Arabia
• Germany
• France
• Japan
  …and more.

What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right Documents?

If you fail to provide the documents required for rent a car in Dubai, you may:

• Be denied the rental
• Be ineligible to drive legally
• Forfeit your deposit
• Be excluded from insurance coverage in case of accident

Deposit Requirements and How They Work

Deposits are standard in Dubai’s rental industry. They’re refundable and held for:

• Traffic fines
• Salik tolls
• Damages or repairs
• Late returns

Deposits are typically refunded within 30 days (per Gulf News).

Insurance Options for Rental Cars

Included:

• Third-party liability (default)

Optional Add-ons:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Full coverage (for luxury or sports cars)
• Roadside assistance / windshield protection

Comparing Rental Types in Dubai

6 Simple Steps to Rent a Car in Dubai

1. Choose rental company and vehicle
   
2. Submit the documents required for rent a car in Dubai
   
3. Inspect the car and note its condition
   
4. Sign the rental agreement
   
5. Pay the deposit
   
6. Return the car on time to receive your refund

Example: UK Tourist in Dubai

• Uses valid UK driving license
• Pays AED 1,500 deposit by credit card
• Rents for 7 days
• Deposit is refunded after 21 days
• Third-party insurance included

Important Rental Considerations

Fuel Policy:

Most companies follow a “full-to-full” policy—refill before return or pay a fee.

Mileage Limit:

Usually 200–300 km/day. Extra distance may cost unless you choose unlimited mileage.

Extra Fees:

• Salik tolls (AED 4/gate)
• Late return fees
• Cleaning charges if car is returned dirty

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Driving without an IDP when required
❌ Forgetting to inspect the vehicle
❌ Ignoring rental contract fine print
❌ Not using a credit card in your name
❌ Skipping insurance upgrade for expensive vehicles

Final Checklist Before Renting

✅ Emirates ID and UAE license (for residents)
✅ Passport and visa stamp (for tourists)
✅ Driving license from accepted country
✅ IDP (if not from recognized country)
✅ Credit card (or cash if allowed)
✅ Proof of address (for monthly rental)

Why Choose Dirham Cars?

Dirham Cars makes it easy with:

• Transparent pricing
• Flexible payment and deposit options
• Modern, GPS-equipped vehicles
• Airport delivery and city pickup
• 24/7 support
• Unlimited mileage monthly packages

Whether you’re in Dubai for business or leisure, we simplify the rental process from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an IDP always required?
   No. Only if your license isn’t in English/Arabic or from a non-recognized country.
2. Can I pay with cash or debit?
   Credit card is standard, but Dirham Cars accepts refundable cash deposits.
3. What’s the age requirement?
   21+ for most cars, 25+ for luxury/sports.
4. Can I drive to other Emirates or Oman?
   Some companies allow it, some don’t. Confirm beforehand.
5. What if I return the car late?
   You may be charged a full extra day. Always communicate delays early.

Sources & References

• Gulf News – Car rental deposit policy in UAE

• Visit Dubai – Driving as a tourist

• RTA – Road and Transport Authority

• Khaleej Times – Tourism and transport updates