2026-06-12 · 5 min read
Documents You Need to Rent a Car in Dubai — Tourists & Residents
Exactly which documents you need to rent a car in Dubai as a tourist or UAE resident, which countries can drive on a home licence, and when you need an International Driving Permit.
For UAE residents
Residents need just two documents: a valid Emirates ID and a UAE driving licence held for at least one year. That's it — booking online takes minutes.
For tourists
Tourists need a passport with a valid UAE entry stamp or visit visa, plus a driving licence from their home country. Visitors from the GCC, UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, India and many other countries can drive in the UAE on their home licence.
When you need an International Driving Permit
If your home licence is not from an approved country — or is not in English or Arabic — you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. Arrange it in your home country before you travel; it cannot be obtained inside the UAE on a tourist visa.
Age and licence requirements
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, rising to 25 for high-performance supercars. Your licence must have been held for a minimum of one year. Digital copies are usually enough to book, but bring the physical documents for pickup.
Written by
Gursewak Singh LinkedIn
Founder & CEO, DriveNexa
Gursewak founded DriveNexa with one aim — that everyone should get to enjoy a luxury ride, and that renting a car should feel as effortless as driving one. He brings 5 years of hands-on experience in Dubai's luxury car rental and vehicle sales & purchase industry, along with 2 years as the owner of an IT company. That blend of automotive expertise and technology is what makes DriveNexa seamless: transparent pricing, instant online booking, and a concierge that actually answers. His promise is simple — every guest enjoys the drive, and every car owner who partners with DriveNexa enjoys a completely hassle-free experience.
Ready to drive?
Browse the fleet and reserve your car with just 20% advance — free delivery anywhere in Dubai.
Explore the Fleet