If you are travelling and want to hire a vehicle or drive abroad, you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (also referred to as an International Driving License). An IDP is an internationally recognized document that validates your locally-issued driving license and enables you to legally drive (and hire) a private motor vehicle in countries that recognize it as a legal requirement. Basically, an IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving license in your own country, and are entitled to drive. It does not replace your normal driving license, and must be carried with your normal driving license as issued in your country of origin.
Your UAE International Driving Permit is printed in a total of 10 languages, including Arabic, French, English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, as well as the Scandinavian languages, Portuguese, and Italian. The fact that it is printed in so many languages makes it not just useful for hiring a vehicle and for dealing with traffic stops, but can also be used as a form of identification if you lose your passport and have to prove your identity to a consulate.
Your UAE International Driving Permit is printed in a total of 10 languages, including Arabic, French, English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, as well as the Scandinavian languages, Portuguese, and Italian. The fact that it is printed in so many languages makes it not just useful for hiring a vehicle and for dealing with traffic stops, but can also be used as a form of identification if you lose your passport and have to prove your identity to a consulate.
Who can apply for an IDP?
Any UAE resident who holds a valid driving license can apply for IDP. Once issued, your IDP is valid for a period of one year. Regardless of your nationality, you need to be registered as a resident and hold a UAE driving license. You will also need the following documents to apply for your UAE International Driver’s License:
- Your passport (or a copy if you are applying by post)
- Your Emirates ID card
- A valid UAE-issued driving license
- Two recent passport-sized photos
How much does it cost?
Applying for an International Driving License in Dubai costs approximately AED 170 + VAT, although this can vary depending on the Emirate you live in. Remember that your UAE International Driving License is only valid for one year, so if you are planning to drive abroad regularly you may need to renew it. It will take approximately 10 working days for your IDP to be issued.
Where can you apply for an IDP?
You can obtain your International Driving Permit from the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (also known as ATCUAE). You can do this online by visiting their page.
You can also get your IDP from the following locations:
ABU DHABI
- Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
- Abu Dhabi Hospitality Company (Duty Free)
- AUH Travel Bureau
- Al Masaood Travels
- Al Masaood Travels – Al Ain Branch
- Omeir Travels
- Alsa Travel & Tourism LLC
DUBAI
- Arabian Automobile Association (AAA)
- Belhasa Advance Motorist (BAM)
- Belhasa Driving Center (BDC)
- Dubai National Air Travel Agency (DNATA)
- Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
- Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
- EPPCO (ENOC-Tasjeel) (EPPCO)
- HERTZ Rent a Car
- IMC Middle East (IMC)
- Orient Travel Services
- Road & Transport Authority (RTA)
SHARJAH
- Emirates Post Office
- Marur Typing Center
- Sharjah National Travel & Tours (SNTTA)
- Cosmo Travels
FUJAIRAH
- Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
- Brothers Tours & Travels
- Fujairah National Driving Institute (FNDI)
Which countries are International Driver’s Licenses valid in?
You can check if your UAE-issued International Driving Permit is valid in the country you’re travelling to by going to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website and checking their list here.
You can also call 800 HERTZ or your local Hertz Car Rental branch to find out about International Driver’s License requirements both abroad and here in the UAE.