Get your International Driving Permit for UAE in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Does UAE require an International Driving Permit?

Original license
Always required
Format accepted
Printed & digital
Issuer matters
Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry
Up to 3 years

UAE allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type Requirement Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor Required in most cases Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver Commonly required Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident Different rules apply After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder May be exempt Depends on home country agreement

Also traveling to other countries? An International Drivers Association International Driving Permit is widely recognized across many destinations worldwide and can make rental pickups, police checks, and border crossings smoother throughout the rest of your trip.

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in UAE?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

  • Valid domestic driver’s license
  • Passport-style photo
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

  • 18 years or older
  • Valid home country license
  • License not suspended
  • Applicable from home or abroad

Top Destinations in The UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves are the sixth-largest in the world, while its natural gas reserves are the world’s seventh-largest. The country’s economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while Dubai, the country’s most populous city, is a global city and international aviation and maritime trade hub. UAE is a federal elective constitutional monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, also known as the Burj Dubai before it got inaugurated in 2010, is one of the most famous United Arab Emirates buildings. Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, the company that designed the Willis Tower and One World Trade Center, lead the design for this building. The construction of Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with its exterior taking five years to complete, and has a total height of 829.8 meters and a roof height of 828 meters.

Burj Khalifa is best known for being the tallest skyscraper globally and is the most popular tourist attraction in Dubai. The name Burj Khalifa means Khalifa Tower and is formerly known as Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower. This tower has various purposes such as: Office, Residential, Hotels, Observation, Restaurant, and Communication. Every year, a firework show or laser show will take place on Burj Khalifa for New Year’s Eve, attracting thousands of people.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel that resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is known as one of the tallest hotels in the world. Thirty-nine percent of the building’s total height is made up of non-occupiable space since it stands on an artificial island 280 meters from Jumeirah Beach and is connected to the mainland by a curve bridge.

Most Important Rules of Driving in The UAE

Driving to the top tourist spots in the UAE can be easy and stress-free if you adhere to the driving rules and etiquette of the country. The majority of the UAE's driving regulations are similar to those in other countries, and their road signs are in both Arabic and English, making them easy to understand. It is important to follow these rules without exceptions. Here are the most crucial driving rules in the UAE that you should remember.

Drive below the speed limit

Don’t drive above the speed limit - 80 kilometers per hour. Driving below the speed limit is a strict rule imposed in the UAE to avoid road accidents. If you get caught overspeeding, you will face a severe offense, and you will have to pay a fine, which could ruin your vacation in the country. As a tourist, be a good driver when in the streets of the UAE.

Don’t Drink and Drive.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol was the leading cause of accidents in the UAE in 2011. Having a small amount of alcohol in your body affects the vision and sharpness of the brain. To avoid being in trouble and causing accidents on the road, you must not drink and drive.

The United Arab Emirates has a zero-tolerance rule in drink-driving.

The legal driving age in the UAE is 18 years old, which means you must be at least that age to operate a vehicle. Being at a legal age doesn’t just allow you to drive a car, but car rental companies also require renters to be at a legal age to rent a car. You must apply for an International driver’s permit to rent a car, which will need your international driver’s license UAE visa, passport, and your local driver’s license.

Top Destinations in The UAE

The United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves are the sixth-largest in the world, while its natural gas reserves are the world’s seventh-largest. The country’s economy is the most diversified in the Gulf Cooperation Council, while Dubai, the country’s most populous city, is a global city and international aviation and maritime trade hub. UAE is a federal elective constitutional monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, also known as the Burj Dubai before it got inaugurated in 2010, is one of the most famous United Arab Emirates buildings. Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, the company that designed the Willis Tower and One World Trade Center, lead the design for this building. The construction of Burj Khalifa began in 2004, with its exterior taking five years to complete, and has a total height of 829.8 meters and a roof height of 828 meters.

Burj Khalifa is best known for being the tallest skyscraper globally and is the most popular tourist attraction in Dubai. The name Burj Khalifa means Khalifa Tower and is formerly known as Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower. This tower has various purposes such as: Office, Residential, Hotels, Observation, Restaurant, and Communication. Every year, a firework show or laser show will take place on Burj Khalifa for New Year’s Eve, attracting thousands of people.

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel that resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is known as one of the tallest hotels in the world. Thirty-nine percent of the building’s total height is made up of non-occupiable space since it stands on an artificial island 280 meters from Jumeirah Beach and is connected to the mainland by a curve bridge.

Most Important Rules of Driving in The UAE

Driving to the top tourist spots in the UAE can be easy and stress-free if you adhere to the driving rules and etiquette of the country. The majority of the UAE's driving regulations are similar to those in other countries, and their road signs are in both Arabic and English, making them easy to understand. It is important to follow these rules without exceptions. Here are the most crucial driving rules in the UAE that you should remember.

Drive below the speed limit

Don’t drive above the speed limit - 80 kilometers per hour. Driving below the speed limit is a strict rule imposed in the UAE to avoid road accidents. If you get caught overspeeding, you will face a severe offense, and you will have to pay a fine, which could ruin your vacation in the country. As a tourist, be a good driver when in the streets of the UAE.

Don’t Drink and Drive.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol was the leading cause of accidents in the UAE in 2011. Having a small amount of alcohol in your body affects the vision and sharpness of the brain. To avoid being in trouble and causing accidents on the road, you must not drink and drive.

The United Arab Emirates has a zero-tolerance rule in drink-driving.

The legal driving age in the UAE is 18 years old, which means you must be at least that age to operate a vehicle. Being at a legal age doesn’t just allow you to drive a car, but car rental companies also require renters to be at a legal age to rent a car. You must apply for an International driver’s permit to rent a car, which will need your international driver’s license UAE visa, passport, and your local driver’s license.

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Print + Digital International Driving Permit

Print + Digital International Driving Permit

Maximum coverage – includes everything you might need abroad

  • Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
  • Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
  • Includes a free ID card with English license details
  • Globally recognized & meets international standards
  • Essential for non-English speaking countries
Digital International Driving Permit

Digital International Driving Permit

Instant Peace of Mind – Ready for Download in Minutes

  • Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
  • Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
  • Accepted widely, but not in all countries
  • Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

You will receive a printed and digital International Driving License booklet and card. The digital International Driving Permit is sent in 8 minutes and your physical International Driving Permit will be mailed. Click here for information on countries with International Driving Permit limitations.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

It costs only $69 to buy an International Driving Permit (IDP) in UAE. We also offer a Digital copy of your license while you wait for your physical copy.

An International Driving Permit is a document approved by the United Nations to translate your valid driver’s license into 12 widely spoken languages worldwide.

If you want to apply for your international driving licence (idl) from us, you only need to prepare the following items. Your valid home country driver’s license, a passport size photo, and credit card.

Motorists with a home country driving license from the following countries are considered valid in the UAE:

  • India

  • Canada

  • Germany

  • Australia

  • Switzerland

  • Japan

  • Spain

  • Italy

  • Turkey

  • Malaysia

  • Qatar

  • South Korea

  • France

  • Thailand

  • Norway

  • Malta

  • Egypt

  • United Kingdom

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Ireland

  • And other countries.

Although these foreign countries’ driver’s licenses are accepted as a legal requirement, you might get stuck with renting motorcycles or vehicles from car rental companies.

Moreover, although you might have an International Driving Permit, if you want to continue UAE driving for more than three months in Abu Dhabi or any other location within the United Arab Emirates, you’ll still be required to provide your Emirates ID and enroll in a driving school in the UAE to get a valid UAE driver’s license and be considered a valid driver in the country.

Indian nationals can rent a car in the UAE with an Indian driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). You'll need your Indian license, International Driving Permit, passport, and tourist visa. Rental agencies may require a deposit and offer insurance. Always carry both the Indian license and International Driving Permit while driving.

The roads are great, but traffic can be fast. Follow traffic rules, stay alert, and you'll have a safe driving experience in the UAE.

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