Renting a car in Dubai is simple when you have the right documents ready. What you need depends mainly on one question: do you live in the UAE, or are you visiting? This guide explains the documents we ask for at GCR Globe Car Rental, how to send them when you book and what to check before you travel.
Requirements can change and individual cases differ, so treat this guide as general information. If anything is unclear for your situation, message us before you book and we will confirm what we need from you.
Documents for UAE residents
If you live in the UAE, you need two documents:
- A valid Emirates ID. If your Emirates ID is not available, a residence visa may be acceptable. Ask us before you book.
- A valid UAE driving licence.
Check the expiry dates on both before you send your booking request. An expired document is one of the most common reasons a rental is delayed, and it is easy to spot in advance.
New residents sometimes ask whether they can keep driving on a foreign licence after receiving their residence visa. The rules for residents can differ from those for tourists, so if you have recently moved to the UAE and do not yet hold a UAE licence, contact us before booking. We will tell you what we can accept.
Documents for tourists and visitors
If you are visiting Dubai, please have the following ready:
- A valid passport.
- A valid visa for your stay in the UAE.
- Your home country driving licence.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP), if your licence needs one.
Do you need an International Driving Permit?
Not every visitor needs an IDP. Visitors from the GCC, US, UK, Canada, Europe and certain other countries can drive with their home country licence, without an IDP. If your licence was issued somewhere else, you are likely to need an IDP alongside it.
The list of countries can change, and there may be exceptions. We recommend checking the IDP requirements for your country with the authority that issues your driving licence before you travel. You can also message us on WhatsApp with the country that issued your licence and we will let you know what we need. An IDP is usually obtained in the country that issued your licence, so arrange it before you leave home.
Minimum driver age
There is a minimum age for renting a car with us, and some cars may require an older driver. The booking form asks for your age, and our team confirms the requirement for your chosen car when we reply. If you are close to the minimum age, ask us which cars are open to you before you settle on a model.
How to send your documents when you book
You do not need to visit our office to get started. Everything begins online:
- Choose a car on our Dubai car rental page and open the booking form.
- Enter your pick-up location and your dates.
- Add your name, phone number, age and residency status.
- Attach two document photos.
- Send the request. It opens WhatsApp with your booking details, and our team confirms availability and the price.
Clear photos help us check your details quickly. Take them in good light, keep all four corners of the document in the frame and avoid glare on shiny cards.
Tips to avoid delays
- Check expiry dates on your ID, passport, visa and licence before you book.
- Keep the originals with you when you receive the car, in case our team needs to see them.
- Tell us about extra drivers. If someone else will share the driving, mention it when you book so we can tell you what we need from them.
- Ask if you are unsure. Message us on WhatsApp or call during office hours, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Airport pick-ups and longer rentals
The same documents apply whether you rent for a weekend or a month. If you are collecting your car at the airport, keep your passport, visa and licence somewhere easy to reach after you land. Our guide to renting a car at Dubai Airport explains how airport delivery works. If you are staying longer, read our guide to monthly car rental in Dubai.
Still have questions?
Our car rental FAQs answer the questions we hear most often. If your situation is different from the cases above, contact us before you book and we will confirm exactly what you need. A quick message in advance saves time on the day you pick up the car.