What documents are required to rent a car in Dubai?

27.02.2026

Dubai has long established itself as one of the most attractive destinations on the planet for travelers. People come here for the contrasts: from ultra-modern metropolitan landscapes to centuries-old traditions, from bustling shopping bazaars to the silent beauty of the desert. The most convenient way to get around the city and its surroundings is by car, as this allows you to avoid having to adjust to transport schedules and overpay for taxis, and to plan your route exactly as you wish.

Renting a car in Dubai is easy: the procedure has been refined over the years, and the choice of rental companies is impressive. However, this seemingly simple task requires a little preparation in advance — it is important to gather the set of documents that the rental company will request. The absence of any of them can slow down the process or even prevent you from getting the car on time.

In this article, we will tell you in detail what documents you will need to rent a car and answer the most frequently asked questions so that your trip goes smoothly.

Main list of documents

In order to rent a car in Dubai, you need to provide a standard set of documents. The requirements of most rental companies are similar, but it is worth clarifying the details in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

The main document required to rent a car is an international driver's license. It supplements your national driver's license and is recognized in the UAE. Without an IDL, you will not be able to rent a car, as local rental companies strictly enforce this rule. It is important that your international license is valid for the entire rental period.

Russian national licenses are not formally sufficient grounds for renting a car in Dubai, although some companies may make concessions. To avoid problems and guarantee a smooth rental experience, it is recommended that you obtain an international driver's license before your trip.

Passport and visa

In addition to a driver's license, you will need a valid international passport. It must contain a valid UAE visa or a visa waiver stamp, depending on your citizenship.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the expected end date of your car rental. These requirements are related to the need to confirm your identity and legal status in the country.

Credit card

Most car rental companies in Dubai require a credit card to block a deposit. The deposit serves as a guarantee in case of unforeseen situations, such as damage to the car or fines.

Debit cards are generally not accepted as they do not allow the required amount to be blocked on the account. Make sure you have enough funds on your credit card to cover the deposit and rental cost.

Confirmation of reservation

If you booked a car in advance through an online service or directly with a rental company, don't forget to bring your booking confirmation with you. This document can be in electronic form—just show it on your smartphone screen. It specifies all the rental terms and conditions, the car model, the rental period, and the cost. Having your confirmation speeds up the check-in process and minimizes the likelihood of errors.

Additional documents

In some cases, the rental company may request additional documents. For example, if the renter is under 25 years of age, some companies require additional guarantees or charge a higher fee for their services.

They may also ask to see a bank statement confirming the customer's financial solvency or additional identification documents. These requirements vary from company to company, so it is best to check with your chosen service provider in advance.

Digital documents when renting a car

Modern technology has significantly simplified the process of renting a car in Dubai: more and more rental companies are accepting digital copies of documents before your arrival. This allows you to partially complete the preliminary check and speed up the paperwork when picking up the car.

You can send scans or clear photos of the following documents in advance via email or the company's mobile app:

passport (pages with photo and visa);
international driver's license (front and back);
booking confirmation (as a PDF file or screenshot with rental details).

This approach offers several advantages:

the company can verify the accuracy of your data and the completeness of your documents before your arrival;
if there are any preliminary comments, you will be promptly informed of what needs to be corrected or supplemented;
at the check-in desk, you will only need to confirm your identity and data, which reduces waiting time.

However, it is important to remember that when you actually receive the car, you must present the originals of all documents for verification. Digital copies do not replace paper documents, but only speed up the preparatory stage.

To ensure that the process runs smoothly, make sure that digital copies:

are high resolution — all data (text, stamps, signatures) must be clearly legible;
include all required pages (e.g., both sides of a driver's license);
are saved in a common format (JPEG or PDF) that can be easily opened on any device;
are sent in advance — ideally 1-2 days before picking up the car.
Following these simple rules will save you time during registration and help avoid misunderstandings at the car pick-up point.

Frequently asked questions

Preparing the necessary documents in advance is the key to a quick and comfortable car rental in Dubai. Make sure you have an international driver's license, a valid passport with a visa, a credit card for the deposit, and your booking confirmation. At BKF‑Auto, we will help you choose a car that suits your needs and provide detailed advice on all aspects of renting.