You may need to apply for an international driving permit if you plan to drive or rent a car while traveling abroad (also referred to as an International Driving License). You can legally drive (and hire) a private motor vehicle in nations that accept an IDP as a legal requirement by presenting it as proof that your locally issued driving license is valid internationally. An IDP essentially serves as proof that you are allowed to drive and have a valid driver’s license in your home country. It must be carried along with your regular driver’s license as issued in your country of origin and does not serve as a substitute for it.
Including Arabic, French, English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, as well as the Scandinavian languages, Portuguese, and Italian, your UAE International Driving Permit is printed in a total of ten different languages. Because it is available in so many languages, it can be used as identification in case you misplace your passport and need to show it to a consulate. This makes it useful for dealing with traffic stops and renting a car, as well as for other purposes.
Who can apply for an IDP?
Anyone living in the UAE and who has a valid driver’s license may apply for IDP. Your IDP has a one-year expiration date after it is issued. No matter what your nationality, you must have a UAE driving license and be registered as a resident. To apply for your UAE international driver’s license, you will also require the following documents:
- 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?
Depending on the Emirate you reside in, the cost of applying for an international driving license in Dubai is roughly AED 170 + VAT. If you plan to drive frequently abroad, keep in mind that your UAE International Driving License only lasts for one year and may need to be renewed. Your IDP will be issued after a period of 10 working days.
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 accept International Driver’s Licenses?
The international driver’s license or the International Driving Permit (IDP) is an internationally recognised legal permit that allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country without any legal formalities. Sanctioned by three United Nations conventions, the international driver’s license is accepted in 175 countries worldwide.
As cited by The National, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expanded the list to inlude 20 Arab nations, along with a host of other countries including some in Europe and the USA. The countries where the UAE driving license is now valid includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Mauritania, Djibouti, Comoros, Tunisia, Iraq, Palestine, Spain, France, America, UK, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Slovakia, Ireland , Austria, Greece, Sweden, China, Poland, Canada, Turkey, Norway, Latvia, New Zealand, Serbia, South Africa, Finland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Romania and Singapore.
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.
FAQs
Is UAE driving license international?
Which countries use international driving license?
Is UAE international driving license valid in India?
How many countries you can drive with Dubai license?
How can I change my UAE driving licence to international?
Is UAE driving license valid internationally?
Which countries can I convert UAE driving license?
How much is international license in UAE?
