Can You Rent a Car in Dubai Without an Emirates ID?

Yes. You can rent a car in Dubai without an Emirates ID — as a tourist or visitor. Tourists and international visitors rent a car using a valid passport and a home country driving license instead. Emirates ID is a mandatory document only for UAE residents. Rental companies in Dubai serve both residents and international visitors, each with a separate set of required documents.

Who Needs an Emirates ID to Rent a Car?

Not everyone renting a car in Dubai needs an Emirates ID. The document requirement depends on whether you are a UAE resident or an international visitor. Two clear categories of customers exist — residents and tourists — and rental companies apply different document rules to each.

UAE Residents

UAE residents must present their Emirates ID when renting a car in Dubai. This is mandatory. Residents must also present a valid UAE driving license issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Documents required for UAE residents:

• Emirates ID (mandatory identity document)
• Valid UAE driving license
• Residence visa or tenancy contract (if requested by the rental agency)
• Physical credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit

Tourists and International Visitors

Tourists can rent a car in Dubai without an Emirates ID. A valid passport replaces the Emirates ID as the primary identity document for international visitors. Most car rental agencies in Dubai accept a valid passport as full proof of identity. Documents required for tourists:

• Valid passport with a valid entry visa stamp
• Home country driving license
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — if the license is not in English or Arabic
• Physical credit card for the security deposit

Documents Required to Rent a Car in Dubai

To rent a car in Dubai, you need a valid driving license, passport or Emirates ID, and a credit card for security purposes. Rental companies across all 7 Emirates follow these document rules consistently. Missing even one document can delay or cancel your booking.

For UAE Residents — Full Document List

1. Present a valid UAE driving license issued by the RTA
2. Provide an Emirates ID as the mandatory identity document
3. Submit a residence visa or tenancy contract if the rental agency requests it
4. Provide a physical credit card for the security deposit pre-authorization

For Tourists — Full Document List

1. Provide a valid passport with a valid entry visa stamp
2. Present a home country driving license recognized in the UAE
3. Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the license is not in English or Arabic
4. Submit a physical credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit
5. Provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if renting as a company employee To rent a car in Dubai, you must provide your original passport with a valid entry visa stamp. A photocopy alone is not accepted by most rental companies. Always carry original documents during the rental period.

International Driving Permit (IDP) — When Is It Mandatory?

An IDP is mandatory in Dubai when the home country driving license is not in English or Arabic. This rule applies to all international visitors renting a car. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) enforces this under local regulations.

Countries That Can Skip the IDP

Citizens from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU and GCC nations can typically use their home license alone to rent a car. Some countries' driving licenses are recognized in the UAE, allowing tourists to rent cars without an IDP. Check with your rental agency before arriving.

Countries That Need the IDP

An IDP may be required if your home country's license is not from a GCC country, USA, UK, Canada, or EU member state. If a home country license is not in English or Arabic, an IDP is required to rent a car in Dubai — no exceptions. Key IDP rules at a glance:

• IDP is mandatory when your license language is not English or Arabic
• International visitors usually need to provide an IDP along with their home country license
• It is advisable for tourists to carry an IDP even if it is not mandatory
• Carrying an IDP avoids confusion at rental offices and speeds up the booking process
• Tourists can rent a car in Dubai by providing a valid passport, home country driving license, and an IDP if required

Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Dubai

The minimum age to rent a car in Dubai is 18 years old at 24baba. This is lower than many other rental companies in Dubai, making 24baba accessible to more drivers. Some vehicle categories require drivers to be at least 25 years old.

Age Requirements by Vehicle Type

Many rental companies in Dubai require drivers to have held their driving license for at least 1 year. Age requirements vary across rental companies, so confirm minimum age during the booking process. Young drivers should verify eligibility before completing the reservation.

Security Deposit Rules at 24baba

The security deposit for renting a car in Dubai depends on the daily rate of the vehicle. 24baba offers a fully refundable security deposit on all cars. A refund is processed within 21 days after returning the car.

Security Deposit Structure

Cars under 200 AED per day:

• Security deposit: 1,000 AED – 1,500 AED (fully refundable)
• NoDepo option: from 219 AED (non-refundable) — this replaces the security deposit with an insurance plan Cars above 200 AED per day:
• Security deposit: 1,500 AED – 3,000 AED (fully refundable)
• NoDepo option: from 339 AED (non-refundable) — this replaces the security deposit with an insurance plan A physical credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit when renting a car in Dubai. Some car rental providers in Dubai may accept debit cards for security deposits — 24baba accepts 127 currencies, giving customers wide payment flexibility. Most car rental agencies in Dubai require a credit card for security purposes as a standard rule.

Insurance Coverage at 24baba

Basic insurance coverage comes with every car at 24baba. No extra payment is needed for basic coverage. This protects drivers from standard liability during the rental period.

CDW — Full Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver)

CDW is 24baba's full insurance option. If the car gets damaged in an accident, you won't have to pay the repair costs. CDW protects you from paying large damage costs, so you can drive with peace of mind. To stay covered under CDW, you must:

• Get a police report after any accident
• Follow local traffic laws at all times
• Not drive recklessly under any circumstances Comprehensive insurance is recommended when renting a car in Dubai — CDW at 24baba gives full protection for the entire rental period. Rental companies in Dubai may require additional documentation such as a visa or residency proof from international visitors when processing insurance claims.

Can You Rent a Car in Dubai Without a Driver's License?

You cannot rent a car and drive it yourself without a driver's license in Dubai. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) enforces strict regulations requiring a valid driver's license to drive a rental car. This rule applies to every driver listed in the rental contract. Only the person or persons listed in the rental contract can legally drive the car. Adding an unlisted driver is a violation of the rental agreement. Traffic fines apply immediately for any breach of this rule.

Options If You Don't Have a License

Many rental companies offer chauffeur-driven rentals for those without a driver's license. At 24baba, you can still rent a car by hiring a qualified driver. Taxis and rideshare services also remain viable transport solutions across Dubai for visitors without a valid license. A valid home country driver's license is required to rent a car in Dubai. No exceptions apply under RTA local regulations. International visitors may need to show a valid UAE visa along with their driving documents when renting.

Mileage Policy at 24baba

24baba applies a 250km mileage limit per day on most vehicles. This covers standard daily driving in Dubai and across other Emirates. Some cars in the 24baba fleet carry no mileage limit at all. Drivers planning longer trips to Abu Dhabi or other Emirates should check the mileage terms at booking. Exceeding the daily limit attracts a per-kilometre surcharge. Confirm mileage terms in the rental agreement before taking delivery of the car.

Fuel Policy and Salik (Toll Roads)

24baba applies a full-to-full fuel policy. Receive the car with a full tank. Return the car with a full tank. Returning below full triggers a refuelling fee charged to the customer.

Salik Toll Roads

Dubai operates Salik toll gates on key roads. Drivers can take Salik roads and pay the toll fee. Alternatively, drivers can use free alternate routes to avoid toll charges entirely. Plan your routes in advance to manage costs during the rental period.

What Makes 24baba Different from Other Rental Companies?

24baba is a Dubai-based car rental company operating across all 7 Emirates of the UAE. The company manages a fleet of 3,700+ cars in Dubai, covering everything from economy sedans to premium SUVs. Car rental options include daily, weekly, and monthly car rental packages to suit every type of visitor and resident.

Standout Features of 24baba

• Doorstep delivery — 24baba delivers the car to your location within 1–2 hours
• Reserve now, pay on delivery — no upfront payment required at booking
• Rent-to-Own policy — rent a car and eventually own it through 24baba's unique scheme
• 127 currencies accepted — pay in your home currency without conversion hassle
• Roadside assistance — if the car faces any problem during the ride, 24baba's roadside service team responds immediately
• 3,700+ cars — the largest selection of rental cars in Dubai available across all categories
• Transparent pricing — all charges, deposit terms, and insurance costs are disclosed upfront in the rental agreement Monthly car rental agreements at 24baba include the same doorstep delivery and roadside assistance. Customers planning extended stays in Dubai get full rental support without visiting an office. Booking takes minutes online, and the car arrives at your door in under 2 hours.

Car Rental Options Available at 24baba

24baba covers every type of rental need for tourists, residents, and business travellers across the UAE. Car rental options include daily rentals, weekly packages, monthly car rental agreements, and chauffeur-driven services.

Types of Rentals Available

• Daily rentals — ideal for tourists and short-stay visitors
• Weekly rentals — suitable for business travellers and mid-term visitors
• Monthly car rental — best for residents, expats, and long-term visitors
• Rent-to-Own — a unique plan where you rent a car with the option to own it
• Chauffeur-driven rentals — for visitors without a valid driving license Most tourists complete their booking in advance to secure better rates and vehicle availability. International visitors planning to rent a car should confirm whether their home country license is accepted before arriving. Rental companies in Dubai may require additional documentation such as a visa or residency proof from international visitors, so prepare all documents before your booking date.