How do I get an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation
of your domestic driving licence. It is not a separate driving licence and is valid
only when used together with the original driving licence on which it is based.

If an IDP is required for your driving licence to be used in the UAE, it should be
obtained through an officially authorised issuing organisation connected
with the country or jurisdiction that issued your driving licence.
Travellers should obtain the required IDP before travelling to the UAE.

Visitors should not purchase an “International Driving Licence”, downloadable permit
or similar document in the UAE as a substitute for an IDP that should have been
issued in connection with their original foreign driving licence.

Important warning about unofficial IDPs

Some websites and intermediaries advertise documents described as an
“International Driving Licence”, “International Driver’s Licence” or online IDP.
A document is not a valid International Driving Permit simply because it contains
a translation of your licence or is sold online.

A legitimate IDP must be issued by an organisation officially authorised to issue
International Driving Permits for the relevant driving licence jurisdiction.
An unofficial translation, membership card, digital certificate or privately issued
document should not be assumed to be a valid IDP.

Important: Never alter, forge or knowingly use a false driving
document. Using a false or forged document may expose the holder to serious legal
consequences in the UAE.

Where can I get a legitimate IDP?

The authorised issuing organisation differs from country to country. Examples include:

• United States:
  AAA
• United Kingdom:
  IDPs are currently available in person from participating PayPoint locations.
  Check the official GOV.UK guidance before applying.
• Germany:
  check the authorised German issuing channel applicable to your driving licence.
• Canada:
  check the authorised Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issuing channel.
• Other countries:
  check with your national transport authority, automobile association or other
  organisation officially authorised to issue International Driving Permits.

Requirements and issuing procedures vary by country, so always verify the current
rules with the official issuing authority before travelling.

Can I obtain an IDP after arriving in the UAE?

If you are visiting the UAE with a foreign driving licence, you should not rely on
obtaining a UAE-issued IDP for that foreign licence after arrival.

UAE International Driving Permits are intended for eligible UAE licence holders
travelling abroad and are issued under separate UAE procedures. They do not replace
an IDP that a visitor may need in connection with a foreign driving licence.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in the UAE?

Not every visitor needs an International Driving Permit. Whether an IDP is required
depends on the country that issued your driving licence and the rules applicable to
that licence in the UAE.

Please check our

guide to driving licences accepted in the UAE

before booking.

What documents does Imperial Premium Rent a Car accept?

Depending on the licence jurisdiction and applicable UAE requirements, we may require:

• The original, valid driving licence issued by the competent
  authority in your country or jurisdiction.
• An original, valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued
  by an officially authorised organisation, where an IDP is required.

An IDP does not replace your domestic driving licence. Where an IDP is required,
both documents must be presented.