travel

Can I drive in the UAE with an Indian license?

By Naseema Akthar

May 16, 2025

Driving in the UAE with an Indian License: What You Need to Know

A common question for Indian visitors or residents in the UAE is: “Can I drive in the UAE with an Indian license?” The answer depends on your visa status. As a tourist (visit visa), you can drive in the UAE if you hold a valid Indian driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in India. The IDP is essentially a certified translation of your Indian license. However, as a UAE resident (holding a residence visa), you cannot keep driving on your Indian license or IDP for long. UAE law requires you to obtain a local driving license. This guide explains the rules for both visitors and residents, renting requirements, and other key details.

Driving in the UAE as a Tourist (Visit Visa) with an Indian License

If you are visiting the UAE on a tourist visa, you may drive using your valid Indian license only if it is accompanied by a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) from India. The IDP translates your license into an internationally recognized format. Without an IDP, an Indian license alone is not sufficient (the UAE requires foreigners from most countries to have an IDP).

When driving, always carry:

Your original Indian driving license (must be valid and in English or Arabic).
A valid IDP (issued in India)
Your passport and valid UAE visa (tourist stamp) as proof of legal entry.

With these, you can legally rent and drive a car as a tourist in any emirate. Note that international driving permits are only valid for visit visas – once you obtain UAE residency (e.g. through work or family visa), you must switch to a UAE license.

Renting a Car in the UAE with an Indian License

Tourists meeting the above requirements can rent cars in the UAE. Per UAE transportation rules, the minimum age to rent a standard car is 21 years. Many companies also require your license to have been issued at least one year prior, and a valid credit card or cash deposit is usually needed. When renting with an Indian license:

Documents: You’ll need your original Indian license, your IDP, passport, and tourist visa. Rental firms will photocopy these for verification.
Eligibility: You must meet the age limit (21+) and experience requirement. Some luxury or sports car rentals raise the age to 25.
License Validity: The license and IDP must be valid (not expired). The IDP must be issued in India prior to travel.
Driving Rules: As a tourist, you can drive rental vehicles. Driving outside UAE borders or on certain freeways may have additional rules.

In short, yes, you can rent a car in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with an Indian license – but only with a valid IDP and meeting the age/experience rules. Always double-check with the rental company, as some may have extra requirements.

Driving in the UAE as an Indian Resident (Residence Visa)

Once you obtain a UAE residence visa, you are considered a local driver, and the rules change. UAE law does not allow residents to drive on a foreign license or IDP indefinitely. In fact, residents must convert to a UAE driving license. For Indian nationals, your license is not on the list of those that can be directly exchanged; you must apply for a UAE license by attending a driving school. This typically involves: completing driving lessons at a registered institute, passing the theory test, and then passing the road test. In other words, Indian licenses require you to take UAE driving classes and tests to get the local license.

How Ride.Rent Works

Ride.rent is a UAE-based peer-to-peer vehicle rental platform that makes booking easy. You can browse a wide range of cars (from economy to luxury, and even bikes or boats) listed by owners across the UAE. The process is simple and commission-free: renters search listings and contact owners directly. There are no hidden fees, meaning the price you see is what you pay. The platform covers all major emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.).

To use ride.rent:

Search: Go to ride.rent and choose your emirate/city and dates. Filter by car type, price, or features.
Browse Listings: View photos and details of each vehicle. Each listing shows the owner’s terms (like allowed mileage, deposit, etc.).
Contact Owner: When you find a car you like, you can message the owner through the platform or the provided contact. You can ask about any requirements or confirm availability.
Book & Pay: Many owners offer instant booking. You’ll finalize payment (often via credit card or bank transfer) according to the owner’s instructions. Because ride.rent is zero-commission, owners receive 100% of the rental price.
Pick Up the Car: Meet the owner to inspect and collect the car. Make sure to exchange your documents (license, ID) and get a rental agreement. After that, drive away in your rented vehicle.

Ride.rent streamlines the rental experience by cutting out middlemen and giving you direct access to vehicle ownersride.rent. For Indian drivers, this means you can easily find a car that suits you and rent it with just your IDP and passport, knowing that all UAE legal requirements (insurance, registration) are handled by the owner.

FAQ

Can I rent a car in Dubai with an Indian license?
Yes – as a tourist you can rent and drive a car with your valid Indian license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must also meet age requirements (minimum 21 years old) and rental agency rules (often a 1-year license tenure).
Do I need an IDP to drive in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. The UAE requires visitors from India (and most countries not on the exempt list) to carry a valid IDP along with their Indian license when driving. Without an IDP, your Indian license alone will not be accepted by the authorities.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in the UAE?
The minimum age to rent a car is generally 21 years. Some companies may allow 20-year-olds on smaller vehicles, but 21 is the standard. For luxury/sports cars, the minimum is often 25. The driver’s license must also typically be at least 1 year old.
How do I get an IDP in India?
You apply for an International Driving Permit at your local RTO in India. Fill out Form 4A and submit it with your valid Indian driving license, passport, visa copy (for the country you plan to visit), photographs, and pay the fee. The official fee for an IDP is ₹1000. Processing usually takes a few days.
Can UAE residents drive with an Indian license?
No. Once you have a UAE residence visa, you are expected to obtain a UAE driving license. Indian (and other) licenses are only valid for short-term visitors. UAE residents must obtain a local license by passing the UAE driving test (Indian licenses cannot be directly exchanged). Continuing to drive on an Indian license after becoming a resident is illegal.
What insurance is needed for rental cars?
Rental cars typically include this insurance. It’s wise to choose a comprehensive insurance option if available, which covers your vehicle as well. Driving without insurance is a serious offense, punishable by fines and license suspension.
What happens if you drive without a proper license in UAE?
Driving without a valid license (or on an expired/invalid one) is illegal. Penalties can include hefty fines, black traffic points, and impounding of the vehicle. You may even face jail time depending on the violation. Importantly, if you don’t have the right license, you won’t be covered by insurance in an accident. Always ensure you have the proper valid license and documents whenever you drive in the UAE.

Sources: We’ve referenced official UAE guidelines and UAE government resources, as well as the Government of India’s Parivahan portal, to ensure the information is up-to-date and accurate. Safe travels and happy driving!