International Driving Permit (IDP) Service Makes Overseas Driving Easier for UAE Residents. Here’s How.
Dubai, UAE- UAE residents planning to drive during their overseas holidays now have a faster option to obtain an International Driving Permit, following the launch of a new service at Dubai International Airport.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, in cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority, the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club and Amer, has launched an International Driving Permit service at the Customer Happiness Centre in Terminal 3 Arrivals at Dubai International Airport.
The service is available around the clock and allows eligible UAE citizens and residents to obtain an International Driving Permit in as little as five minutes. The service is available to people who hold a valid UAE driving licence.
For UAE residents preparing for international travel, the new service can provide an additional level of convenience, particularly for those who plan to rent a car and drive at their destination.
Applicants using the new airport service are required to present their Emirates ID, valid UAE driving licence, a copy of their passport and a personal photograph. According to GDRFA Dubai, the service uses integrated digital systems to verify the applicant information and process the request quickly.
An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for the UAE driving licence. It serves as an internationally recognised translation of a domestic driving licence and is used together with the original valid driving licence when driving abroad. The requirements for using an International Driving Permit can differ from one country to another, so travellers should check the rules of their destination before driving.
The Roads and Transport Authority also provides an International Driving Licence service for citizens and residents who hold a valid driving licence issued in Dubai. The RTA states that the permit is valid for one year. Applications can be made through the RTA website and smart applications, with applicants able to select collection or delivery options.
The current RTA fee applies for the same.
For residents with Dubai issued driving licences, the RTA process requires a valid driving licence and the applicant must settle outstanding driving licence fines before completing the application. The RTA also states that temporary or interim licence holders cannot apply for the International Driving Licence.
The airport service adds another option for travellers who may need the document close to their departure time. Its location at Terminal 3 Arrivals and its 24 hour availability are particularly relevant for people travelling through Dubai International Airport at different times of the day.
However, travellers should not assume that an International Driving Permit is required in every country. Driving rules are decided by the country being visited, and some destinations may accept a UAE driving licence while others may require an International Driving Permit. Car rental companies can also have their own documentation requirements.
UAE residents planning to drive abroad should therefore check the latest requirements with the relevant authorities in their destination country and with their car rental company before travelling.
The new Dubai airport service reflects the growing focus on making government services more accessible to residents and travellers. For UAE motorists heading overseas, the availability of an International Driving Permit service at Dubai International Airport provides another practical option for completing an important travel document before getting behind the wheel abroad.
Where to Get It in 5 Minutes
- Dubai Airport (DXB): Visit the 24/7 counter at Terminal 3 Arrivals for on-the-spot printing and digital verification.
- Online: Apply via the Emirates Post Website or the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Portal
- Required Documents
- Valid UAE driving licence
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Recent personal color photograph (white background)
Sources GDRFA Dubai, RTA, and current UAE reporting. AI Generated Image Used.
