What Is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a multilingual translation of your national driving licence. It is recognised by over 150 countries under the United Nations Geneva Convention and Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

An IDP does not replace your UAE driving licence — it supplements it. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP simply confirms to foreign authorities and rental companies that your licence is valid.

IDPs are valid for 12 months from the issue date. After that, they expire and must be renewed.

Who Needs an IDP?

Not every international trip requires an IDP, but it is strongly recommended if you plan to:

Drive in Europe (UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland — all recommend or require it)
Rent a car abroad (almost all international car rental companies require an IDP alongside your national licence)
Drive in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
Drive in certain Middle East countries (Jordan, Egypt; requirements vary)
Drive in Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Australia)

Requirements change by country and by year. Always verify with your destination country’s official sources or embassy before travelling. Having an IDP when not strictly required costs nothing extra in inconvenience — not having one when required can result in fines or the inability to rent a vehicle.

Note: for driving within the GCC (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain), your UAE driving licence is generally accepted directly — check current entry requirements before your trip.

How to Apply: ATCUAE

ATCUAE (Automobile & Touring Club of UAE) is the official organisation authorised to issue IDPs in the UAE. They have offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and offer both in-person and online applications.

Abu Dhabi Office

Address: Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi. Open Saturday–Thursday, 8 AM–5 PM. For current contact details, visit atcuae.org.

Required Documents

Valid UAE driving licence — must not be expired; original required
Valid passport — original; should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
Emirates ID — original
Proof of UAE residency — tenancy contract, utility bill, or employment letter
2 passport-size photos — white background, recent
Completed application form — available at the ATCUAE office or downloadable from atcuae.org

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Application Process: In Person

Visit the ATCUAE office with all required documents
Complete the application form (staff can assist)
Submit documents for verification — originals are checked and returned; copies are retained
Provide passport photos
Pay the application fee
Receive your processing timeline and return to collect your IDP on the stated date

Application Process: Online

Visit atcuae.org and navigate to International Driving Permit under Services
Create an account or log in
Complete the online form and upload scanned documents
Upload a passport-size photo
Select walk-in (~30 minutes) or online delivery (3–5 working days)
Pay by credit card or online banking
Collect in person or request courier delivery

Costs and Processing Time

Service	Approximate Cost	Processing Time
Walk-in (ATCUAE office)	AED 170 + VAT	~30 minutes
Online application	AED 170 + VAT	3–5 working days

Prices are approximate and may change. Verify current fees at atcuae.org or by calling before your visit. Allow extra time for passport photos (AED 10–20) if you do not have them already.

Validity and Renewal

Your IDP is valid for 12 months from the issue date. If your UAE driving licence expires before the IDP, the IDP becomes invalid automatically.

Renewal is simpler than the initial application. Return to ATCUAE up to 3 months before expiry with your expired IDP and current driving licence. Processing is typically 2–3 business days even at standard speed.

Common Mistakes

Not carrying both documents — IDP without your UAE licence is invalid. Carry both at all times when driving abroad.
Assuming IDP is valid forever — it expires after 12 months. Mark renewal in your calendar.
Applying too late — apply 2–3 months before travel to allow buffer time. Do not apply one week before departing.
Blurry or non-compliant photos — causes delays. Use a professional photographer or a good-quality photo booth.
Not verifying destination requirements — some countries technically do not require an IDP but rental companies there insist on it. Always check both the legal requirement and rental company policies before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive within the UAE?

No. Your UAE driving licence is all you need within the UAE and typically within the GCC. IDP is for international travel outside this region.

Can I drive in Saudi Arabia or Oman with a UAE licence?

Your UAE licence is generally accepted for short visits to GCC countries, but having an IDP is recommended for road trips to Saudi Arabia or Oman. Requirements can change — verify with the destination country’s transport authority before your trip.

Can someone else collect my IDP on my behalf?

Yes, with a signed authorisation letter from you plus their valid Emirates ID.

My IDP was lost while travelling abroad. What do I do?

Contact ATCUAE. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate location from the original — this helps prove it existed and can assist with replacement. Your UAE driving licence remains valid for driving regardless.

Is there a limit on how many IDPs I can hold?

You can renew before the current one expires, meaning you can hold two valid IDPs briefly during the overlap. There is no restriction, though having two active IDPs is unusual.

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