Validity Period of the International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UAE: Clarifications and Recommendations
Clarification on the Validity of the International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UAE
Due to frequent inquiries from our clients, we provide clarification on the validity period of the International Driving Permit (IDP), also known as international driving license, for car rental and driving in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Maximum Validity of the IDP
According to Article 41, Paragraph 3 of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, the validity period of an IDP cannot exceed three years, and is strictly limited by the expiration date of your national driving license.
Example:
If your national license is valid until May 2026, your IDP can only be issued until that date — even if the standard maximum is 2028. In this case, it is recommended to renew your national license in advance.Why Validity Matters in the UAE
In the UAE, having a valid IDP is mandatory when renting a car or during road police checks. Rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, Dollar) require both a valid IDP and a national license.
Using an expired IDP is legally considered the same as having no license, which may lead to heavy fines, rental denial, and issues with traffic authorities.
Where to Obtain a Valid IDP in the UAE
Official international driving permits are issued by the International Drivers Association (IDA) — an organization accredited by the IFA (International Federation of Autotourism).
Recommendations for Tourists in the UAE:
Apply for your IDP in advance, ensuring its validity covers your entire stay in the Emirates.
Check the expiration date of your national license — it must be valid at the time of car rental.
Use only official IDPs issued via ida.ae, ida.kz, or i-d-a.kz to avoid legal issues and scams.