Driving in Dubai on a US Licence

Is a US Licence Valid in Dubai?

United States is on the UAE's published list, so a full United States licence is accepted on its own. No International Driving Permit.

The list is published by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and it is the list rental companies here work from, so the answer does not change from one company to the next. The full table of all 30 accepted countries is on our International Driving Permit in Dubai page.

Sources: the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism page Renting a Car (updated 2026-09-13) and the RTA. We last checked both on 2026-09-14. Government rules can change — check the source before you fly.

What to Bring

• Your passport, plus the entry stamp or visa page.
• Your original United States driving licence — the physical card, not a photo of it.
• A credit card in the driver's own name for the refundable hold. A debit card is not accepted for the hold.

Minimum age 21 on standard cars and 25 on luxury, sports and exotic models. A licence held under 6 months carries compulsory full insurance (CDW) and a 25% surcharge. Dubai drives on the right.

What It Costs

There is no cash deposit: a refundable hold goes on a credit card in the driver's name and is released within 21 days of return. Comprehensive insurance and 250 km a day are in the price; 5% VAT, Salik tolls and any traffic fines are added, and delivery is free (monthly rentals). Every charge, with its figure, is listed on our International Driving Permit in Dubai page.

Cars start at AED 100 a day, AED 650 a week and AED 1,700 a month, plus 5% VAT, with comprehensive insurance and 250 km a day already in the price. Economy from AED 100 (cheap car rental), SUVs from AED 120 (SUV rental), seven-seaters from AED 150 (7 seater rental) and the luxury fleet from AED 525 (luxury car rental). If you would rather not drive at all, a car with a driver is the alternative.

From the US: What Is Different

You already drive on the right, so the road layout will feel familiar. The adjustment is units. Speed limits are posted in km/h: 60 km/h is about 37 mph, 100 km/h about 62 mph and 120 km/h about 75 mph. Fuel is sold by the litre, and a US gallon is about 3.8 litres.

There is no general right turn on red. Turn right on a red light only where a separate free-right lane or a green arrow lets you. Speed cameras are everywhere, and a fine reaches the rental at the fine amount plus AED 50 admin and 5% VAT.

Moving to Dubai on a US Licence

A US licence covers you as a visitor only. Once UAE residence is issued you need a UAE licence, and the United States is on the RTA's list of countries whose licence holders can exchange their licence instead of taking the full driving test. The list does change, so check it on the RTA licence exchange page before you rely on it.

Collecting the Car

We hand the car over in the arrivals hall at DXB Terminal 1, 2 or 3, or at your hotel, with the contract signed digitally beforehand, so there is no counter and no queue. Delivery and collection are free (monthly rentals); see car rental at Dubai Airport.