International Driving Permit

UAE travellers heading overseas are warned that they could land in serious trouble by using unofficial International Driving Permits.

In the event of an accident when driving overseas, anyone using an unofficial IDP may find that their insurance is invalid.

Official IDPs are issued exclusively in the Emirates by the ATCUAE.

The IDPs were established by the United Nations in 1949 to overcome difficulties faced by motorists travelling in foreign
countries in view of widely varying drivers license requirements.

While many countries now allow visitors to use their domestic driving licenses when travelling abroad, this can lead
to language problems, and an International Driving Permit has a number of advantages.

It is proof that the holder has a valid driving license in their own country. It is also printed in ten languages - the five United
Nations official languages, English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese, as well as German, Arabic, Italian,
the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese.

This helps overcome language barriers between drivers and police, while the document can also be a useful form
of identification in the event of a lost passport.

The following are required for issuing International Driving License:

1. Copy of valid UAE Driving License

2. Two passport size photographs

Legitimate International Driving Permits are available in the UAE from
ATCUAE offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah, from Emirates Post Offices
across the country, from offices of the Roads and Transport Authority in
Dubai, and a number of other ATCUAE agents. The full list of outlets
where official IDPs are available is:

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Duty free
Al Masood Travel

Emirates Post
Omeir Travel Agency

Dubai

Belhasa Advanced Motorist
Belhasa Driving Center
DNATA
Emirates Driving Institute
Emirates Post
EPPCO
Hertz Rent a Car
International Motoring Club
RTA

Sharjah

Marur Typing
SNTTA
Orient Travels
Emirates Post

FUJAIRAH
Brothers Travel
Emirates Post