Your International Driving Permit

Driving overseas without an International Driving Permit IDP could land you in trouble with local law enforcers!

Especially if you are planning to drive in countries where you cannot speak the local language! Without an IDP you could, in some cases invalidate your insurance which can be both costly and stressful, adding unnecessary hassle to your travels. Make sure you're covered for any eventuality obtaining your IDP well in advance of your travels.

Who needs an IDP & why?

Official IDPs are issued exclusively in the Emirates by the ATCUAE and were established by the United Nations in 1949 & 1968 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 including...

Proof that the holder has a valid driving license in their own country. As it is 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.
Helping overcome language barriers between drivers and police.
The IDP document can also be a useful form of ID should you lose or misplace your passport.

How to get an IDP

The following are required for issuing International Driving License:

Copy of valid UAE Driving License
Copy of passport ( valid residence visa for expatriates )
Two passport size photographs

Only Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) issues the legitimate international driving license in the country, approved by the Government of the United Arab Emirates. To visit the Automobile & Touring Club website, Click Here >>

International Driving Permits are available in the UAE from ATCUAE offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah, from Emirates Post Offices across the country, from the offices of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, and a number of other ATCUAE agents.

Here is a list of outlets where official IDP's are available...

DUBAI
Arabian Automobile Association (AAA)
Belhasa Advance Motorist (BAM)
Belhasa Driving Center (BDC)
Dubai National Air Travel Agency (DNATA)
Emirates Driving Institute (EDI)
Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
EPPCO (ENOC-Tasjeel) (EPPCO)
HERTZ Rent a Car
IMC Middle East (IMC)
Orient Travel Services
Road & Transport Authority (RTA)

ABU DHABI
Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
Abu Dhabi Hospitality Company (Duty Free)
AUH Travel Bureau
Al Masaood Travels
Al Masaood Travels – Al Ain Branch
Omeir TravelsAlsa Travel & Tourism LLC

SHARJAH
Emirates Post Office
Marur Typing Center
Sharjah National Travel & Tours (SNTTA)
Cosmo Travels

FUJAIRAH
Emirates Post Office (EMPOST)
Brothers Tours & Travels
Fujairah National Driving Institute (FNDI)

Last updated August 2013

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