The minimum age to rent a car in Dubai is usually 21. Drivers under 25 can often rent, but they are normally limited to economy and standard cars, and may pay a young driver surcharge, a higher deposit and a bigger insurance excess. SUVs and luxury cars often need a driver aged 25 or older, and supercars often need 25 to 30 or more. Each rental company sets its own rules, so always confirm before you book.
Last updated: September 2026. Age policies are set by rental companies and their insurers, so they can differ between companies and change over time.
What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in Dubai?
Driving Age vs Rental Age
The legal age to get a UAE driving license was lowered from 18 to 17 for cars and light vehicles under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, which took effect on 29 March 2025. That does not mean a 17-year-old can rent a car. The rental minimum is set by the rental company and its insurer, not by the government, and it is higher than the licensing age.
The Usual Minimum Is 21
Most rental companies in Dubai set 21 as the minimum age for a self-drive car, and many also want your license to have been held for at least one year. A few companies may accept younger drivers in specific cases, but this is rare. If you are under 21, ask the company directly before assuming you can book.
Age Requirements by Car Type
Age limits rise with the value and power of the car. These are typical ranges reported by rental guides, not fixed rules:
| Car type | Typical minimum age |
| Economy and compact cars | 21 |
| Standard sedans and small SUVs | 21 to 23 |
| Large SUVs and premium sedans | 23 to 25 |
| Luxury cars | 25 |
| Sports cars and supercars | 25 to 30 or more |
Economy and Standard Cars
These are the easiest to rent for younger drivers. Expect models from brands like Nissan, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai.
SUVs and Premium Cars
Some companies allow 21-year-olds to rent an SUV while others ask for 25. Insurers treat these cars as higher value, so policies differ from one company to the next.
Luxury Cars and Supercars
Cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce usually have the highest age limits because they carry the highest insurance risk. Supercars often need 25 or older, and some companies ask for 30 or more with a longer license-held period. See our guide to the documents needed to rent a Ferrari in the UAE for the paperwork these rentals require.
Can You Rent a Car in Dubai Under 25?
Yes, in many cases, but with limits.
What You Can Usually Rent
Drivers aged 21 to 24 are most often offered economy and standard cars. Access to premium SUVs, luxury cars and supercars is limited or not available.
Extra Costs and Conditions for Drivers Under 25
Young Driver Surcharge
Many companies add a daily fee for drivers under 25 to cover higher insurance risk. The amount varies by company and car, so ask for the exact figure.
Higher Security Deposit
Younger drivers may be asked for a larger deposit than drivers over 25. Confirm the amount and when it is returned.
Higher Insurance Excess
The excess is the amount you pay first if the car is damaged. It can be higher for younger drivers, so check your cover before you drive. Our guide to hidden fees in Dubai car rentals explains other charges to watch for.
License-Held Requirement
Many companies want you to have held your license for at least 12 months. Newly qualified drivers may be refused even if they are over 21.
Can You Rent a Car in Dubai Under 21?
It is very difficult. Most companies will not rent to drivers under 21, even if they hold a valid license. If you are under 21, these options may work better:
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps for city trips
- A car with a chauffeur, where the driver’s age does not matter
- Waiting until you reach the company’s minimum age
- Asking a family member who meets the age rule to be the renter and driver
Documents Young Drivers Need to Rent a Car in Dubai
For Tourists
- Passport with a valid visit or tourist visa
- Valid home driving license, plus an International Driving Permit if required
- Credit card for the security deposit
- Booking confirmation
Not sure whether your license is valid in the UAE? Read our guide on whether tourists can drive in Dubai with a foreign license.
For UAE Residents
- Emirates ID
- Valid UAE driving license
- Credit card for the security deposit
Tips for Renting a Car in Dubai Under 25
Before You Book
- Ask about the age rule for the exact car, not only the company.
- Ask for the total price including the surcharge, deposit and excess.
- Check how long your license has been valid, since many companies want at least a year.
To Keep Costs Down
- Choose an economy or standard car
- Book a longer rental, since monthly rentals can lower the daily rate. See our monthly car rental deals.
- Read the insurance terms and excess before you pay
Common Mistakes Young Drivers Make
- Assuming 18 is enough. The legal license age is 17, but rental companies set a higher minimum.
- Booking a luxury car first and finding out about the age limit at the counter.
- Ignoring the young driver fee until it appears on the bill.
- Arriving without the right license or IDP.
- Letting an older friend drive a car they are not named on. Only drivers listed on the agreement are insured.
- Ignoring fines and tolls. See how to check driving fines on a rental car.
If you have an accident, follow the steps in our guide on what to do after an accident in a rental car in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Age Rules
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Dubai?
Usually 21 for standard cars. Luxury and sports cars often require 25 or older, and some supercars require 30 or more.
Can an 18-year-old rent a car in Dubai?
Very unlikely. The legal license age is 17, but most rental companies require 21 or older.
Can I rent a car in Dubai at 21?
Yes, most companies accept 21-year-olds for economy and standard cars, usually with at least one year of driving experience.
Costs and Conditions
Is there a young driver fee in Dubai?
Many companies charge a daily surcharge for drivers under 25. The amount varies, so ask before you book.
Do I need a bigger deposit if I am under 25?
Often yes. Companies may ask for a higher deposit or a higher insurance excess for younger drivers.
Cars and Licenses
Can I rent a luxury car in Dubai under 25?
Sometimes, but options are limited. Many companies set 25 or older for luxury cars and even higher for supercars.
Do tourists need an International Driving Permit?
Only if your home license is not accepted in the UAE or is not in English or Arabic. Check the license rules before you travel.
Can I add an older driver to my rental?
Some companies allow additional drivers for a fee. The extra driver must be named on the agreement and meet the age and license rules.
Ready to Rent a Car in Dubai?
Not sure which cars are available for your age? Contact Sky Book Car Rental with your age, license country and the car you want, and the team will confirm the requirements before you book.