Why You Might Be Denied a Car Rental in Dubai: 7 Reasons

Renting a car in Dubai is more than just signing a contract — it’s a serious financial commitment for rental companies. Whether you’re looking to rent a Lamborghini in Dubai or a budget-friendly sedan, the company is entrusting you with a valuable asset that can be worth anywhere from AED 50,000 to over AED 1,000,000.

For instance, Brook Drive’s premium fleet includes models like the Ferrari Purosangue (AED 11,990/day), Ferrari SF90 Stradale (AED 8,775/day), and Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge (AED 5,535/day). With such high stakes, rental companies implement strict verification procedures to protect their assets and comply with UAE regulations.

Even if you have a confirmed booking and pre-payment, you might still face rejection at the rental counter. Understanding the reasons behind these denials can help you prepare properly and avoid disrupted travel plans.

Below, we break down the seven most common reasons for car rental denial in Dubai in 2025, along with practical solutions and specific examples from Brook Drive’s fleet.

Payment Methods and Credit Checks: The #1 Reason for Denial

The single most common cause of rental rejection at the counter is payment-related issues. Most international rental companies in Dubai require a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) to hold a security deposit, which can range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 depending on the vehicle class.

This deposit is not charged but frozen (pre-authorized) on your card until the car is returned in good condition.

Credit Card vs. Debit Card: What’s the Difference?

Many travelers assume that any card with the Visa or Mastercard logo will work, but rental companies distinguish between credit and debit cards. A debit card draws funds directly from your bank account, which means the full deposit amount must be available immediately.

In contrast, credit cards provide a credit line, making it easier to cover the hold without impacting your available cash.

In 2025, some Dubai rental companies accept debit cards, but with additional requirements:

The debit card must be international (Visa/Mastercard), embossed, and display the cardholder’s name matching the driver’s passport and license.
Russian MIR cards and non-international debit cards are typically not accepted.
You may be asked to provide a return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation, or proof of residence in the UAE.
Some companies require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re paying with a debit card, even if your nationality is normally exempt from this requirement.

If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll be denied the rental, even if you’ve already paid for the booking online.

Insufficient Funds for Security Deposit

Here’s where many renters get caught off guard: even if you’ve pre-paid the rental cost, the company still needs to freeze the security deposit on your card. If your card doesn’t have enough available credit or balance to cover this hold, the system will decline the transaction, and you won’t receive the keys.

Typical deposit ranges in Dubai (2025):

Economy segment (Compact/Sedan): AED 1,000 – AED 1,500
SUVs and Premium sedans: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500
Luxury and Sports cars: AED 2,500 – AED 5,000 (some supercars may require even higher deposits)

Brook Drive’s Competitive Advantage: Unlike most competitors, Brook Drive operates on a no-deposit policy for all vehicles. This eliminates the most common reason for rental counter rejections.

Whether you choose an economy option like the Mazda 6 (AED 390/day), a stylish Mini Cooper S Convertible (AED 490/day), or a luxury Lamborghini Urus Violet (AED 2,990/day), you won’t need to worry about freezing thousands of dirhams on your card. This policy significantly reduces the risk of last-minute denials due to insufficient funds.

Name on Card Must Match Driver’s License

The name on the payment card must exactly match the name on the primary driver’s license and passport. If your spouse, friend, or parent tries to pay with their card while you’re listed as the driver, the rental will be rejected.

The only exception is if the cardholder is also added as an additional driver (which incurs an extra fee and requires them to be present with valid documents).

Driver’s License Validity and Documentation Gaps

Your driver’s license is the second most scrutinized document at the rental counter. Even a minor issue with your license can result in immediate denial.

Expired or Damaged Licenses

This seems obvious, but it’s surprisingly common: always check your license expiration date before traveling. An expired license, even by just one day, will result in automatic rejection.

Additionally, rental agents may refuse licenses that are:

Physically damaged (torn, cracked, or laminated after issuance)
Illegible due to wear and tear
Altered or tampered with in any way

In 2025, some countries have introduced digital driver’s licenses (accessible via mobile apps). However, most Dubai rental companies still require a physical plastic card. While the UAE has digitalized many government services, car rental companies have not yet universally adopted digital IDs due to legal and verification concerns.

Always carry your physical license when renting a car in Dubai.

International Driving Permit (IDP) Requirements

The rules around International Driving Permits (IDP/IDL) in Dubai depend on your nationality. Under the Vienna and Geneva Conventions on Road Traffic, citizens of approximately 60 countries — including Russia, the USA, the UK, EU member states, and GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) — are exempt from the IDP requirement.

These drivers can use their national driver’s license directly without translation.

Example: A tourist from the UK, USA, or Russia can rent a Nissan Patrol or Mercedes G63 AMG immediately upon arrival in Dubai using only their national driver’s license, passport, and visa/entry stamp. No IDP needed.

However, if you’re from a country not on the exemption list, you’ll need an IDP issued in your home country before traveling. Some local Dubai companies offer on-the-spot IDP processing for approximately AED 250 (completed in about 1 hour), but this is not universally available and should not be relied upon.

It’s always safer to obtain your IDP before departure.

Additionally, some rental companies require an IDP even for exempt nationalities if you’re paying with a debit card instead of a credit card — this is an extra precaution on their part.

Temporary Licenses and Paperwork Issues

Temporary paper licenses (issued while your permanent card is being processed) are generally not accepted by rental companies in Dubai. You must have the official plastic card.

If you’ve recently renewed your license and only have a temporary document, wait until you receive the permanent card before attempting to rent a car abroad.

Driving Record Checks: What Flags Your Profile?

Unlike the United States, where rental companies can run a DMV check to access your full driving history, the UAE does not have a centralized, publicly accessible database for tourists’ driving records. However, this doesn’t mean rental companies can’t assess risk.

For tourists, verification typically involves:

Checking your passport against internal company databases (to see if you’ve rented with them before and if there were any issues)
Verifying your driver’s license authenticity and validity
Reviewing any previous rental contracts you’ve had with that specific company or its affiliates

For UAE residents, the situation is different. Rental companies can access the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) system to check for outstanding traffic fines linked to the resident’s Emirates ID or license.

If you have unpaid fines from previous rentals or personal vehicle use, the company may refuse to rent to you until those fines are cleared.

What raises red flags?

DUI/DWI convictions: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the past 48 months is a major disqualifier. The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol-related driving offenses.
Reckless driving or hit-and-run incidents: If you’ve been involved in serious traffic violations (even in other countries and documented in the company’s internal records), you may be denied.
License suspensions: If your license has been suspended in your home country, rental companies may discover this during the verification process.
Excessive speeding tickets: While minor parking tickets won’t typically disqualify you, multiple speeding violations or radar camera fines (especially in Dubai) can raise concerns.

Important for Tourists: Even though Dubai doesn’t run a «DMV check» on foreign licenses, any traffic fines you incur during your rental period are automatically linked to the rental agreement. These fines are either deducted from your deposit (if applicable) or billed to your credit card after you return the vehicle.

Companies like Brook Drive have integrated systems with RTA to track and manage these violations, ensuring compliance with local traffic laws.

Do Not Rent (DNR) Lists and Corporate Bans

If you’ve had serious issues with a rental company in the past, you might find yourself on a «Do Not Rent» (DNR) list. Contrary to common belief, there is no unified public blacklist shared across all rental companies in Dubai or the UAE. Each company maintains its own internal DNR database.

However, if you’re banned by one company within a corporate group (for example, Enterprise owns Alamo and National), the ban often extends across all brands in that group. In Dubai, many luxury and mid-range rental agencies operate independently, so a ban with one company doesn’t automatically disqualify you from renting elsewhere.

Common reasons for DNR status:

Outstanding unpaid balances: Unpaid rental fees, damage charges, or traffic fines from previous rentals.
Vehicle damage and disputes: If you returned a car with significant damage and refused to pay, or if there was a dispute about the condition of the vehicle.
Contract violations: Using the vehicle for prohibited purposes (e.g., off-roading in a non-4×4 vehicle, driving outside permitted areas, smoking in a non-smoking vehicle).
Fraudulent activity: Providing false information, using stolen credit cards, or identity fraud.
Aggressive or threatening behavior: Verbal abuse or physical threats toward rental staff can result in an immediate and permanent ban.

If you believe you’ve been mistakenly placed on a DNR list, contact the rental company’s customer service department. You may need to provide proof of payment or resolve any outstanding issues before your status can be cleared.

Age Restrictions and Young Driver Fees

Age is one of the most straightforward criteria, but it’s often misunderstood. In Dubai, the minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years, but this can vary depending on the vehicle class.

For luxury and sports cars, the minimum age is often raised to 25 or even 30 years.

It’s important to note that being under 25 doesn’t always result in outright denial — instead, you may face a «Young Driver Fee» (typically AED 50–150 per day) for standard vehicles. However, for high-performance or luxury cars, age restrictions are firm, and no amount of additional payment will override them.

Minimum Age Requirements at Brook Drive

Minimum Age Requirement	Available Car Models & Daily Price
21+ Years	BMW 420 Convertible (AED 700/day) Chevrolet Tahoe (AED 790/day) Mini Cooper S Convertible (AED 640/day)
25+ Years	Audi R8 (AED 1,690/day) Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum (AED 1,290/day) Ferrari F8 Spider (AED 3,390/day)

Additionally, all drivers must have a minimum of 1 to 3 years of driving experience, depending on the vehicle class. Supercars and ultra-luxury models often require at least 2–3 years of licensed driving history.

If you’re planning to rent sport cars in Dubai, make sure you meet both the age and experience requirements before booking.

Intoxication and Behavioral Factors

The UAE enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on public intoxication. Appearing visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in public spaces — including car rental offices — is not only socially unacceptable but also illegal.

Violators can face fines, arrest, or even imprisonment for up to six months.

For rental companies, this isn’t just a matter of policy — it’s a legal obligation. If a rental agent hands over car keys to an intoxicated person and that person causes an accident, the agent and the company can be held criminally liable.

Therefore, rental staff are required by law to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated or unfit to drive.

Beyond intoxication: behavioral factors that matter

Aggressive or threatening behavior: Yelling, making threats, or behaving disrespectfully toward staff will result in immediate service refusal and potential involvement of security or police.
Suspicious activity: If a customer’s behavior raises concerns (e.g., appearing nervous, providing inconsistent information, or attempting to rush through the rental process), agents may conduct additional verification or decline the rental altogether.

If you’re denied due to behavioral concerns, there’s typically no appeal process. The decision is final, and you’ll need to seek service from another company (though word may spread quickly among rental desks at major hubs like Dubai International Airport).

What to Do If You Are Denied a Rental?

If you’ve been rejected at the rental counter, don’t panic. There are several strategies you can employ to salvage your situation.

1. Try a Different Rental Company

Since there’s no unified blacklist in Dubai, a denial from one company doesn’t automatically disqualify you from renting elsewhere. If your rejection was due to a policy-specific issue (e.g., debit card not accepted, age restriction on a particular model), another company may have more flexible policies.

Brook Drive’s no-deposit policy, for example, makes it easier for renters who struggle with the deposit freeze requirement at traditional agencies.

2. Add a Secondary Driver

If the primary driver doesn’t meet the requirements (e.g., insufficient driving experience, age restriction, or document issues), consider adding a secondary driver who does.

The additional driver must:

Be present at the rental counter with a valid passport, driver’s license (and IDP if required), and visa/entry stamp
Meet the minimum age and experience requirements for the vehicle class
Provide a credit card in their own name if payment is required from them

Adding a secondary driver typically incurs an extra fee (around AED 50–100 per day), but it’s a small price to pay compared to losing your entire rental booking.

3. Downgrade to a Lower Vehicle Class

If you were denied due to age, experience, or creditworthiness concerns for a high-end vehicle, consider downgrading to a more accessible class. This is especially relevant if you were aiming for a supercar but don’t meet the stricter requirements.

Example Downgrade Strategy: If you were denied for a Ferrari F8 Spider (AED 3,390/day, 25+ years), consider alternatives like:

Chevrolet Corvette (AED 1,090/day, 25+ years) — still a powerful sports car but with more lenient approval criteria
Ford Mustang GT 5.0L V8 (AED 890/day, 23+ years) — accessible to younger drivers and less stringent verification

By downgrading, you maintain the thrill of driving a performance vehicle while significantly improving your chances of approval.

Brook Drive’s Special Offer Rental Car Price in Dubai section often features discounted rates on mid-tier sports and luxury cars, making this a cost-effective solution.

4. Resolve Outstanding Issues Immediately

If your denial was due to unpaid fines, unresolved previous rental issues, or DNR status, contact the company’s customer service team right away. Many issues can be resolved with proof of payment or by settling outstanding balances on the spot.

Some rental companies in Dubai accept immediate payment via card or cash to clear fines and remove DNR flags.

5. Use a Trusted Local Service

Working with a reputable local agency like Brook Drive can help you navigate these challenges more smoothly. Local companies often have more flexible verification processes and a deeper understanding of the specific needs of international tourists.

Additionally, Brook Drive’s no-deposit policy, transparent age requirements, and support for tourists from Russia, the USA, the UK, and EU countries make it a reliable choice for hassle-free rentals.

Final Checklist: How to Avoid Rental Denial in Dubai (2025)

Before heading to the rental counter, review this checklist to ensure you meet all requirements:

Valid driver’s license: Check expiration date and physical condition. Ensure it’s not temporary or damaged.
International Driving Permit (if required): Verify if your nationality requires an IDP. If exempt (Russia, USA, UK, EU, GCC), bring your national license only.
Passport and visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and you have a valid UAE entry stamp or visa.
Credit card with sufficient limit: Bring a credit card (not debit) in the primary driver’s name with enough available credit to cover the deposit (AED 1,000–5,000). If using Brook Drive, this requirement is waived due to the no-deposit policy.
Proof of age and driving experience: Confirm you meet the minimum age (21 or 25+) and experience (1–3 years) for your chosen vehicle class.
Clean record: Ensure you have no outstanding fines, unresolved rental disputes, or DNR status with the company.
Sober and respectful behavior: Never attempt to rent a car while intoxicated or under the influence. Be polite and cooperative with rental staff.

By understanding these seven common reasons for car rental denial and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when renting a car in Dubai in 2025.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly sedan or planning to rent sport cars in Dubai, preparation and knowledge are your best tools for avoiding rejection at the counter.

Why Might You Be Denied a Car Rental in Dubai? 7 Common Reasons & Solutions

Payment Methods and Credit Checks: The #1 Reason for Denial