Renting a car in Qatar is a straightforward process, but you’ll want to come prepared with the right documents to avoid any hiccups at the rental counter. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, having all the necessary paperwork in hand will get you on the road faster. Infinity Rent a Car Qatar has compiled this complete checklist of documents required to rent a vehicle.
Renting a car in Qatar is a straightforward process, but you’ll want to come prepared with the right documents to avoid any hiccups at the rental counter. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, having all the necessary paperwork in hand will get you on the road faster. Infinity Rent a Car Qatar has compiled this complete checklist of documents required to rent a vehicle.
Your driving license is the most important document. Without it, you cannot rent or drive a car legally.
Tourists: You must present a valid driving license from your home country. If the license is not in English or Arabic, you should also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation. (For example, a French or Italian license would need an IDP or official English translation). Even if your license is in English, an IDP is recommended if you’ll stay more than a week, as per Qatar law requirements.
Residents: A valid Qatar Driving License is required if you have been in Qatar for more than 6 months. New residents (under 6 months) can use a foreign license + IDP or a temporary Qatar license if obtained.
Validity: Ensure the license is not expired. Most companies require you’ve held the license for at least 1–2 years (check with your agency; Infinity requires 1 year).
Additional Drivers: If you want to add a second driver to the rental contract, they must also present their license (with IDP if applicable) and meet age requirements.
Pro Tip: Carry the physical card license (and IDP booklet if you have one). Photocopies or digital scans are generally not accepted in place of the actual license. Infinity Rent a Car Qatar will make a copy and hand back your original immediately.
For identification and verification of entry status:
Tourists: Bring your passport. The rental agency will want to see your passport to verify your identity and to check your visa entry stamp or date of arrival in Qatar. This helps them know how long you’ve been in the country (important for whether a foreign license is still valid).
Residents: Present your Qatar ID (QID). As a resident, this is your primary identification. It shows that you’re a legal resident and often the rental company will note down your QID number. Keep your QID with you when driving as well, since it’s the equivalent of an ID card.
GCC Nationals: If you’re from a GCC country (e.g., KSA, UAE) and you drove your own car or came by land, you might not have a passport stamp (if you used ID card at the border). In such cases, your GCC national ID can suffice for identification at rental, but having your passport handy is best if available.
For visitors, proof of your legal entry into Qatar is needed:
The rental company may ask for your arrival date or to see your visa stamp in the passport. This is because tourists are only allowed to drive on foreign licenses/IDP for a limited time (usually 7 days without IDP, up to 6 months with IDP or temporary permit).
If you have an e-visa or visa-on-arrival, ensure you have a printout or the visa number. The entry stamp in your passport usually suffices to show when you entered the country.
If you’re a GCC citizen who entered on national ID, let the rental staff know your entry date.
Infinity’s team will usually make a note of your visa status to ensure you’re driving legally the whole rental period.
A credit card in the renter’s name is typically required for the security deposit and payment:
Security Deposit: When you rent a car, the company will place a hold (pre-authorization) on your credit card. This isn’t a charge (you won’t pay unless incidentals occur), but it reserves an amount (say QR 1,500 or more depending on car) to cover potential traffic fines, damages, or extra charges. This hold is released after you return the car in good condition, though it may take up to 2-3 weeks to clear from your statement.
Name Match: The card should ideally be under the main driver’s name. If you only have a spouse’s card or a parent’s, some companies may not accept it. (This is an anti-fraud measure.) Infinity requires the card holder to be present.
Credit vs Debit: A true credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc.) is preferred. Some agencies do accept debit cards, but they might actually charge the deposit as a sale (and later refund) rather than a hold, which can be inconvenient. It’s best to use a credit card.
Cash Deposit: In rare cases, and usually with local customers, a cash deposit can be left instead of a card. However, this is less common for tourists. It also means waiting around for the cash return after the rental. Check with the agency – Infinity can sometimes accept a cash deposit for customers who don’t have cards, but we still require a valid credit/debit card for the rental payment and verification.
Pro Tip: Make sure your card has enough available limit for the deposit hold in addition to any charges you plan during travel. The last thing you want is a declined deposit when you’re trying to pick up your car. Also inform your bank you’re traveling to avoid any holds on international transactions.
If you booked your car online or via phone:
Bring a Copy of the Booking Confirmation: This could be a printout or simply showing the email on your phone. It contains your reservation number, the rate, and terms you agreed on. While the rental office will have your booking in their system, having your copy can expedite the process and ensure you get the correct vehicle and rate.
Voucher (for Prepaid Bookings): If you prepaid through a third-party site (like an online travel agency) and have a voucher, present that. It shows that payment (or part of it) was made.
Corporate Letter (if company paid): For corporate rentals where your company arranged and will be billed, a letter or authorization might be needed.
Infinity’s booking system is seamless, but we always recommend keeping your confirmation handy—technology can hiccup, and it helps us serve you faster.
Insurance Info: You don’t need to carry separate car insurance documents for a rental; the rental car is insured by the company. However, if you have personal travel insurance or credit card coverage for rental cars, carry those policy details. In case of an accident, it’s useful to know your coverage.
International Credit Card: Ensure your credit card will work internationally. Notify your bank that you’re in Qatar to prevent blocks.
Personal ID: Aside from passport/QID, having a second ID (like a driver’s license copy or national ID) can be handy for verification, though not required.
Contact Information: Be ready to provide a local contact number (if you have a local SIM) and address of stay (hotel or residence). Rental forms often ask for a contact number in Qatar and where you’re staying.
Pro Tip: Keep all these documents in a dedicated travel wallet or folder. When you come to Infinity’s counter, you won’t have to dig through bags – just hand over your “rental documents” folder. We’ll have you driving away in no time!
By gathering all the required documents before you head to the rental office, you’ll save time and avoid potential disappointment. A missing license or credit card could derail your rental plans. This simple checklist – driver’s license (and IDP if needed), passport/QID, credit card, and reservation info – covers the essentials.
At Infinity Rent a Car Qatar, we strive to make the rental process as smooth as possible. If you have any doubts about what to bring, give us a call ahead of your rental. We’re happy to clarify so you can arrive confident and prepared.
Once the paperwork is done, you’ll be free to explore Qatar’s beautiful roads and destinations in your rental car. Safe travels!
✅ Ready to rent? Book now at www.infinityrentacar.qa – and don’t forget your documents!
Questions? Call Us: +974 77772510
1️⃣ Do I need an International Driving Permit if my license is in English?
If you’re staying in Qatar less than a week, an English-language license (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, etc.) is usually acceptable on its own. For longer stays, by law you should have an IDP. It’s always safer to have an IDP regardless, as some rental agents may insist on it. Plus, if you get in an accident, authorities will want to see an IDP with your license.
2️⃣ Can I rent a car with a digital copy of my passport?
No, you need the physical passport (for tourists) or QID (for residents). The rental company must verify the original document. A digital copy or photo is not sufficient for the initial rental process, though it’s good to keep one as backup in case you lose the original.
3️⃣ My credit card is maxed out – can I use a friend’s card for the deposit?
The credit card used for the deposit should belong to the person renting (primary driver). If you’re in a bind, some companies might allow a friend or family member present to use their card, but that person would likely need to be added as a secondary driver or co-signer on the rental. It’s at the agency’s discretion. To avoid issues, clear some credit or arrange a cash deposit in advance with the rental company.
4️⃣ Is a photocopy of my driver’s license sufficient?
No, you must show the original driver’s license. The rental agent will want to physically inspect it for validity and security features. They will take a photocopy for their records, but the original is needed to verify.
5️⃣ What if I forget to bring one of the required documents?
If you forget your credit card or license, the rental cannot proceed. If you forgot your passport at the hotel, you could go back to get it – an inconvenience, but solvable. Always double-check you have your license and credit card before leaving for the rental office. In case of a missing document, Infinity Rent a Car will try to work with you (maybe delay the rental start until you retrieve it), but we cannot hand over a car without the proper credentials.
Bring the right papers, and you’ll be cruising in no time. For any doubts about requirements, Infinity Rent a Car is just a call away to help you prepare.
Contact Us: +974 77772510
Website: www.infinityrentacar.qa
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