Adding an Additional Driver to Your Rental: Rules, Fees and Documents

Quick answer: To add an additional driver to a car rental in the UAE, the person must meet the same age and licence rules as the main driver, show their documents (Emirates ID and UAE licence for residents; passport and accepted licence or IDP for visitors) and be named on the agreement. A daily or flat fee may apply. Unlisted drivers aren't insured.

"You drive to the airport, I'll drive back." It's the most natural arrangement in the world. In a rental car, it only works if both names are on the agreement.

Adding an additional driver (also called a second driver or named driver) is simple. Skipping it can cost you the entire value of a repair if something goes wrong.

This guide explains the rules. For the wider picture of what your cover includes, read the Quick Lease insurance guide.

What is an additional driver?

An additional driver is anyone other than the main renter who's authorised to drive the rental car. Their details are added to the rental agreement, and they're covered by the same insurance as the main driver.

Who can be an additional driver?

Anyone who meets the rental company's driver requirements, typically:

• Minimum age, usually 21 (sometimes 25 for premium cars).
• A licence held for at least one year.
• A licence valid for their status in the UAE.

That can be a spouse, family member, friend or colleague. There's no rule that they must be related to you.

Documents an additional driver needs

The documents rules are the same as for the main driver. Our guide to documents needed to rent a car in Dubai covers resident requirements in detail.

How much does an additional driver cost?

Fees vary by company and rental length. Common structures include:

• A small daily fee per additional driver.
• A flat fee per rental.
• No charge for spouses or for monthly rentals with some providers.

Ask when booking. On monthly rentals, a flat fee is often better value than a daily charge.

For Quick Lease's current policy on additional drivers, check our Quick Lease rental FAQs or ask our team at booking.

What happens if an unlisted driver drives?

This is where it gets expensive. If someone not named on the agreement drives and has an accident:

• Insurance waivers (CDW, SCDW) usually don't apply.
• The main renter can be liable for the full cost of damage.
• Third-party claims can become complicated.

Even a short drive to the supermarket counts. If you're not on the agreement, don't drive the car.

Can you add a driver mid-rental?

Usually yes. Visit a branch or contact the rental company with the new driver's documents. The driver is covered only from the moment they're added, not retrospectively.

This is common for families whose plans change, such as a parent arriving partway through a rental.

Additional drivers and accidents

If an additional driver has an accident, the procedure is the same as for the main driver: report it, get a police report and notify the rental company. Our step-by-step guide on what to do after a minor accident in a rental car applies to every named driver.

Fines and black points go to whoever was driving. The main renter is usually responsible for paying fines charged to the agreement, so agree in advance how you'll settle them between drivers.

Tips for adding drivers

• Add every possible driver at the start, even if they might only drive once.
• Check each driver's licence expiry date.
• Make sure visitors know Dubai's rules, including no speed buffer in Abu Dhabi.
• Keep copies of every driver's documents in the car.

Key takeaways

• Every person who drives must be named on the rental agreement.
• Additional drivers must meet the same age, licence and document rules.
• Fees vary: daily, flat or sometimes free for spouses or monthly rentals.
• Unlisted drivers aren't insured, and the main renter may pay the full cost of damage.

Sources: Dubai RTA licensing rules; standard UAE rental agreement terms. Fees and policies vary by company. Last updated: 27 October 2026.