Does National require an IDP in United Arab Emirates?

The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.

A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.

The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.

Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).

National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.

Dubai's Salik gantries charge AED 4-6 per pass automatically by plate with no booths; Abu Dhabi runs a similar 'Darb' toll. Rental companies hold a Salik deposit and bill passes (plus an admin fee) to your card after the rental.

Street parking in Dubai is paid via the RTA Smart Parking app or SMS by zone code, and Abu Dhabi uses the Mawaqif system; rates and time limits are shown on roadside meters, and unpaid or wrong-zone parking draws fines and possible towing.

Automated cameras issue speeding (from AED 300-3,000), phone-use (AED 800) and seatbelt (AED 400) fines; there are no on-the-spot cash payments. Charges surface on the police portal within weeks and rental firms deduct them from your deposit before refunding.

Call Police on 999; for a minor, no-injury accident file a report through the Dubai Police app (Minor Traffic Accident Report) - the at-fault driver pays AED 520. Do not leave the scene or move cars on injury/dispute accidents until police attend.