Documents, age and licence rules for car hire in Turkey
To rent a car at Dalaman you need a valid driving licence usually held for at least two years, your passport or ID, and you must be at least 21 for most cars. Turkish rules let tourists drive on their home licence for up to six months from entry, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and is needed if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet; UK travel advice says UK drivers should carry a 1968 IDP or a notarised Turkish translation.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Turkey?
Many visitors drive on their national licence, but carrying an International Driving Permit alongside it is the safe choice. Turkish rules allow foreign tourists to drive with a valid licence from their own country for up to six months from their date of entry; a licence in a non-Latin script should be backed by an IDP or a sworn translation.
The UK government's travel advice states that UK licence holders need a 1968 IDP or a UK licence notarised in Turkish; the older 1949 IDP is not accepted. An IDP must be obtained in your home country before you travel, so check your own government's advice.
- EU and most Latin-script licences: valid for tourists; IDP recommended
- UK licences: 1968 IDP or notarised Turkish translation, per UK travel advice
- Non-Latin-script licences: carry an IDP
- Always carry the original licence; an IDP alone is not enough
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Turkey?
The minimum age is 21 for most cars in our fleet, and drivers usually need to have held their licence for at least two years. Larger or premium vehicles may have higher age or experience requirements set by the rental company; the conditions for each car are shown before you book.
Which documents do I show at pickup?
At the handover, the main driver shows the original driving licence, a passport or national ID card, and the IDP if needed. A card in the main driver's name is useful because the company may take a deposit or pre-authorisation.
Digital licences or photocopies are generally not accepted, so bring the physical card.
- Original driving licence (held usually 2+ years)
- Passport or national ID card
- International Driving Permit if applicable
- Card in the driver's name for any deposit
- Booking confirmation
Can I add another driver?
Yes, additional drivers can usually be registered at pickup if they are present and meet the same requirements: their own valid licence, ID and minimum age. Only drivers named on the contract are covered by the insurance, so never let an unregistered person drive.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Turkey with a UK driving licence?
UK government advice says you need a 1968 International Driving Permit or a UK licence notarised in Turkish; carry it with your photocard licence and passport.
Is an EU driving licence valid in Turkey?
Yes, tourists can drive on a valid EU licence for up to six months from entry; an IDP is still recommended.
Can I rent a car in Turkey at 18 or 19?
Most cars require a minimum age of 21 and a licence usually held for two years or more, so drivers under 21 generally cannot rent.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car at Dalaman?
You pay at pickup in cash or by card, but the company may take a deposit or card pre-authorisation, so bring a card in the driver's name.
Is a photo of my licence enough?
No, bring the original physical licence; copies and photos are not accepted at the handover.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
From the authorised issuer in your home country before you travel; it cannot be issued in Turkey for a foreign licence.