Driver
At least 25 years old. Younger drivers may be accommodated on select vehicles; ask the team.
Saudi Arabia · UAE · Qatar · Kuwait · Bahrain · Oman
Driving in Los Angeles with a Gulf driving license
Short answer: yes. California lets visitors aged 18 and over drive with a valid license from their home country. To rent a car from BLU, the driver must be at least 25, and international visitors bring their passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) with that license.
Checked October 2026 against the official sources linked on this page. General information for visitors, not legal advice.
اقرأ الدليل بالعربية
What California allows
The California DMV says a visitor over 18 with a valid driver’s license from their home country may drive in California without a California license, as long as the home license remains valid. The rule is the same whether your license was issued in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain or Oman.
California does not require visitors from other countries to carry an International Driving Permit to drive in the state, according to a California State Assembly bill analysis. If you become a California resident, the DMV says you must get a California license within 10 days.
Why BLU asks for an International Driving Permit
An IDP translates the details of your license and is recognised in many countries. It is carried with your original license, not instead of it. USA.gov explains that, depending on the states you visit, you may need an IDP as well as a license from your country, and that not every state requires one.
BLU’s rental policy asks international visitors to bring an IDP with their home-country license, together with their passport. Bring all three to the handover. Planning a road trip beyond California? Check the rules of each state you will drive in.
How to get your IDP before you fly
- Apply at home. Get your IDP in the country that issued your license, before you travel. USA.gov notes that the U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors, and suggests contacting the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your license.
- Check the dates. USA.gov says IDPs issued for use in the U.S. are valid for one year. Make sure your IDP and your license are both valid for your whole stay.
- Pack the originals. Bring your original license, your IDP, your passport and a major credit card in your name.
Your BLU rental checklist
Documents
Original home-country license, International Driving Permit and passport.
Payment
A major credit card in the renter’s own name.
Insurance
Valid insurance, as confirmed with the team before your rental.
Read the full rental policies, and the Gulf visitor guide for flights, delivery and longer stays.
Driving with a Gulf license: questions
Can I drive in Los Angeles with a UAE driving license?
Yes, as a visitor. The California DMV says visitors over 18 with a valid license from their home country may drive in California without a California license while that license remains valid. To rent from BLU, also bring your passport and an International Driving Permit.
Can I drive in the USA with a Saudi driving license?
In California, yes: the same visitor rule applies to licenses from Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf countries. Each U.S. state sets its own rules, so check with the motor vehicle department of any other state you plan to drive in.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in California?
California does not require visitors from other countries to have one to drive, according to a California State Assembly bill analysis. BLU’s rental policy still asks international renters to bring an IDP with their home-country license.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
In the country that issued your license, before you travel. USA.gov notes that the U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
USA.gov says IDPs issued for use in the U.S. are valid for one year. Check that your IDP and your license are both valid for your whole stay.
How long can I drive in California on my home-country license?
While you are a visitor and your home license remains valid. If you become a California resident, the DMV says you must get a California license within 10 days.
What is the minimum age to rent a car from BLU?
25, with a valid license and a major credit card in your own name. Younger drivers may be accommodated on select vehicles; ask the team.
Can BLU check my documents before I travel?
Yes. Message BLU on WhatsApp in English or Arabic with the country that issued your license, the driver’s age and your dates, and the team will confirm what to bring.
Check your documents before you fly
Send BLU the country that issued your license, the driver’s age and your travel dates. We reply in English or Arabic.
Sources: California DMV, 5 requirements for a California driver’s license · USA.gov, Driving in the U.S. as a non-citizen · California State Assembly, AB 2196 bill analysis (2026). Checked October 2026.
Plan the rest of your stay
Arriving at LAX, staying in Beverly Hills or travelling with family? These guides cover delivery, longer stays and the right car.