Documents you need to rent a car in Pakistan

The short checklist

Car with a driver:

• Your CNIC (or passport for foreign visitors)
• A working phone number, ideally on WhatsApp

Self drive:

• Your original CNIC (or passport with visa for foreign visitors)
• A valid driving licence for the type of car
• The refundable security deposit
• Sometimes, proof of address or a reference, especially for longer rentals

For Pakistani residents

CNIC

Bring your original CNIC. For self drive, a copy is kept with the rental agreement and the details are checked. For a car with a driver, we usually only need your name, CNIC number and phone number for the booking.

Driving licence (self drive)

You need a valid Pakistani driving licence for the category of car you are renting, usually a car or LTV licence. A learner permit is not enough. Licences issued in Punjab can be verified online, and an expired licence will hold up your handover, so check the date before you come.

Proof of address and references

For self drive, especially for weekly or monthly rentals, a rental company may ask for:

• A recent utility bill in your name or your family’s name
• A reference: a family member, a colleague or your employer, with their CNIC and phone number
• A student or employment card, for students and young drivers

These help the company trust a new customer with a car worth millions of rupees. It is standard practice, not a sign of suspicion.

Security deposit (self drive)

Self drive rentals need a refundable security deposit. The amount depends on the car and is confirmed in your quote. It comes back after the car is returned in the same condition, minus any fuel shortfall, traffic fines or damage, as written in your agreement. Always ask how and when the refund is made.

For overseas Pakistanis

If you live abroad and are visiting home:

• Bring your NICOP or CNIC, or your Pakistani or foreign passport.
• For self drive, a valid Pakistani licence is easiest. If you only have a foreign licence, bring it together with an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in the country where you live.
• Many overseas visitors choose a car with a driver for the first days while they get used to Lahore traffic again.

Our guide for overseas Pakistanis covers airport pickup, payments from abroad and more.

For foreign visitors

• Your passport with a valid Pakistani visa.
• For self drive, your national driving licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get the IDP in your home country before you travel; it cannot be issued in Pakistan for a foreign licence.
• Keep photocopies of your passport and visa in the car. Police check posts, especially on the way to the northern areas, may ask to see them.

Most foreign visitors rent a car with a driver. It removes the paperwork for driving, and the driver handles check posts, directions and parking.

For companies

For corporate car rental on company billing, expect to provide:

• A company letter or purchase order on letterhead
• The NTN and registered address for invoicing
• The CNIC of the authorised person who signs the agreement
• For self drive, the licence and CNIC of each employee who will drive

What happens at a self drive handover

At the handover, you can expect:

1. Document check: CNIC or passport, licence, and any reference you agreed.
2. Agreement: the rate, km allowance, deposit, fuel policy and return time in writing.
3. Car inspection: a walk around the car together, with photos of any existing marks, the fuel level and the odometer reading.
4. Keys and papers: the car’s registration papers stay in the car. Police may ask for them along with your licence.

Common questions

Can someone else drive the self drive car? Only if they are added to the agreement with their own CNIC and licence.

Can I use a licence that expires during the rental? No. The licence must be valid for the whole rental period.

Do I need documents for passengers? No, but everyone should carry their own CNIC or passport, especially on outstation trips with police check posts.

Is a scan of my CNIC enough? For booking, yes. For a self drive handover, bring the original.

Ready? Read about how much it costs to rent a car in Lahore, check the policies or get a quote.