Yes, but a visitor's licence has to be stamped by the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) first. This service is for visitors who don't hold Bahrain residency.
Stamping a foreign international licence (visitors)
- Bring your original international driving permit and your original licence from home, both valid, plus your passport and its entry details.
- Book a slot through the Mawaeid appointments system, then go to the GDT Driver Licensing Directorate or a GDT service centre.
- It takes about 1 working day. No fee is shown for this service.
- Rules come from the Traffic Law (Law No. 23 of 2014).
Residents travelling abroad: residents and citizens with a Bahrain licence can get an International Driving Licence from the GDT for BD 15. It is valid for 1 year and takes up to 2 working days. Bahrain Post delivers it within up to 5 working days. Your traffic fines must be paid first.
The catch: the rental company's own rules (minimum age, deposit, insurance) apply on top of this. The stamping service is only for visitors without Bahrain residency.
Steps
- Make sure your home licence and international permit are valid originals.
- Book a GDT appointment on Mawaeid.
- Have the licence stamped at the GDT licensing office or a service centre.
- Show the stamped licence and passport to the rental company.
Recommended places
- General Directorate of Traffic