Marrakech Airport (RAK) Car Rental: What Documents You Need to Pick Up Your Car

Your essential guide to hassle-free vehicle collection at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) with MarHire Car Rental Marrakech

Table of Contents

• Documents required before pickup
• Driving licence & International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • Domestic licence & minimum holding period
  • When an IDP may be required
• Identity proof & payment method
• Additional requirements & good to know tips
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion & local tip

Documents required before pickup

When you arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and head for your car rental counter (or meet your agent from MarHire Car Marrakech), being prepared with the correct documents streamlines the process and helps avoid delays. Here’s a breakdown of the main items you must present:

Driver’s licence

You must bring a valid driver’s licence issued in your home country. For example:

• According to a major global rental provider at RAK: “You will need a full, valid driver’s license …”
• Another says: valid licence must be held for a minimum period (typically 1 year) for the main driver. (
  Thus:
• Ensure your licence is current and valid.
• Ensure you have held it for the required minimum time (often at least 12 months).
• If your licence is not in the Roman alphabet (English/French/Spanish), additional documentation may be needed (see next section).

International Driving Permit (IDP) / Translation

If your licence uses non-Latin characters (for example Arabic, Cyrillic, etc.), or rental agency policies require it, you may need an IDP or official translation. Key points:

• One guide states that if your licence is “written in characters different from those of the country of rental”, an IDP is required.
• Another site clarifies that an IDP is strongly recommended — for example: “The required documentation … International Driving Permit (IDP) …”
• Some local companies state it is not strictly mandatory if your licence is in Roman alphabet, but they recommend it. Bottom line: If your licence is in English, French, or Spanish the risk is lower, but to be safe bring an IDP if in doubt.

Identity proof (Passport or National ID)

To verify your identity and cross-check with your licence and booking, you should present:

• A valid passport (for international travellers) OR a national ID card (for Moroccan residents)
• Name on ID must match name on rental booking.

Credit card in the main driver’s name

Rental companies at RAK typically require a major credit card in the name of the principal driver. Reasons: deposit/authorization and payment of extras. For example:

• “Credit card in the first and last name of the main driver” is explicitly listed.
• One provider states: “All cards presented must be in the renter’s name. Prepaid cards, cash, and cheques are not accepted.”
  So be sure:
• The credit card is in your name.
• It has enough available credit to cover deposit + rental.
• If you only have a debit card, check in advance whether it is accepted (many offices don’t accept it).

Minimum age and licence-holding period

A few other important criteria:

• Minimum age for standard vehicles is often 21 years or 25 years, depending on vehicle category.
• Licence must have been held for minimum period (e.g., 1 year or more) — some categories (luxury/4×4) require longer (e.g., 3 years).
• Additional driver(s), if you plan to add them, must also meet these requirements.

Additional requirements & good to know tips

While the core documents above cover the essentials, here are some extra things to keep in mind which relate especially to car rentals at the airport and in Morocco (and hence for MarHire Car Marrakech):

Deposit / Guarantee

Many agencies place a pre-authorization (hold) on your credit card as a security deposit. For example:

• For one provider: deposit of 10,000 MAD for economy cars and 20,000 MAD for higher categories.
• The rental contract will explain exactly how much and how it is handled.

Fuel policy & vehicle condition

On handing over the vehicle:

• Check fuel level and confirm fuel policy (full-to-full etc).
• Inspect the car carefully for existing damage, take photos if possible, to avoid disagreements on return.

Restrictions / Cross-border use

If you intend to drive outside Morocco or into neighbouring countries, check with your rental agency:

• Many do not allow vehicles to leave the country without prior authorisation.

Driving licence accepted period

Tourism-oriented sources state that foreign licences may be valid for up to one year in Morocco, but check in your particular case.

Road rules & local norms

• In Morocco, drive on the right-hand side.
• Speed limits, traffic enforcement and road conditions may differ from your home country.
• Be prepared for variable driving style, especially in city areas like Marrakech.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I rent a car at Marrakech Airport without an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

Yes — if your licence is in the Roman alphabet (English, French, Spanish) and meets the other requirements many agencies will accept it without an IDP. However, if your licence is in another script or you want extra peace of mind, obtaining an IDP is strongly recommended.

2. What if my credit card is a debit card or not in my name?

Most airport-based rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name. Prepaid cards, cheque cards or cards in another person’s name may be refused. Confirm ahead with your chosen provider (e.g., MarHire Car Marrakech).

3. What is the minimum age to rent a car at RAK?

Minimum ages vary by company and vehicle category: some allow from 21 years for standard cars but raise it to 25 years (or more) for premium or 4×4 vehicles. Always check the specific terms in your booking. http://www.narsa.ma/fr

4. My licence is non-Roman script (e.g., Arabic). What should I bring?

In that case you should definitely bring an IDP or official translation of your licence. Many agencies require this for insurance and legal compliance. (5. Can I drive the rental car outside Morocco?

Generally, no — unless you arrange this in advance, get the necessary documentation and additional insurance. Most standard rental agreements restrict cross-border travel.

Conclusion & Local Tip

Renting a car at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) via MarHire Car Marrakech becomes smooth and efficient when you arrive fully prepared. By ensuring you carry a valid driver’s licence (held long enough), an IDP if needed, your passport/ID, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and meeting the minimum age requirements, you’ll unlock your car with minimal delay and maximum peace of mind.

Local tip: Once you collect your vehicle, allow a few extra minutes to get oriented — the traffic in Marrakech can be lively, especially around the airport and downtown. Ensure you understand the fuel policy, inspect the car for pre-existing damage, and enjoy your drive with confidence.

Booking with MarHire means you’ll have local support, familiarity with Moroccan roadways and service tailored to our travellers. If you’d like, we can provide a downloadable document/check-list for you to bring with you to the pickup. Would you like me to prepare that?