Landing at RAK and renting a car is easy if you show up with the right paperwork: your passport, your original driver’s licence, and a payment card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. Keep in the vehicle the carte grise (registration), insurance proof, and, when applicable, the technical inspection vignette—police checkpoints are routine and officers will ask for these. Sécurité Routière+1
Table of Contents
- Requirements & Documents for RAK Pickup
- Driver’s Licence (and when an IDP helps)
- Passport & Age Rules
- Credit Card / Deposit & Booking Voucher
- Papers to Keep in the Vehicle in Morocco
- Carte Grise, Insurance, Technical Inspection
- Why Checkpoints Happen & What to Expect
- Pickup & Return with MarHire (RAK + Hotel/Riad Delivery)
- Airport Delivery: Step-by-Step
- Hotel/Riad Delivery vs Airport: Which Is Faster?
- Q&A (FAQs)
1) Requirements & Documents for RAK Pickup
Driver’s Licence (and when an IDP helps)
Bring your physical, valid driver’s licence—digital copies aren’t accepted at rental counters. If your licence isn’t in Latin characters or you just want to avoid back-and-forth at the desk, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your licence is a smart extra (some agents ask for it, even if not legally mandated for short stays).
Passport & Age Rules
Have your passport ready as your photo ID. Most fleets rent standard cars from 21+; premium classes and vans may require older age and more years of driving history. If you’re adding a second driver, they’ll need their original licence too.
Credit Card / Deposit & Booking Voucher
Plan on a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit (pre-authorisation). Some locations won’t accept debit or prepaid for the hold. Keep your booking voucher (digital is fine unless your provider asks for a printout).
2) Papers to Keep in the Vehicle in Morocco
Carte Grise, Insurance, Technical Inspection
Three items typically stay in the car:
- Carte grise (registration)
- Proof of insurance
- Technical inspection vignette (when applicable)
These are what officers look for first during roadside checks. Keep your passport and driver’s licence on you so you can present them quickly if asked. Sécurité Routière
Why Checkpoints Happen & What to Expect
Checkpoints are common at city exits, roundabouts, and on intercity roads. Expect a polite signal to stop, a short document check, and you’ll be waved through if everything’s in order. The legal basis comes from Morocco’s Code de la Route—it empowers authorities to verify vehicle and driver compliance. transport.gov.ma
3) Pickup & Return with MarHire (RAK + Hotel/Riad Delivery)
Airport Delivery: Step-by-Step
- Meet & verify at RAK arrivals at your scheduled time → we check passport + licence and process the deposit.
- Paperwork handover → we confirm the contract, insurance, and carte grise are in the vehicle.
- Walk-around & photos → we mark any existing scuffs, confirm fuel policy, and share our live location for a smooth handoff.
- Drive off → keep the documents accessible; checkpoints are routine.
Hotel/Riad Delivery vs Airport: Which Is Faster?
- Airport delivery is quickest right after you land—no taxi lines, no shuttle.
- Hotel/Riad delivery is perfect if day one is medina-only. We meet you at the nearest car-accessible spot (many riads are in pedestrian lanes), then do the same quick handover.
Q&A (FAQs)
Q1. Do I absolutely need an IDP at RAK?
A. Not always—but it can help if your licence isn’t in Latin characters or your provider requires it. Bring your original licence regardless.
Q2. Which documents must stay in the car during my trip?
A. The carte grise, insurance proof, and, when applicable, the technical inspection vignette. Keep your passport and licence on you for checks. Sécurité Routière
Q3. Can I use a debit card for the deposit?
A. Most counters insist on a credit card in the main driver’s name for the hold. If you only have debit, tell us beforehand so we can propose available options.
Q4. I’m 22—can I rent?
A. Usually yes for standard categories (young-driver fee may apply). High-end classes can require higher age and longer licence history.
Q5. What happens at a police checkpoint?
A. You’ll be asked for the vehicle and driver documents. If everything’s valid, checks are brief and you’re on your way. The framework for these controls is set in the Code de la Route.