To rent a car in Pakistan you need: original CNIC (or passport + IDP for foreigners), a valid driving licence, a refundable security deposit of PKR 25,000–100,000, a recent utility bill, and sometimes a guarantor's CNIC. If a vendor doesn't ask for any of these, walk away — that's a red flag.
What documents do Pakistani renters need?
- Original CNIC. Photocopy isn't enough — vendors verify the original.
- Valid Pakistani driving licence (for self-drive).
- Refundable security deposit. PKR 25,000–100,000 depending on car category.
- Utility bill showing your address (recent — last 2 months).
- Guarantor's CNIC in some cases, especially for luxury or self-drive.
What documents do foreign visitors need?
- Passport with valid Pakistan visa.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country. Without an IDP, you'll be limited to with-driver rentals.
- Security deposit in USD (typically USD 200–1,000 depending on car). Some vendors accept the PKR equivalent.
- Hotel address as proof of stay.
- For Northern Areas trips: NOC, usually handled by the tour operator on your behalf.
How big is the security deposit by car class?
| Car class | Typical deposit (PKR) | Typical deposit (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Mehran, Cultus) | 25,000–40,000 | 100–150 |
| Sedan (Corolla, Civic) | 40,000–70,000 | 150–250 |
| Van (APV, Hiace) | 50,000–80,000 | 200–300 |
| SUV (Fortuner, Prado) | 80,000–150,000 | 300–550 |
| Luxury (Land Cruiser, Mercedes) | 150,000–300,000 | 550–1,100 |
Why do these checks matter?
Verified rental companies are responsible for the car. If something goes wrong, they need to be able to trace you. The paperwork isn't bureaucracy — it's how the legitimate vendors stay legitimate. Vendors who skip this either rent worn-out vehicles or have a history of disputes. Stick to vendors with a Verified badge on RentalSawari.
