Rules and insurance
Can I Drive in Aruba With a US or Canadian License? Age and License Rules
Guljar Hosen
Updated 3 Nov 2026 · 4 min read
If you hold a US or Canadian license, the short version is that you can rent in Aruba, but the details depend on the rental company: its minimum age, the license it accepts, and the card it asks for.
This guide sets out Real Deal's rules next to what the Aruba Tourism Authority says, so you know what to bring before you land.
Key takeaways
- Real Deal accepts a valid driver's license issued in your own state or country, as well as an international driving permit.
- The Aruba Tourism Authority says an international driving permit or any valid license held for two full years is usually required, and that rules vary by company.
- Real Deal's minimum age is 23. Drivers aged 23 and 24 pay a young driver fee of $25 per day.
- A credit card is required for the security deposit. Debit cards and cash are not accepted for it.
- Every driver must be listed in the rental agreement. An extra driver is $4.99 a day.
The short answer
A valid license from your own state or country is accepted at Real Deal, and you do not need a separate permit to rent.
Real Deal accepts valid driver's licenses issued in your state or country, as well as international licenses. The rental terms ask for a valid driver's license and a credit card at the time of rental.
The Aruba Tourism Authority is more general. It says an international driving permit or any valid license held for two full years is usually required, and that age and license rules vary by company. A separate guide on its site adds that a permit is not required if your license is in English or Dutch, but is a good backup to carry.
Sources: Real Deal FAQ and rental terms in the booking system, read 23 Oct 2026; aruba.com, Car Rentals and its guide to renting a car in Aruba (June 2025), read 1 Nov 2026. Neither aruba.com page names US or Canadian licenses.
Age and license rules at a glance
| Question | Real Deal | Aruba Tourism Authority (general) |
|---|---|---|
| License | A valid driver's license from your state or country; international licenses also accepted | An international driving permit or a valid license held for two full years is usually required |
| Minimum age | 23 | Varies by company; generally at least 21 |
| Under 25 | Drivers aged 23 and 24 pay $25 per day | Some companies charge a young driver fee for drivers under 25 |
| Card | Credit card for the deposit; no debit cards or cash | A deposit or card pre-authorization is typically required |
Sources: Real Deal rental terms and booking system, read 23 Oct 2026; aruba.com, read 1 Nov 2026.
What to bring to the pickup
Your driver's license.
Bring your physical driver's license; a photo or digital copy may not be accepted (aruba.com's guide).
A credit card in the driver's name.
It holds the refundable security deposit. Debit cards and cash are not accepted for it.
An international driving permit, if your license is not in English or Dutch.
It is a backup, not a replacement for your license.
Your extra drivers' licenses.
Every driver must be listed in the rental agreement. An extra driver is $4.99 a day.
Real Deal delivers free to the airport, the cruise port and most hotels, so you can sign and check the car where you are. See what is included in an Aruba car rental price for the deposit and the extras, and car rental insurance and deposits explained for the waiver.
Sources: Real Deal rental terms in the booking system, read 23 Oct 2026; aruba.com guide to renting a car in Aruba (June 2025), read 1 Nov 2026.
Driving on day one
Traffic keeps to the right-hand side in Aruba, as in the US and Canada, and road signs show the speed in kilometers per hour, so watch the number on the sign rather than the one you are used to.
For routes, roundabouts, gas stations and parking, read our guide to driving in Aruba. If you plan a full day out, the Aruba road trip loop uses paved roads only.
Source: aruba.com, Driving in Aruba, read 1 Nov 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car in Aruba with a US driver's license?
Yes. Real Deal accepts a valid driver's license issued in your state or country. You also need to be at least 23 and have a credit card for the security deposit.
Can I rent a car in Aruba with a Canadian driver's license?
Yes. Real Deal accepts a valid license issued in your country, and international licenses as well. If your license is not in English or Dutch, bring an international driving permit as a backup and ask the team when you book.
Do I need an international driving permit in Aruba?
Not necessarily. The Aruba Tourism Authority says an international driving permit or any valid license held for two full years is usually required, and that rules vary by company. Real Deal requires a valid driver's license.
What is the minimum age to rent from Real Deal?
23. Drivers aged 23 and 24 pay a young driver fee of $25 per day.
Can a friend drive my rental car?
Only if they are listed as an extra driver in the rental agreement. An extra driver is $4.99 a day. Vehicles may not be returned by someone who is not listed.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Aruba?
The right-hand side, as in the US and Canada. Road signs show speed in kilometers per hour.
Written by
Founder and CEO of NeoDimensional LLC, the software engineer and designer behind Real Deal's website and booking system.
