Car Rental in the Dominican Republic
Choose the best car rental offers from trusted local companies in the Dominican Republic and book your vehicle online in just a few minutes. Convenient pickup is available at Punta Cana and Santo Domingo airports, as well as in Puerto Plata, La Romana, Santiago, and other popular destinations across the country.
Cities: Dominican Republic
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Rental terms in Dominican Republic
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 1 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- A deposit (~200 DOP) is held on the driver’s card.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
Driving rules in Dominican Republic
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | DOP |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 60 city · 80 rural · 100 expressway · 120 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.5 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | not required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
Traffic rules: Dominican Republic
Right-hand traffic with standard road rules. Overtaking is on the left.
Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, up to 100 km/h on expressways, and 120 km/h on motorways (autopistas).
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%; stricter rules apply to commercial and young drivers. In practice, it is safest not to drink at all before driving, as roadside checks are common.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
Right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop unless prohibited by a road sign.
There are no vignettes. Some motorways have toll sections (peaje), payable in cash in Dominican pesos.
Winter tires are not required due to the tropical climate.
Headlights must be used in tunnels, at night, and in poor visibility. Night driving outside cities is not recommended because roads are poorly lit and pedestrians and motorcycles are common.
Traffic fines are paid using an official payment notice. Radar detectors are prohibited.
Taking a rental car outside the country is prohibited. Rental vehicles cannot be driven into Haiti.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Dominican Republic
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in the Dominican Republic?
If your national driver’s license is issued in the Latin alphabet (for example, in English or Spanish), together with your passport it is usually valid for stays of up to 90 days. If your license is issued in Cyrillic, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
The legal driving age is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge and must have at least one year of driving experience.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A security deposit is usually blocked on the driver’s bank card. The amount depends on the vehicle category and rental company, and the exact conditions are shown when selecting a specific car.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The most common pickup locations are Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) airports, as well as Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Santiago. Hotel delivery is often available.
Can I drive to neighboring countries?
No. The Dominican Republic is located on an island, and rental cars cannot be taken outside the country, including into Haiti.
Which insurance should I choose?
Basic insurance is included in the rental price. We recommend adding Full CDW with zero excess, as road conditions can be challenging in some areas.
What is the fuel policy?
The standard policy is “full-to-full”: you receive the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. Fuel stations in remote areas often close in the evening, so it is best to refuel in advance.
When is the best time to book?
During the high season (December–February and July–August), rental cars in Punta Cana are booked quickly, so reserve your vehicle in advance. Carry small Dominican peso banknotes for toll roads.
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