Documents for Car Rental in Kazakhstan: Full List

What documents you need for car rental: the short list

I talk to clients on WhatsApp every day, and the question I hear most is the same: “What should I bring?” The answer is shorter than most people expect. The basic set is the same for every class, from economy to exclusive models:

• Proof of identity — a Kazakhstan ID card or passport, a residence permit, or a foreign passport for visitors.
• Category B driving licence — valid for the whole rental period, the original document.
• A card or cash for the deposit — the amount depends on the car class, see the table below.
• A phone with WhatsApp — we use it to confirm the booking and delivery address and to stay in touch during the rental.

No proof of income, guarantors or other paperwork is needed. Below I go through each item and the details people most often trip over. The general rules are collected on the rental terms page.

Car rental documents for citizens of Kazakhstan

For citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan it is as simple as it gets: two documents, and you can sign the agreement.

Identity card

We draw up the agreement on your ID card and check it against your licence: surname, first name and photo must match. A Kazakhstan passport works too. If you recently changed your surname but your licence still shows the old one, bring the document confirming the change — the check will then go smoothly, without extra calls.

Driver's license

You need a category B licence — it covers cars, crossovers, SUVs and minivans. It must be valid for the whole rental: if your licence expires in a week and you take the car for a month, renew it in advance. We accept old-style licences as long as they have not expired and the details are legible.

Commercial vehicles are a separate case. Category B covers vehicles with no more than eight passenger seats and a weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. Larger minibuses and buses require category D1 or D, trucks over 3.5 tonnes require category C1 or C. If you are planning such a vehicle, check the category with the manager before booking.

If more than one person will drive

Every driver is added to the agreement and shows their own licence and ID. This is an insurance condition: a person not listed in the agreement must not drive a rental car. On long trips, for example the routes from our intercity car rental section, drivers usually take turns — just name everyone when you book.

Car rental documents for foreigners and visitors

Visitors to Almaty rent a car on the same terms as residents; only the set of documents is slightly different.

Passport and national licence

A foreign visitor shows a foreign passport (with a visa, if one is required for entry) and their own driving licence. Visitors from CIS countries usually rent with their national licence — Kazakhstan recognises it. If the licence is issued in the international format and the name is duplicated in Latin letters, no extra documents are normally needed.

When you need an International Driving Permit

If your licence is written only in your national language — for example in Arabic script or characters — get an International Driving Permit in your home country before the trip. It is valid only together with the national licence, so bring both. Not sure? Send a photo of your licence on WhatsApp before you fly, and we will tell you whether it works.

If you arrive at Almaty airport

We check documents when handing over the keys, so keep your passport and licence in your carry-on, not in checked luggage. You can book the car for your arrival — how it works is explained on the airport car rental page. If your flight is delayed, message the manager and we will agree on a new delivery time.

Driver age and experience for car rental

Besides documents, there are two requirements for the driver: at least 21 years old and at least 2 years of driving since the licence was issued. We count experience from the issue date of your first driving licence.

A common trap here is a replaced licence. A new card may show a recent issue date, which makes it look as if you have been driving for just a year. If you replaced your licence recently, bring the old one or another document showing the original issue date: your real experience is confirmed in a minute.

For expensive cars the age and experience requirements may be higher. The manager states the exact terms for a specific model when you book, not at the meeting, so you do not find out about them while standing next to the car.

Deposit and prices: what to prepare along with your car rental documents

Along with the documents you will need a deposit. Its amount depends on the car class and is stated before you sign the agreement. The deposit is returned within 1–3 business days after the car is returned without damage or fines. The table shows the lowest daily price in each class and the deposit amount.

The rate includes up to 200 km per day; beyond the limit there is a per-kilometre charge set out in the agreement. Comprehensive (KASKO) and third-party liability insurance are already included in the price, so you do not need a separate policy.

The most affordable option right now is the Changan Alsvin in the economy class, from 12,990 ₸ per day. If you need an executive-level car, see the premium class: the documents are the same, only the deposit differs.

How car rental documents are processed

1. Booking on WhatsApp. You choose a car and name the dates and delivery address. You can send photos of your documents right away, and the manager will check them in advance.
2. Agreement. We sign it online or at the key handover. It states the price, deposit, mileage limit and all drivers.
3. Delivery. We bring the car anywhere in the city within 30–60 minutes or at the agreed time.
4. Handover. We check the original documents, inspect the car together and photograph its condition, then hand over the keys.
5. Return. We inspect the car, after which the deposit is returned within 1–3 business days.

Renting for a company

If a company needs the car, the agreement is signed with the legal entity and payment is made by bank transfer with an invoice and closing documents. Send the company details in advance, but the driver still shows their own ID and licence. More details in the car rental for companies section.

Rent with driver

If you would rather not drive yourself or do not yet have enough experience, take a car with a driver. Your licence is not needed in this case — our driver is behind the wheel, and the agreement is drawn up on your ID.

Long-term rental

For long-term rental the documents are the same. Just make sure your licence — and for foreigners, the visa too — is valid for the whole period: renewing them in the middle of a rental is inconvenient.

Car rental document mistakes that cost you time

Paperwork is usually delayed not by the terms but by small things. Here is what we see at handovers:

• the licence has expired or expires during the rental;
• the details on the licence and ID do not match, and there is no document confirming the name change;
• the originals were left at home or in checked luggage — we need the originals, not photos;
• a second driver is travelling with you but is not listed in the agreement;
• a foreign licence without Latin letters and without an International Driving Permit;
• a trip outside Kazakhstan was not agreed in advance — crossing the border is possible only by prior agreement.

FAQ about car rental documents

Can I rent a car with an old-style licence?

Yes, as long as it is valid and the details match your ID.

Does a visitor from Russia or Uzbekistan need an International Driving Permit?

As a rule, no: national licences from CIS countries are recognised in Kazakhstan. You will need an International Driving Permit if your licence has no Latin letters.

What is the minimum age to rent a car?

21, with at least 2 years of driving experience. For expensive models the requirements may be higher — we state them when you book.

What deposit is required?

The deposit depends on the car class: 50,000 ₸ for economy and comfort, 100,000 ₸ for business, SUVs, minivans and commercial vehicles, 150,000 ₸ for premium and 200,000 ₸ for unique models.

Can I send my documents in advance?

Yes. Send photos of your licence and ID on WhatsApp when you book — at the meeting we will only need to check the originals and sign the agreement.