Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is Morocco’s busiest airport, serving millions of travellers every year. If you’re arriving for business, a family trip, or a long road journey across the country, renting a car directly at the airport is the easiest way to start your trip smoothly. But many travellers are unsure which documents they need, what rental companies actually require, and how the rules work for deposits, contracts, licence validity and age limits. This guide gives you a clear, practical explanation so you can pick up your car confidently and avoid delays or surprises when you land in Casablanca.
Before getting deeper into the details, here is a quick overview of everything this article covers.
Short Intro Before the Table of Contents
This article explains the documents required to rent a car at CMN Airport, company booking rules, licence conditions, age limits, deposits, insurance, and how the rental process works from the moment you land.
Table of Contents (Checklist Format)
Required documents to rent a car at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport
Driving licence rules (local, foreign & IDP requirements)
Passport, credit card & age restrictions
Booking confirmation, deposit rules & insurance conditions
Where rental desks are located at CMN
Practical tips for a smooth pickup at Casablanca Airport
FAQs about car rental requirements at CMN Airport
1. Required Documents to Rent a Car at Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) Airport
All rental companies at CMN — international brands and local providers — require the same core documents. These are checked at the counter before your contract is printed. The most important item is your driving licence, which must be valid for the entire rental period and readable by Moroccan authorities. If your licence is in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Japanese or any non-Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly advised.
You also need your passport or national ID depending on your nationality. Moroccan law requires identification at any rental. Most companies at CMN keep a digital copy for contract verification. The airport authority ONDA explains passenger identity requirements on its official platform at https://www.onda.ma. Make sure your documents match the name on your booking and payment card.
2. Driving Licence Rules at CMN Airport (Local + International Requirements)
When renting a car at Casablanca Airport, companies check how long you’ve held your licence. For most economy cars, you must have held a licence for at least 12 months. However, premium vehicles such as SUVs, 7-seaters, luxury sedans or vans may require 2 to 3 years of licence history. This is standard across international providers.
If your licence is not written in English, French, Spanish, or another Latin-alphabet language, companies will ask for an International Driving Permit. This is not a special licence but an official translation of your existing licence. It’s recommended by international travel and safety bodies, including road-safety frameworks published by the United Nations at https://www.un.org/en/road-safety. An IDP helps avoid misunderstandings at police checkpoints, toll booths, and during contract verification.
Young drivers should also check age rules. Although Moroccan law allows drivers at 18, rental companies set their own minimums. At CMN Airport, most start from 21 years, with some categories requiring 25+.
3. Passport, Credit Card & Security Deposit Requirements
To rent a car, you must present a government-issued ID. For most foreigners, that means a passport. EU citizens flying domestically may use national identification cards, but a passport is still recommended for smoother processing.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Even if the rental is prepaid online, companies hold a deposit to cover potential damage, fuel differences, tolls or contract violations. Deposits vary by car category:
Economy cars: smaller deposits
SUVs and luxury cars: higher deposits
Premium brands: highest deposit tier
Some companies accept debit cards but add restrictions. Late-night arrivals may also be required to present the physical card used for the booking.
4. Booking Confirmation, Insurance & Company Rules
When you book online, you receive a voucher or reservation code. Companies at CMN Airport require:
Matching name between the booking and the driver
A physical card presented at pickup
Correct flight number (for delay tracking)
A licence and passport that match the booking information
Insurance is also clearly listed in the contract. The most common options include:
Basic insurance (included) – covers third-party liability
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) – limits what you pay
Full insurance / Super CDW – reduces risk of large excess fees
Deposit reduction options for travellers who prefer minimal financial exposure
Make sure you read the coverage limits before signing. Morocco’s roads are generally good around Casablanca, but some highways and intercity roads can have police checkpoints or toll gates, making proper coverage important.
5. Where Rental Desks Are Located at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport
Car rental desks at CMN Airport are located inside the arrivals terminals, clearly marked and easy to access. Companies with off-site branches provide a shuttle service from the terminal. Since Casablanca is Morocco’s busiest airport, having all documents ready will reduce time spent at the counter.
After signing the contract, you are escorted to the parking area. Vehicles undergo a walk-around inspection with photos or videos. Always check:
Tyres
Doors
Mirrors
Lights
Existing scratches
Fuel level
The airport authority’s official site at https://www.onda.ma gives updated maps of terminal locations and passenger flow, which can help you navigate easier during peak hours.
6. Practical Tips for a Smooth Pickup at CMN Airport
To avoid delays or unexpected charges, here are important steps:
Arrive prepared
Have your passport, licence, IDP (if needed), credit card and voucher ready.
Check the contract
Verify insurance level, kilometre limits, drop-off location, and fuel policy.
Inspect the car thoroughly
Record all scratches before leaving the parking area.
Understand Casablanca roads
Motorways around Casablanca are generally safe, but follow seatbelt rules and road-safety guidelines such as those promoted by the United Nations.
Plan your return
Returning the car early avoids queues during peak flight hours.
FAQs (6 Questions)
1. Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car at CMN Airport?
Only if your licence is not in a Latin alphabet. Otherwise, your normal licence is accepted.
2. Can I rent a car without a credit card at Casablanca Airport?
Most companies require a credit card for the deposit, especially for SUVs and luxury cars.
3. What is the minimum age to rent a car at CMN?
Most companies require 21+ for basic categories and 25+ for premium ones.
4. Do rental companies accept digital copies of my licence or passport?
No. Only physical, original documents are accepted at pickup.
5. Can I drive outside Casablanca with a rental car?
Yes. You can travel anywhere in Morocco unless the contract states limited kilometres.
6. Are toll roads common near Casablanca?
Yes. The highway network uses toll booths, so keep cash or a payment card ready.