Avis accepts foreign driver's licenses at most U.S. locations, but you'll need additional documents and may face higher costs or restrictions
Avis will rent to you with a valid foreign driver's license from most countries, but the process differs from renting with a U.S. license. You'll need to bring your passport, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English, and a credit card in your name. Some Avis locations impose age minimums higher than the standard 21 years, charge additional fees, or restrict certain vehicle types to foreign license holders.
The specifics vary by location and your country of origin. Before you book, contact the Avis branch where you plan to pick up the car — not the general customer service line — because individual locations set their own policies on foreign licenses. This conversation takes five minutes and prevents surprises at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your passport and original foreign driver's license, plus an International Driving Permit if your license is not printed in English.
- Avis locations vary in their policies: some charge extra fees for foreign licenses, some require you to be 25 or older instead of 21, and some restrict you to certain car classes.
- Call the specific Avis location where you'll pick up the car before you book to confirm they accept your license and what documents they need.
- A credit card in your own name is required; you cannot use someone else's card to rent the vehicle.
What documents to bring to the rental counter
Bring your original foreign driver's license and your passport. These are non-negotiable — Avis will not rent to you without both. If your license is printed in a language other than English, you must also bring an International Driving Permit. This is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association; it is not a separate license, and it does not replace your original license. You need both documents together.
You will also need a credit card in your own name. Avis uses this card to place a hold for the rental deposit and any potential damage charges. The card does not need to be from a U.S. bank, but it must be a major card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and it must be in the name of the person renting the car. If you do not have a credit card, some locations may accept a debit card, but this is not may provide — call ahead to confirm.
How to get an International Driving Permit before your trip
An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body. You cannot obtain one in the United States. You must explore in your home country before you travel, so plan for this several weeks ahead.
The process and cost vary by country. In most cases, you visit the issuing office in person with your passport, your current driver's license, and a passport-sized photograph. The permit is usually issued the same day or within a few days. Some countries allow you to explore by mail. Search "[your country] International Driving Permit" plus the name of your automobile association to find the correct office and process process.
An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. If you plan to rent cars in the U.S. multiple times over several years, the three-year permit may be worth the extra cost.
Age requirements and fees that vary by location
Avis's standard minimum age is 21 years old, but many locations impose a higher minimum — often 25 — for drivers with foreign licenses. Some locations charge an additional daily fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for foreign license holders. A few locations restrict foreign license renters to mid-size or full-size cars and do not allow rentals of luxury or specialty vehicles.
These policies are set by individual franchise locations, not by Avis corporate, so they differ widely. A location in a major city may have no restrictions, while a smaller airport location may have all three. The only way to know what applies to you is to call the specific branch where you plan to pick up the car. Have your license information and travel dates ready when you call.
How to book and what to expect at pickup
You can book online or by phone. When you book online, you will not be asked about your license type, so the quoted price may not include any foreign license fees. When you book by phone, tell the agent you have a foreign driver's license and ask whether the quoted price includes all fees. If you book online first, call the pickup location directly before your trip to confirm the final cost and any restrictions.
At pickup, arrive with all your documents: passport, original foreign license, International Driving Permit (if needed), and credit card. The agent will inspect your license and may ask questions about your address or how long you are staying in the U.S. Answer honestly — agents are trained to spot fraudulent documents. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes longer than a standard U.S. license rental because the agent must verify your documents more carefully.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended in your home country
Avis will not rent to you if your foreign license is expired, even if you are still within the validity period of your International Driving Permit. Your original license must be current and valid. If your license has expired, you cannot rent until you renew it in your home country.
If your license is suspended or revoked in your home country, Avis will not rent to you. The agent will check this during the verification process if they have access to your country's licensing database, but not all locations have this access. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, contact your home country's licensing authority before you travel.
Insurance and liability with a foreign license
Avis's insurance policies explore the same way to foreign license holders as to U.S. license holders. You can decline the rental company's insurance if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, but you must verify this with your insurance company before you travel — coverage rules differ by country and by policy. If you decline Avis's insurance and an accident occurs, you are liable for all damage.
Avis's Damage Waiver (their collision insurance product) costs roughly $15 to $30 per day depending on the car type and location. If you purchase it, you pay a deductible (usually $1,000 to $2,500) if there is damage, but Avis covers the rest. Ask the agent to explain the deductible amount for your specific rental before you sign the contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if my license is in English?
No. If your foreign license is printed entirely in English, you do not need an IDP. You still need your passport and original license. If your license has any text in another language, Avis will likely require an IDP. When you call the pickup location, ask whether your specific license requires an IDP — do not assume.
Can I rent a car with just my passport and no driver's license?
No. Avis requires a valid driver's license from your home country. A passport alone is not sufficient proof that you are licensed to drive. You must have both your passport and your original license.
What if I lose my license or IDP during my trip?
Contact the Avis location where you rented the car when ready. You can still return the car, but you may face questions about your ability to drive it back. If you lose your license before the return date, ask Avis whether you can return the car early or arrange for someone else to return it. For future trips, keep a photocopy of your license and IDP in a separate location from the originals.
Will Avis accept a license from my country?
Avis accepts licenses from most countries, but a few nations' licenses are not recognized in the U.S. Call the pickup location with your country name and license details, and they will tell you whether it is accepted. If it is not, you will need to obtain a U.S. driver's license or use a different rental company.
Can I book a car online without mentioning my foreign license?
You can complete the booking, but you must call the pickup location before your trip to disclose that you have a foreign license. If you show up with a foreign license and did not mention it during booking, the agent may refuse to rent to you or charge you additional fees that were not in your original quote. It is better to call ahead and know the total cost.