What car rental companies actually require
To rent a car, you need a valid driver's license from your state or country, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy or the rental company's coverage. The license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. Most companies will not rent to you if your license shows restrictions that prevent you from driving the vehicle type you want (for example, some licenses restrict you to automatic transmission only).
The credit card serves two purposes: it proves you can pay, and it holds a deposit in case of damage or traffic violations. The card must be in your name — you cannot use someone else's card, even if they are with you. Some companies require the card to have a certain credit limit, though this varies by location and company.
Insurance requirements differ by state and by rental company. Some states require you to carry your own auto insurance before you can rent. If you do not have your own policy, the rental company will sell you their coverage at the counter, usually between $15 and $30 per day depending on the coverage level you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired at the time you pick up the car.
- You need a credit card in your own name with enough available credit for a deposit hold, which is released when you return the car.
- You must have auto insurance — either your own policy or the rental company's insurance purchased at the counter.
- Some rental companies have minimum age requirements, usually 21 or 25, and charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
- International drivers need a passport and may need an International Driving Permit, depending on which country issued their license.
Age requirements and underage driver fees
Most major rental companies rent to drivers as young as 21, but charge an extra daily fee — typically $15 to $25 — for anyone under 25. A few companies set their minimum age at 25 with no surcharge. Some smaller or regional companies may not rent to anyone under 25 at all, so it is worth calling ahead if you are in that age range.
The underage fee applies to the entire rental period, not just one day. If you are 21 and rent for a week, you will pay the surcharge for all seven days. Some companies waive the fee if you are a member of their loyalty program or if you book through certain travel websites, so comparing prices across different booking methods can save you money.
What happens if your license has restrictions or violations
A restriction on your license — such as "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only" — will not stop you from renting. You straightforward need to follow that restriction while driving the rental car. If you wear glasses, wear them. If your license says automatic only, rent an automatic.
A suspension or revocation is different. If your license is suspended or revoked, no rental company will rent to you, because you are not legally permitted to drive. You cannot rent a car and have someone else drive it on your behalf — the person behind the wheel must be a named driver on the rental agreement, and that person must have a valid license.
Traffic violations on your record do not prevent you from renting, but they may affect your insurance costs. Some rental companies check your driving history and may decline to rent to you if you have multiple violations within the past three to five years, though this is less common than it used to be.
International driver's license and foreign visitors
If your driver's license was issued outside the United States, you can still rent a car, but you will need additional documents. Bring your passport and your original license from your home country. Some rental companies also ask for an International Driving Permit, which is a translation of your license issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority.
An International Driving Permit is not required by law in most U.S. states, but some rental companies request it anyway. It costs between $15 and $30 and is valid for one year. You can obtain one through your home country's equivalent of the DMV before you travel, or some travel agencies issue them. If you are visiting the United States and do not have one, call the rental company ahead of time to ask whether they require it.
The rental company will still run a background check on your driving record using your home country's license information. If your home country does not share driving records with U.S. companies, the rental company may ask for a letter from your insurance company or your home country's motor vehicle authority stating that your license is in good standing.
Documents to bring to the rental counter
Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Proof of insurance can be a printed copy of your policy, a digital copy on your phone, or a letter from your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, the rental company will offer to sell you theirs at the counter.
If you are an international driver, bring your passport, your original license, and an International Driving Permit if you have one. Some rental companies also ask for a second form of ID, such as a national ID card or a utility bill showing your current address.
Bring a second credit card if you have one. If the first card declines for any reason — insufficient funds, fraud alert, or a technical error — you will need a backup. This happens more often than you might expect, especially with older cards or cards from smaller banks.
What to know about adding another driver
If someone else will drive the rental car, they must be listed on the rental agreement as an additional driver. That person must present their own valid driver's license at the counter. The rental company will charge an additional daily fee for each extra driver, usually $10 to $15 per day, though some companies waive this fee for spouses or domestic partners.
The additional driver does not need their own credit card — the primary renter's card covers the deposit and payment. However, the additional driver must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter. If the additional driver is under 25, they will be charged the underage surcharge in addition to the extra driver fee.
If someone will drive the car but is not listed on the agreement, the rental company's insurance will not cover them, and you could be held liable for any damage or accidents. Always add drivers at the time of rental, not after you pick up the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car with an expired license if I have a renewal process pending?
No. Your license must be valid at the time you pick up the car. An expired license or a renewal process does not count. If your license expired recently, renew it before you attempt to rent. Most state DMVs can issue a replacement license the same day or within a few days.
What if I lost my wallet and do not have my physical license with me?
Most rental companies require a physical license or a state ID card. A digital copy on your phone is not sufficient. If you lost your license, go to your state's DMV and request a replacement before your rental date. Many states now offer expedited replacements for a small fee.
Do I need insurance if I rent through a credit card that offers rental car coverage?
Credit card rental coverage is secondary insurance, meaning it only pays after your own auto insurance pays. If you do not have your own auto insurance, you must purchase the rental company's coverage. Check your credit card's terms to see what it covers — some cards exclude certain vehicle types or rental locations.
Can someone else pick up the rental car if I cannot be there?
No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be present at pickup with a valid license. The rental company needs to verify your identity and confirm you understand the rental terms. You cannot authorize someone else to pick up the car on your behalf.
What if my license is from a different state than where I am renting?
Your out-of-state license is valid for renting a car anywhere in the United States. Bring your license, credit card, and proof of insurance — the state that issued your license does not matter. Some rental companies ask for a second form of ID if your address on the license does not match your current address.