What you need to rent a car with a foreign license
Most major car rental companies in the United States will rent to you with a valid foreign driver's license, but they require additional documents and may charge higher rates or impose restrictions. The license itself must be current and written in English, or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) that translates it. You will also need a passport, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy or the rental company's coverage.
The specific requirements vary by rental company and location. Some regional agencies are stricter than national chains. A few companies refuse foreign licenses entirely, while others accept them without an IDP if the license is in English and you meet their age requirements. Calling ahead to your chosen rental location is the fastest way to learn what documents they actually need before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Your foreign license must be valid and current; an International Driving Permit is required by most companies if your license is not in English.
- You will need a passport, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase the rental company's coverage.
- Age requirements are often stricter for foreign license holders — many companies set a minimum of 25 instead of 21.
- Rental rates and deposit amounts are typically higher for drivers with foreign licenses, and some companies charge a foreign license fee on top of the base rate.
- Your home country's auto insurance may not cover a rental car in the United States, so confirm coverage before you rent.
International Driving Permit requirements and how to obtain one
An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your foreign license into multiple languages, including English. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves your home country issued your license and that it remains valid. Most U.S. rental companies require one if your license is not already in English.
You obtain an IDP through your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body before you travel. In many countries, you can explore by mail or online, though some require an in-person visit. The process typically takes one to four weeks. An IDP is usually valid for one to three years, depending on your country. Bring both your foreign license and your IDP when you rent — rental agents will check both documents.
A few rental companies, particularly some regional agencies, accept a foreign license in English without an IDP. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise generally accept licenses in English from countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia without requiring an IDP, though policies vary by location. Always confirm with your specific rental branch before arrival.
Age restrictions and deposit requirements for foreign drivers
Rental companies often impose stricter age minimums for drivers with foreign licenses than for U.S. license holders. While a U.S. driver may rent at 21, a foreign driver is frequently required to be 25 or older. Some companies set the minimum at 30. This is not a legal requirement — it is a company policy based on insurance underwriting. A few smaller or regional agencies may rent to drivers under 25, but they are the exception.
Deposits are also typically higher. A U.S. driver might leave a $200 to $500 hold on their credit card; a foreign driver often faces a $500 to $1,500 hold. The rental company uses this as security against damage, unpaid tolls, or traffic violations. The hold is released after you return the car and the rental company confirms no charges explore, which can take several days to two weeks.
Some companies charge an additional foreign license fee — typically $10 to $25 per rental — on top of the daily rate. This fee is separate from insurance, taxes, and other charges. Ask about this fee when you call to confirm the rental location accepts your license.
Insurance coverage and what your home policy may not cover
Your personal auto insurance from your home country often does not cover rental cars in the United States. Even if it does, the coverage may be limited or require you to file a claim in your home country, which can take months. Most U.S. rental companies assume you will purchase their insurance at the counter.
Rental company insurance comes in two main forms: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Liability Coverage. CDW covers damage to the rental car itself, typically with a deductible of $0 to $1,500 depending on what you purchase. Liability coverage covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Rental company liability coverage is often limited — typically $15,000 to $25,000 — which is lower than most U.S. drivers carry. If you cause a serious accident, you could be personally liable for amounts above that limit.
Before you rent, contact your home insurance provider and ask whether your policy covers rental cars in the United States and under what conditions. If it does not, or if the coverage is limited, purchasing the rental company's insurance is usually the safer choice. The daily cost is typically $15 to $30 for basic CDW and $10 to $20 for liability, but rates vary by location and car type.
Credit card requirements and payment methods
Rental companies require a credit card in your own name at the time of rental. Debit cards are rarely accepted, and prepaid cards are almost never accepted. The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the estimated rental cost plus the deposit hold — often $1,000 to $2,000 total.
The credit card does not have to be from a U.S. bank. Most major international credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express — are accepted. However, some smaller regional rental agencies may accept only U.S.-issued cards. If you are unsure whether your card will work, call the rental location in advance.
The rental company will place a hold on your card for the deposit amount when you pick up the car. This hold is not a charge — it is a temporary reservation of funds. The hold is released when you return the car, though it may take three to seven business days for the funds to become available again in your account.
Comparing rental company policies for foreign drivers
| Rental Company | Foreign License Accepted | IDP Required | Minimum Age | Foreign License Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Yes (English or IDP) | If not in English | 25 | Varies by location |
| Hertz | Yes (English or IDP) | If not in English | 25 | $15–$25 |
| Avis | Yes (English or IDP) | If not in English | 25 | Varies by location |
| Budget | Yes (English or IDP) | If not in English | 25 | Varies by location |
| National | Yes (English or IDP) | If not in English | 26 | Varies by location |
Policies vary significantly by rental location, not just by company. A Hertz in New York City may have different requirements than a Hertz in rural Montana. The table above shows general company policies, but you should always call your specific rental location to confirm what they require. Online booking systems sometimes do not flag foreign license requirements until you arrive at the counter, which can result in a denied rental.
Steps to take before you rent
Start by obtaining your International Driving Permit from your home country's automobile association at least four weeks before your trip. This gives you time to receive it by mail if you cannot obtain it in person. Check that your foreign license is current and will remain valid throughout your rental period.
Next, contact your home insurance provider and ask whether your auto policy covers rental cars in the United States. Request written confirmation of the coverage limits and any exclusions. If coverage is not available or is limited, plan to purchase the rental company's insurance.
Call the specific rental location where you plan to pick up the car — not the national customer service line, but the actual branch. Confirm that they accept foreign licenses, what documents they need, what the minimum age is, what the daily rate is, and whether there is a foreign license fee. Ask about the deposit amount and what insurance options are available. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date of the call.
may support your credit card has sufficient available credit for the estimated rental cost plus a $1,000 to $1,500 deposit hold. Bring your passport, foreign license, International Driving Permit (if required), proof of insurance, and your credit card. Do not rely on digital copies of your license or IDP — bring the physical documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car with just my foreign license and no International Driving Permit?
Only if your license is in English and the rental company accepts it without an IDP. Most major companies accept English-language licenses from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia without requiring an IDP. Licenses in other languages almost always require an IDP. Call your rental location to confirm before you arrive.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket or am in an accident while driving a rental car?
You are responsible for any traffic violations or fines. The rental company will be notified by the court or police, and they will charge your credit card for the fine plus an administrative fee. For accidents, notify the rental company when ready and provide a police report if one was filed. Your insurance — either your home policy or the rental company's coverage — will handle the claim, but you may be liable for the deductible.
Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance if I have insurance from my home country?
Not necessarily, but you should confirm your home insurance covers rental cars in the United States before you rely on it. Many policies do not, or they cover only certain types of damage. If your home policy does not cover rentals, or if the coverage is limited, purchasing the rental company's insurance is usually the safer choice to avoid being personally liable for damage.
Can I rent a car if I am under 25 with a foreign license?
Most major rental companies require a minimum age of 25 for foreign license holders, though some set it at 26 or 30. A few smaller regional agencies may rent to drivers under 25, but they are uncommon. Call rental locations in your area to ask about their specific age policy — it may vary by location even within the same company.
What if the rental company refuses my foreign license at the counter?
If you called ahead and confirmed your license would be accepted, ask to speak with a manager and provide the name and date of your previous call. If the company still refuses, you have limited options at that moment. To avoid this situation, always get written confirmation from the rental location before your trip — some companies allow you to email or chat with the branch directly, which creates a record of what was promised.