U-Haul requires a valid driver's license, but not always yours
U-Haul will not rent to you without a valid driver's license in your name. The license must be current and not suspended or revoked. However, the person whose name appears on the rental agreement does not have to be the only person driving the truck — U-Haul allows additional drivers, and those drivers may have different ID requirements depending on their age and the truck size.
The primary renter — the person signing the contract — must present a government-issued photo ID at the rental location. A driver's license is the standard choice, but U-Haul also accepts a passport or passport card. The ID must match the name on your credit card, which U-Haul uses to hold a deposit and process the rental charge.
Key Takeaways
- The person renting the truck must have a valid driver's license, passport, or passport card in their name and matching their payment method.
- Additional drivers can operate the truck even if they do not have a license, but U-Haul charges an extra fee for each one and requires their information at pickup.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot be the primary renter, though someone else with a valid license can rent on your behalf.
- U-Haul checks your driving record and may deny the rental or charge a higher damage deposit if you have recent violations or accidents.
- International visitors can rent with a valid passport and an International Driving Permit, though some locations may have additional requirements.
What happens if your license is suspended or expired
An expired or suspended license disqualifies you as the primary renter. U-Haul's system flags these during the rental process, and the location cannot override the restriction. If your license is expired, you have the option to renew it before renting, or you can ask someone else with a valid license to be the primary renter instead.
If your license is suspended due to unpaid tickets, traffic violations, or other legal holds, you will need to resolve the suspension with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before U-Haul will accept it. A revoked license — a more serious status — typically requires a formal reinstatement process and may take weeks or months. During that time, the only way to rent is to have another person whose license is valid serve as the primary renter.
Adding other drivers to your U-Haul rental
U-Haul allows you to add additional drivers to your rental agreement at no cost if they are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Each additional driver must present their license at the rental location before taking the truck. U-Haul records their information in the rental file so the company knows who is authorized to operate the vehicle.
If you want to add a driver who is under 18, U-Haul's policy varies by location and truck size. Some locations will not permit drivers under 18 on any rental; others allow them on smaller trucks like cargo vans but not on full-size moving trucks. Call your local U-Haul location to confirm their age policy before you arrive. If an underage driver operates the truck without being listed on the agreement, your insurance coverage may be void, and U-Haul can charge you for any damage.
How U-Haul checks your driving record
When you provide your driver's license at the rental counter, U-Haul runs a check against your driving history. The company looks for recent accidents, traffic violations, and suspensions. If your record shows a serious violation — such as a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple at-fault accidents within the past three to five years — U-Haul may refuse the rental entirely.
More commonly, U-Haul will approve the rental but charge you a higher damage deposit. A clean driving record typically results in a standard deposit; a record with minor violations or older accidents may trigger a deposit increase of $200 to $500 or more, depending on the truck size and your location. U-Haul does not disclose the exact criteria it uses to set deposit amounts, so the decision is made at the rental location level.
Renting with an international driver's license
If you are visiting the United States and do not have a U.S. driver's license, U-Haul will rent to you if you present a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a translation of your home country's license and is recognized by U.S. rental companies. You must obtain the IDP from your home country's automobile association before traveling — U-Haul cannot issue one, and you cannot get one once you arrive in the U.S.
Some U-Haul locations may also require a credit card in your name and a return plane ticket or other proof that you are in the country temporarily. Requirements vary by location, so contact the specific U-Haul branch where you plan to rent and confirm what documents they need. If you do not have an IDP, ask whether they will accept your home country's license with a certified English translation, though this is less common and not may provide.
What to bring to the rental counter
Bring your valid driver's license or passport, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. U-Haul requires proof that you have liability coverage before you can take the truck. If you do not have your own insurance, U-Haul offers damage waivers and liability coverage at the rental counter, though these add to your total cost.
If you are adding other drivers, bring their licenses as well. If someone else is renting on your behalf because your license is not valid, bring that person's license and credit card. U-Haul will not accept a photocopy of a license or a digital image on a phone — the ID must be the physical card or document presented in person at pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a U-Haul if my license is suspended?
No, U-Haul will not rent to you if your license is suspended. You would need to have someone else with a valid license be the primary renter. Contact your state's DMV to find out how to lift the suspension, which usually involves paying fines or completing a required course.
What if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?
U-Haul does not rent to holders of learner's permits. A learner's permit is not a valid driver's license. You must have a full, unrestricted license. If you are working toward your license, wait until you pass the driving test and receive your full license before renting.
Do I need to show my license at pickup even though I booked online?
Yes. Even if you reserved the truck online and paid in advance, U-Haul requires you to present your physical ID at the rental location before you can take the truck. The company verifies that the ID matches your reservation and checks your driving record at that time.
Can someone else pick up the truck if I rented it?
Only if that person is listed as an additional driver on your agreement and presents their own valid license at pickup. The primary renter — the person whose name is on the contract — does not have to be present, but the person picking up the truck must be authorized and must show ID.
What happens if I let someone drive who is not on the rental agreement?
If an unauthorized driver is involved in an accident or damage occurs, U-Haul may deny your insurance claim and hold you liable for the full cost of repairs. Your personal auto insurance may also deny coverage because the driver was not listed on the rental. Always add any driver to the agreement before they operate the truck.