Yes, U-Haul requires a valid driver's license to rent any vehicle

U-Haul will not rent to you without a current, valid driver's license. This is a hard requirement, not a guideline. The license must be from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canada, and it must not be suspended or revoked. If your license expired, you cannot rent until you renew it.

The license serves two purposes: it proves you are legally allowed to drive, and it becomes the primary identification U-Haul uses to run a background check and verify your identity. Without it, the rental counter will turn you away, regardless of your age, credit history, or how much money you have available.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul requires a valid driver's license from a U.S. state, territory, or Canada — expired or suspended licenses will not work.
  • Your license is the main form of ID U-Haul uses to verify your identity and run a background check before renting to you.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, you cannot rent a U-Haul vehicle, and no other form of ID will substitute for it.
  • International driver's licenses or permits are not accepted by U-Haul in the United States.

What counts as a valid driver's license for U-Haul

U-Haul accepts driver's licenses issued by any U.S. state or territory, as well as Canadian driver's licenses. The license must be current and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, renew it before you attempt to rent.

U-Haul does not accept international driver's licenses, international driving permits, or permits issued by other countries. If you are visiting the United States from abroad and do not have a U.S. or Canadian driver's license, you will not be able to rent from U-Haul. Some car rental companies accept international licenses paired with a passport, but U-Haul's policy is stricter.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

U-Haul runs a background check that includes checking your driving record. If your license is suspended or revoked, the system will flag this during the rental process, and U-Haul will deny the rental. This applies even if you are not currently driving — the suspension or revocation itself disqualifies you.

If your license was suspended and you have since completed the requirements to have it reinstated (paying fines, completing a course, or serving a suspension period), you will need to go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and formally reinstate it. Once it is reinstated and shows as valid in the system, you can rent from U-Haul.

Other ID U-Haul requires at pickup

Your driver's license is the primary ID, but U-Haul also asks for a second form of identification at the rental counter. This is typically a credit card in your name, which U-Haul uses to hold a deposit and process payment. Some locations may accept a debit card, but a credit card is preferred and more widely accepted.

You will also need to provide proof of insurance before you leave the lot. This can be your own auto insurance card, or you can purchase U-Haul's damage waiver and liability coverage at the time of rental. Bring your insurance card with you, or be prepared to buy coverage on the spot.

Age requirements and additional restrictions

U-Haul rents to drivers as young as 18 with a valid license, though some locations may have higher age minimums for larger trucks. If you are under 25, U-Haul may charge a young driver fee, which varies by location and vehicle type. Check with your local U-Haul center for their specific age policy.

If you have certain violations on your driving record — such as a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents — U-Haul may still deny the rental even if your license is valid and not suspended. The background check looks beyond just the status of your license.

What to do if you do not have a driver's license

If you do not currently have a driver's license, you cannot rent from U-Haul. There is no workaround or alternative. You will need to obtain a valid driver's license from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you can rent any U-Haul vehicle.

If you are in the process of getting your license, the timeline depends on your state. Some states issue licenses the same day you pass the test; others take several weeks. Contact your local DMV to understand how long the process takes where you live, and plan your move or rental date accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else's driver's license work if I do not have one?

No. U-Haul will only rent to the person whose name is on the driver's license. You cannot use someone else's license to rent a vehicle. If you do not have your own valid license, you cannot rent from U-Haul.

What if my driver's license is from another country?

U-Haul does not accept international driver's licenses or international driving permits in the United States. You must have a valid U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canadian driver's license. If you are visiting from abroad, you will need to rent from a company that accepts international licenses.

Will an expired license work if I renew it before pickup?

No, not unless the renewal is complete and shows as valid in the system before you arrive. If your license is expired on the day of rental, U-Haul will not rent to you. Renew your license well before your rental date to avoid delays.

Can I rent a U-Haul trailer without a driver's license?

No. U-Haul requires a valid driver's license for all rentals, including trailers. Even if someone else will be towing the trailer, the person renting it must have a valid license.

What if my license was suspended but I have a court order lifting it?

You will need to have the suspension formally lifted through your state's DMV or court system so that it no longer appears as active in the driving record database. Once the suspension is officially removed and your license status shows as valid, you can rent from U-Haul. Bring the court order with you if you have it, but the key is that the system must show your license as valid.