U-Haul requires a valid driver's license from every person who will operate a rental truck or van

When you rent from U-Haul, the person driving the vehicle must present a current, unexpired driver's license at the time of pickup. U-Haul will not rent to someone without one, and they will not accept an expired license, a learner's permit, or an international permit alone. The license must be from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canada.

U-Haul staff will scan or photograph your license as part of the rental agreement. This is standard practice across the rental industry — the company needs proof of your legal right to drive and a record of who is operating the vehicle. If you do not have a valid license, you cannot rent from U-Haul, even if someone else will be doing all the driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you pick up the truck or van.
  • U-Haul will not accept a learner's permit, expired license, or international permit as your only form of ID.
  • The person whose name is on the rental agreement is the one whose license U-Haul will check.
  • If you are under 25, U-Haul may charge an additional daily fee, though the license requirement itself does not change.

What happens if your license is expired

An expired license will not work, even if it expired yesterday. U-Haul's system is designed to reject expired licenses at the point-of-sale screen, so you will not be able to complete the rental. If your license expired recently, you will need to renew it before you can rent.

Renewal timelines vary by state — some states allow online renewal, while others require an in-person visit to the DMV. If you are in a time crunch, contact your state's DMV directly to find the fastest path. U-Haul cannot override this requirement, and neither can a manager at the location.

Using an international license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country, U-Haul will accept it only if you also have a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license. An international permit (sometimes called an International Driving Permit or IDP) does not count as a primary license for rental purposes.

If you are visiting the United States and hold only a foreign license, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country before traveling. An IDP is a translation of your home license and is valid only when carried alongside your original license. Check with your country's automobile association or equivalent body for how to obtain one.

Additional ID requirements beyond the license

U-Haul will also ask for a second form of identification, usually a credit card in your name. This is used to hold a security deposit and to process the rental charge. A debit card may work depending on the location, but credit cards are preferred because they offer stronger fraud protection for both you and U-Haul.

You will also need to provide your contact information — phone number and email address — so U-Haul can reach you about the rental. If you are renting a truck for a one-way trip, U-Haul may ask additional questions about your destination and the reason for the move.

Age restrictions and additional fees

U-Haul rents to drivers as young as 18 with a valid license, but drivers under 25 typically face a daily surcharge. This fee varies by location and truck size but can range from a few dollars to $15 or more per day. The license requirement does not change — you still need a valid, unexpired license — but the cost of renting will be higher.

If you are under 18, you cannot rent from U-Haul at all, regardless of whether you hold a valid license. Some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to hold licenses, but U-Haul's company policy sets 18 as the minimum rental age.

What to bring to the rental location

Bring your physical driver's license — not a photo or a digital copy on your phone. U-Haul staff will need to see the actual card to verify it is genuine and to record the license number. Bring a credit card in your name as well. If you reserved the truck online, bring the confirmation email or number.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. If your license information does not match what is in U-Haul's system (for example, if you recently changed your name or address), bring documentation of that change, such as a marriage certificate or a recent utility bill. This can speed up the process and prevent delays.

If you cannot find your license before pickup

If your license is lost or stolen, you will not be able to rent on the day you planned. Contact your state's DMV when ready to request a replacement. Many states offer expedited replacement for a fee, and some allow you to print a temporary license at a kiosk or online. Check your state's DMV website for the fastest option in your area.

If you have a few days before your move, explore for a replacement is faster than trying to work around the requirement. U-Haul cannot make exceptions, and no other form of ID will substitute for a driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else's license work if they are doing the driving?

No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must present their own valid license. If someone else will be the primary driver, that person's name should be on the agreement instead, and they must have a valid license. U-Haul allows additional drivers to be added, but each one must have a valid license on file.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

U-Haul will not rent to you. A suspended or revoked license is not valid, and U-Haul's system will flag it. You cannot rent a truck until your license is reinstated by your state's DMV. Contact your DMV to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.

Does U-Haul accept a passport instead of a driver's license?

No. U-Haul specifically requires a driver's license, not a passport or other form of ID. A passport proves citizenship or identity, but it does not prove you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle. Only a driver's license serves that purpose.

Can I rent if my license is from a different state than where I am renting?

Yes. U-Haul accepts valid driver's licenses from any U.S. state or Canadian province. You do not need to have a license from the state where you are renting. As long as your license is current and unexpired, it will work at any U-Haul location.

What if I just renewed my license and have not received the new card yet?

You will need the physical card to rent. If your state issued a temporary license or receipt showing your renewal is in progress, ask U-Haul staff whether they can accept it. Policies vary by location, but most will not. Contact your state's DMV to see if you can pick up your new license early or print a temporary one.