Enterprise driver licenses are state-issued documents that let you rent vehicles from Enterprise and other car rental companies
An enterprise driver license is not a separate license you obtain from the state. It is your regular state driver license — the one you already have or can get from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — used to rent a car from Enterprise or similar rental agencies. Enterprise and other rental companies check your state license to confirm you are legally allowed to drive and meet their age and insurance requirements.
The confusion often comes from the term itself. You do not explore for an "enterprise license" anywhere. Instead, you need a valid state driver license and must meet Enterprise's rental policies, which vary slightly by location and vehicle type. This guide explains what documents and conditions Enterprise requires before you can rent a vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid state driver license issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles; Enterprise will not rent to you without one.
- Enterprise requires you to be at least 21 years old to rent most vehicles, though some locations rent to drivers as young as 18 with additional fees.
- You must provide proof of insurance or purchase Enterprise's damage waiver at the time of rental.
- Your driver license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired; Enterprise checks this before handing over keys.
- International visitors need a valid passport plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country, in addition to their home country's driver license.
What your state driver license must show
Your state driver license is the primary document Enterprise will examine. It must be valid and not expired. Enterprise staff will scan or photograph your license and check that your name, address, and license number match what you provide when you reserve the vehicle.
If your license is suspended or revoked, Enterprise's system will flag this when they run your information. Most rental companies use a service that checks your driving record in real time. A suspended license — whether for unpaid tickets, medical reasons, or other violations — will prevent you from renting. You will need to resolve the suspension with your state's DMV before you can rent a vehicle.
Your license must also show that you hold a valid driver classification for the vehicle you want to rent. Most standard cars require only a regular Class D license. If you want to rent a commercial vehicle or a vehicle requiring a commercial driver license (CDL), you will need the appropriate license class.
Age requirements and additional fees for younger drivers
Enterprise's standard minimum age is 21 years old. Drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge, which varies by location and can range significantly. This fee exists because rental companies consider younger drivers a higher insurance risk.
Some Enterprise locations will rent to drivers as young as 18, but they charge a higher daily rate and may require additional insurance or a credit card with a higher limit. The exact age policy and fees depend on your location and the vehicle class. When you make a reservation online or by phone, Enterprise will tell you whether your age qualifies and what extra costs explore.
Drivers over 75 may also face restrictions or additional requirements at some locations, though this varies. Call your local Enterprise branch to confirm their policy if you fall into this age range.
Insurance and damage coverage requirements
Enterprise requires proof that the vehicle will be insured during your rental. You have two main options: bring proof of your own auto insurance, or purchase Enterprise's damage waiver at the rental counter.
If you use your personal insurance, you must provide a current insurance card or declaration page showing your name, policy number, and coverage limits. Your insurance must cover rental vehicles — many personal policies do, but some exclude them. Call your insurance company before you rent to confirm your policy covers rental cars. If it does not, you will need to purchase Enterprise's coverage.
Enterprise's damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) covers collision and theft damage to the rental vehicle. The daily cost varies by vehicle type and location. If you decline this coverage and your personal insurance does not cover rentals, you become personally liable for any damage to the vehicle.
Credit card and payment requirements
Enterprise requires a valid credit card in your name at the time of rental. Debit cards are generally not accepted, though some locations may make exceptions. The credit card is used to place a hold for the rental cost plus a security deposit, which is released when you return the vehicle undamaged.
The security hold amount depends on the vehicle type and rental length. A compact car might have a hold of $200 to $400, while a larger vehicle could be $500 or more. This hold is not a charge — it is released back to your card within a few business days after you return the vehicle, provided there are no damage claims or additional fees.
If you do not have a credit card, some Enterprise locations may allow you to rent with a debit card if you meet additional requirements, such as a higher security deposit or proof of return airline ticket. Call ahead to ask about your specific location's policy.
International driver requirements
If you are visiting from another country, you need three documents: your valid passport, your home country's driver license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is not a license — it is a translation of your home country's license into multiple languages and is recognized by rental companies worldwide.
You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body before you travel. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs for foreign visitors, but you must explore in your home country first. Enterprise will not rent to you without all three documents.
Your home country's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is in a non-Latin alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic), the IDP becomes even more important because it provides the Latin-character translation Enterprise staff need to verify your information.
What happens if your license is suspended or expired
If your state driver license is expired, you cannot rent from Enterprise. An expired license is not valid for driving, and rental companies will not accept it. You must renew your license at your state's DMV before you can rent a vehicle. Renewal can often be done online or by mail, depending on your state, and takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
If your license is suspended or revoked, Enterprise's system will detect this when they run your driving record. A suspension might be temporary (for unpaid fines or a medical hold) or longer-term (for serious violations). You must contact your state's DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to restore it. Until your license is reinstated, no rental company will rent to you.
If you are unsure whether your license is valid, you can check your status through your state's DMV website or by calling their customer service line. Most states allow you to check online using your license number and date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car with an out-of-state driver license?
Yes. Enterprise accepts any valid state driver license from any U.S. state. Your license does not have to be from the state where you are renting. As long as your license is current and not suspended, Enterprise will rent to you.
What if I have a learner's permit instead of a full driver license?
Enterprise will not rent to you with only a learner's permit. A learner's permit is not a full driver license, and rental companies require a full, unrestricted license. You must pass your state's driving test and obtain your full license before you can rent a vehicle.
Do I need to bring my physical driver license to the rental counter, or can I show it on my phone?
Enterprise requires a physical driver license. Most states now offer digital licenses through their DMV apps, but rental companies have not yet standardized acceptance of digital licenses. Bring your physical card to be safe. Call your local Enterprise location if you want to confirm their specific policy.
What if my driver license has a restriction code on it?
Restriction codes (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only) are noted on your license and must be followed while driving the rental vehicle. Enterprise will rent to you, but you are responsible for obeying the restrictions. If your license requires corrective lenses and you do not wear them while driving, you are breaking the law and your insurance may not cover an accident.
Can someone else use my driver license to rent a car from Enterprise?
No. Enterprise requires that the person renting the vehicle be the same person whose name appears on the driver license. The license must be in the renter's name, and that person must be present at the rental counter with a valid credit card in their name. Using someone else's license is fraud and is illegal.