What Driver's License You Need to Rent a U-Haul Truck

U-Haul's basic driver license requirement

U-Haul requires you to have a valid driver's license from any U.S. state, Canadian province, or territory. The license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. You also need to be at least 18 years old to rent any U-Haul vehicle, though some locations may require you to be 21 or older depending on the truck size and local laws.

Your license must be in your name and match the name on your credit card at the time of rental. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — so the rental agent can verify your identity.

U-Haul does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for most of their rental fleet. However, certain larger trucks may fall under CDL requirements depending on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and your state's regulations. The rental agent will tell you during the booking process whether the specific truck you want requires a CDL.

Key Takeaways

A valid, non-expired driver's license from any U.S. state or Canadian province is the only license type U-Haul requires for standard truck rentals.
You must be at least 18 years old, though some locations require renters to be 21 or older for larger vehicles.
Your license name must match your credit card name, and you should bring proof of any name changes.
Larger trucks may require a commercial driver's license depending on the vehicle's weight rating and your state's rules.
U-Haul will inform you during booking if the truck you selected requires a CDL.

When U-Haul requires a commercial driver's license

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required in most states for vehicles with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds. U-Haul's largest moving trucks — typically 26-foot box trucks and above — often fall into this category. However, the exact threshold varies by state. Some states require a CDL for vehicles over 26,000 pounds; others set the limit at 10,000 pounds or higher.

Before you book a large truck, U-Haul's website will indicate whether that specific vehicle requires a CDL in your state. If you do not have a CDL and the truck you want requires one, you will need to either rent a smaller truck that does not require a CDL, or obtain a CDL before your rental date. Getting a CDL typically takes several weeks and involves written tests, a skills test, and a medical examination.

If you rent a truck that requires a CDL and you do not have one, U-Haul can refuse to complete the rental, and you may face legal consequences if you operate the vehicle without the proper license.

International driver's licenses and non-U.S. residents

If you hold a valid driver's license from outside the United States or Canada, U-Haul will usually accept it if it is written in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority; it is not a separate license but rather proof that your home license is valid.

You will also need to bring a passport or other government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. Some U-Haul locations may ask for additional documentation, such as proof of a U.S. address or a credit card issued in the United States. Call your local U-Haul location before you book if you are renting as a non-resident, because requirements can vary by branch.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired

U-Haul will not rent to you if your driver's license is currently suspended, revoked, or expired. The rental agent will run a check against your state's motor vehicle records during the booking process. If your license status shows as suspended or revoked, the rental will be denied.

If your license has expired but you have a renewal process pending, bring the renewal receipt or confirmation number to the rental counter. Some locations may accept this as temporary proof while your new license is in the mail, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to renew your license before your rental date.

If your license was recently suspended due to unpaid traffic fines or other violations, you will need to resolve the suspension with your state's motor vehicle department before U-Haul will rent to you. Contact your state's DMV to find out what steps are required to lift the suspension.

Age requirements and additional restrictions

U-Haul's minimum age is 18 years old for most vehicles. However, renters between 18 and 20 years old may face higher rental rates, additional insurance requirements, or restrictions on which truck sizes they can rent. Some U-Haul locations require renters to be 21 or older for trucks larger than 10 feet.

There is no maximum age limit to rent from U-Haul, but renters over 75 may be asked to provide a doctor's statement confirming they are fit to operate a large vehicle. This is not a legal requirement but a company policy at some locations.

Documents to bring to your U-Haul rental

Bring your valid driver's license and a credit card in your name to complete the rental. If your license name does not match your credit card name, bring a document proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renting as a non-U.S. resident, bring your passport and your home country's driver's license. If your home license is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit as well. If you are under 21, some locations may ask for additional ID or proof of insurance.

U-Haul may also ask for proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. This is especially common if you are paying with a credit card that has a different address on file than the one you provide at the rental counter.

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

If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot rent from U-Haul until it is restored or renewed. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to renew an expired license or lift a suspension. Renewal can usually be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state.

If you have never had a driver's license, you will need to obtain one before you can rent any vehicle from U-Haul. This process typically involves passing a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. Contact your state's DMV for the specific steps and timeline in your area.

If you are waiting for your new license to arrive in the mail, some U-Haul locations may accept a temporary license receipt or confirmation number as proof of a valid license. Call ahead to confirm your location's policy before you book your rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to rent a 26-foot U-Haul truck?

It depends on your state's regulations and the truck's GVWR. Most 26-foot U-Haul trucks require a CDL because they exceed 26,000 pounds. U-Haul's website will tell you during booking whether the specific truck you selected requires a CDL in your state. If it does and you do not have one, you will need to rent a smaller truck or obtain a CDL before your rental date.

Can I rent a U-Haul with an expired license if I have a renewal receipt?

Some U-Haul locations may accept a renewal receipt or confirmation number as temporary proof while your new license is in the mail, but this is not may provide. Call your local U-Haul branch before you book to confirm their policy. The safest approach is to renew your license before your rental date to avoid any delays or cancellations.

What if I have an international driver's license?

U-Haul will accept a valid driver's license from outside the United States or Canada if it is in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit. You will also need to bring a passport or other government-issued photo ID. Some locations may ask for additional documentation, so call ahead if you are renting as a non-resident.

Is there an age limit to rent from U-Haul?

There is no maximum age limit, but renters over 75 may be asked to provide a doctor's statement confirming they are fit to operate a large vehicle. Renters under 21 may face higher rates, additional insurance requirements, or restrictions on truck size. Call your local U-Haul location to confirm their specific age policies.

What happens if I rent a truck that requires a CDL but I do not have one?

U-Haul can refuse to complete the rental if you do not have the required CDL. If you operate the vehicle without a CDL, you may face legal consequences including fines and criminal charges. Always confirm during booking whether your selected truck requires a CDL in your state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.