Driver's licence
A valid, unexpired licence held for the minimum period the provider requires.
Los Angeles Car Rental
Long freeway distances between neighbourhoods make a rental close to essential here.
Los Angeles, California
Renting a car in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a driving city. Santa Monica to Pasadena can take well over an hour in traffic, and public transit does not cover most visitor routes. A midsize or full-size class is a reasonable default; compact classes are easier in older neighbourhoods with tight street parking.
Rental tip
Check whether your accommodation charges for overnight parking — in Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Downtown it is common.
Vehicle categories to compare
Search cars in Los AngelesOn the map
Pickup areas in Los Angeles
A 3D view of the city with the areas travellers most often collect a car.
Marker positions are approximate and shown for orientation. The exact counter address is confirmed by the rental provider you select.
Questions
Los Angeles rental questions
Los Angeles is a driving city.
Common pickup points include LAX Airport, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach. Exact counter locations are set by the provider you select.
Long freeway distances between neighbourhoods make a rental close to essential here.
Check whether your accommodation charges for overnight parking — in Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Downtown it is common.
Before you travel
View Rental Requirements
Know before you rent
Requirements vary by rental provider, vehicle and location. Review the selected provider's terms before booking.
Age requirements
Minimum age and young-driver surcharges are set by the provider, state and vehicle class.
Payment cards
Most providers want a card in the main driver's name; debit card rules vary.
Security deposit
A hold is usually placed at pickup and released after the vehicle is returned.
Insurance
Check what your own policy or card already covers before adding provider cover.
Additional drivers
Extra drivers must be registered on the agreement and meet the same rules.
Identification
A passport or government photo ID is commonly requested alongside the licence.
International Driving Permit
Some providers ask non-US licence holders to carry an IDP with their licence.
Transparency
Clear information. Simple choices.
American Drive Rentals provides a convenient way to explore rental car options from participating providers. Before completing a booking, customers should review the selected provider's final pricing, availability, rental requirements and applicable policies.
Search
Tell us where and when. We match your dates to vehicle classes available to compare.
Compare
See size, transmission, fuel, luggage and mileage terms next to each other.
Review
Check what the class includes and which rental conditions you should confirm.
Continue
Complete the reservation with the provider you choose, under their terms.