Driver's licence
A valid, unexpired licence held for the minimum period the provider requires.
Rental requirements
What rental providers typically ask for at pickup. Requirements vary by rental provider, vehicle and location — review the selected provider's terms before booking.
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.
Requirement details
| Driver's licence | A valid, unexpired licence. Many providers require it to have been held for 12 months or more, and some require a licence in the Latin alphabet or an accompanying translation. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | Commonly 21, though some classes and locations require 25. Drivers aged 21–24 usually pay a young-driver surcharge and may be excluded from premium, SUV and convertible classes. |
| Payment card | A credit card in the main driver's name is the safest option. Debit card acceptance varies and may require additional checks such as proof of return travel. |
| Security deposit | A hold is placed on the card at pickup and released after return. The amount depends on the provider, the class and the coverage you take. |
| Identification | A passport or government-issued photo ID is often requested alongside the licence, particularly for international renters. |
| International Driving Permit | Some providers ask visitors holding a non-US licence to carry an IDP with the original licence. Obtain it in your home country before travelling. |
| Insurance and waivers | State law, provider policy, your own motor policy and your credit card benefits all interact here. Check what you already hold before deciding at the counter. |
| Additional drivers | Anyone else driving must be added to the agreement and meet the same requirements. An additional-driver fee often applies. |
| Fuel policy | Full-to-full is the most common arrangement. Confirm what applies, and keep the final fuel receipt. |
| Mileage | Unlimited mileage is common on US rentals but not universal. Limited-mileage agreements charge per mile beyond the allowance. |
Important. The table above describes common industry practice in the United States, not the policy of any specific provider. The provider you select sets the binding requirements, and those are the ones that apply at the counter.
Before you leave the lot
- Photograph existing damage, including wheels and the roof, and make sure it is recorded on the check-out sheet.
- Confirm the fuel level matches the agreement.
- Check that any child seat, toll transponder or additional driver you booked is actually present on the agreement.
- Note the return address and closing time — one-way and off-airport returns often differ from pickup.