What you need to rent a car in Orlando

To rent a car in Orlando, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge extra fees for drivers under 25. Your license must be current and not suspended — rental agents will check this before handing over keys.

Bring your physical license to the rental counter, not just a photo. If you're renting with a credit card that doesn't match your name, the rental company will likely refuse it. Some companies accept debit cards, but they typically place a larger hold on your account and may require additional documentation like a utility bill showing your address.

Your proof of insurance can come from your personal auto policy, your credit card's rental coverage, or the rental company's own insurance. Check what your existing coverage includes before you arrive — this affects what you'll pay at pickup and what happens if the car is damaged.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid driver's license, credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to any rental counter in Orlando.
  • Drivers under 25 typically pay an extra daily fee, and some companies won't rent to drivers under 21 at all.
  • Orlando has rental locations at the airport, downtown, and in tourist areas like International Drive, with prices and availability varying by location.
  • Declining the rental company's insurance costs less upfront but leaves you responsible for damage unless your personal policy or credit card covers rentals.
  • Booking online usually locks in a lower rate than walking up to the counter, and you can often modify or cancel for free up to 24 hours before pickup.

Where to rent a car in Orlando

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rental desks for every major company — Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, National, and others — in the ground transportation level. Airport rentals are convenient but typically cost more than off-airport locations because the airport charges rental companies a concession fee, which gets passed to you.

Downtown Orlando and the International Drive corridor both have rental locations that are often cheaper than the airport. If you're staying near your hotel for a day or two and don't need a car when ready, picking up from a location away from the airport can save 15 to 30 percent. You can also arrange to pick up at one location and drop off at another — for example, pick up at the airport and return downtown — though this usually adds a fee.

Some hotels partner with rental companies and have desks on-site or nearby. Ask your hotel whether they offer this; it can save you a trip and sometimes includes a small discount.

Insurance and damage coverage explained

The rental company will offer you Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) at pickup. This is the company's insurance product, and it costs $15 to $30 per day. If you buy it and the car is damaged, you pay nothing. If you decline it and the car is damaged, you pay for repairs out of pocket.

Before you decline the rental company's insurance, check whether your personal auto policy covers rental cars. Most do, but some exclude them or limit coverage to a certain amount. Call your insurance company before you travel and ask specifically: "Does my policy cover rental cars in Florida, and what is my deductible?" Write down the answer and bring it with you.

Credit card rental coverage is common on premium cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and others) but not on basic cards. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer. If your card covers rentals, it usually covers collision and theft but not liability — meaning it pays for damage to the car but not for injuries or damage you cause to other people or property. Liability coverage is required by law in Florida, so you must have it from either your personal policy, the credit card, or the rental company.

If you have no coverage from your personal policy or credit card, buy the rental company's CDW. It's the only way to protect yourself.

Booking online versus at the counter

Booking online almost always shows a lower rate than the counter price. When you book on the rental company's website or through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash, the rate is locked in. You can usually change your dates or cancel for free up to 24 hours before pickup, though some deals are non-refundable — check the terms before you confirm.

At the counter, the agent will quote you a higher rate if you haven't pre-booked. They may also try to upsell you on insurance, GPS, fuel plans, and other add-ons. If you've already booked online, you can decline these more easily because you know your rate is set.

Third-party booking sites (Kayak, Priceline, Autoslash) sometimes show lower rates than the company's own website, but read the cancellation policy carefully. Some third-party deals are non-refundable or have strict change policies. If the rate difference is small, book directly with the rental company so you control the reservation.

What to expect at pickup and dropoff

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The agent will ask for your license, credit card, and proof of insurance. They'll explain the car's condition, show you any existing damage, and ask you to walk around and confirm you see the same damage. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this protects you if the company later claims you caused damage you didn't.

The agent will explain the fuel policy. Most rentals are "full to full" — you pick up with a full tank and return it full. Some companies offer "full to empty," where you pay for a full tank upfront and return it empty; this is usually more expensive per gallon. Ask which applies to your reservation.

At dropoff, return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or sometimes at a higher hourly rate. If you're returning to the airport, allow extra time for traffic and parking. Most rental companies have a separate return lot at the airport; follow signs for "Rental Car Return" or ask the agent where to go.

Fuel, mileage, and extra fees

Most Orlando rentals include unlimited mileage, so you won't pay extra for driving to other parts of Florida. Check your confirmation to be sure — some budget companies limit mileage on certain car types.

Fuel is your responsibility. If you return the car with less than a full tank, the company will charge you to refill it, usually at a rate higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. Fill up at a station near the rental location before you return the car — it's always cheaper.

Tolls on Florida highways (like the Florida Turnpike or I-4 toll sections) are your responsibility. If the rental car has a toll transponder, the company will charge you the toll amount plus a processing fee. Ask the agent whether tolls are included in your rate or if you'll be billed later.

Additional drivers cost $10 to $15 per day and must be listed at pickup. If someone not listed on the reservation drives the car and is in an accident, the insurance may not cover it.

Choosing the right car size and type

Orlando's main roads (I-4, US-92, International Drive) are busy and can be stressful in a large vehicle. A compact or mid-size sedan is easier to park and maneuver than an SUV, and it costs less. If you're traveling with a family or need cargo space, an SUV or minivan makes sense, but expect to pay more for fuel and parking.

If you're renting during peak season (December through March or summer), book your car type in advance. Popular sizes like mid-size sedans and compact SUVs can sell out, and you may be offered an upgrade at a higher price or a downgrade to a smaller car.

Convertibles and luxury cars are available but cost significantly more. If you want one, book it early and confirm the rate includes insurance — luxury car insurance is often pricier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm visiting from another country?

Yes, but you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your passport and valid license from your home country. An IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association and is valid for one year. Bring both documents to the rental counter. Some companies also require a credit card in your name and may charge an extra fee for international drivers.

What happens if I get in an accident?

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement. They'll tell you whether to call police (required if anyone is injured or if damage is significant) and how to document the accident. Take photos of all vehicle damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and don't admit fault. The rental company will investigate and bill you for repairs if you didn't buy their insurance and the accident was your fault.

Can I return the car to a different location than where I picked it up?

Yes, most companies allow one-way rentals, but they charge a drop-off fee that varies by location. Returning to the airport from downtown Orlando typically costs $20 to $50 extra. Ask about the fee before you book, or book online and select your return location to see the total price.

Is it cheaper to rent for a week than day-by-day?

Usually yes. Weekly rates are often lower per day than daily rates. If you're renting for five or more days, search for a weekly rate and compare it to the daily rate multiplied by the number of days. Sometimes a weekly rate is cheaper even if you're only keeping the car for six days.

What if I need to extend my rental?

Call the rental company as soon as you know you need the car longer. If the car is available, they'll extend your reservation and charge you the current daily rate, which may be higher than your original rate. Extending online is usually cheaper than calling, if that option is available in your account.