Documents and ID you must bring

Enterprise requires a valid driver's license from you before you can rent. The license must be current — expired licenses are not accepted. If your license is from outside the United States, you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you obtain from your country's automobile association before you travel.

You must also bring a credit card in your own name at the time of pickup. Enterprise uses this card to place a hold for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, which is typically $200 to $500 depending on the car type and location. The hold is released when you return the vehicle undamaged. Debit cards are not accepted for the hold, though some locations may accept them for payment if you also provide a credit card for the deposit.

Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Enterprise checks this against your driver's license. If your address has recently changed and your license has not been updated, bring both the old license and a current address document.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name for the deposit hold, and proof of current address at pickup.
  • If you are under 25, Enterprise charges a daily underage driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) and may restrict the car types available to you.
  • Insurance coverage through your personal auto policy, credit card, or Enterprise's own plans must be in place before you drive off the lot.
  • Rental rates, fuel policies, and mileage limits vary by location and reservation date, so confirm these details when you book.
  • You can reserve online or by phone, but you must complete the rental agreement in person at the location on your rental date.

Age requirements and underage driver fees

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 18 in most locations, but charges an underage driver fee if you are under 25. This fee is typically $15 to $25 per day and is added to your total rental cost. The exact amount depends on your age and the rental location.

Drivers under 21 may face additional restrictions: some Enterprise locations will not rent certain vehicle types (such as full-size SUVs or premium cars) to drivers in this age group. Call your local Enterprise location before booking to confirm what cars are available to you.

Drivers 25 and older do not pay an underage fee. There is no upper age limit, though Enterprise may ask for additional information from drivers over 75.

Insurance and damage coverage options

You must have damage coverage in place before you leave the lot. This can come from three sources: your personal auto insurance, your credit card company, or Enterprise's own insurance plans.

Check your personal auto policy first. Most policies cover rental cars, but some exclude them or limit coverage to the United States. Call your insurer and ask whether your policy covers a rental car in the location where you are renting. If it does, bring proof of coverage (your policy number or a declaration page) to the rental counter.

If your personal insurance does not cover rentals, check whether your credit card offers rental car coverage. Many premium credit cards include this benefit automatically. Call the card issuer and ask what is covered — some cards cover collision and theft but not liability, and coverage limits vary.

If neither your insurance nor your credit card covers the rental, Enterprise offers Damage Waiver (which covers collision and theft) and Liability Coverage (which covers injuries or property damage you cause to others). These are sold separately and cost roughly $15 to $30 per day combined, depending on location and car type. You can purchase them at the counter when you pick up the car.

Fuel, mileage, and return policies

Enterprise offers two fuel options: full-to-full (you receive a full tank and return it full) or prepaid fuel (you pay for a full tank upfront and return the car with any fuel remaining). Full-to-full is the standard option at most locations. Prepaid fuel costs more per gallon than gas stations charge, so use it only if you are certain you will not have time to refuel before returning the car.

Mileage policies vary by location and reservation. Some rentals include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile (typically $0.25 to $0.50 per mile) once you exceed a daily or total limit. Confirm the mileage policy when you book your reservation — it is listed in your confirmation email.

Return the car to the location and time specified in your rental agreement. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. If you cannot return on time, call the location as soon as you know — they may be able to extend your reservation and avoid late fees.

How to book and what happens at pickup

You can reserve a car online at Enterprise.com, through the mobile app, or by calling your local Enterprise location. When you book, you will choose your car type, rental dates, pickup and return locations, and any add-ons (such as GPS or a child car seat). Your confirmation email will show the rate, mileage policy, and cancellation terms.

Arrive at the location on your rental date with your driver's license, credit card, proof of address, and proof of insurance or credit card coverage. A rental agent will verify your information, run your credit card for the deposit hold, and have you sign the rental agreement. This process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Before you drive off, walk around the car with the agent and point out any existing damage (dents, scratches, stains). The agent will note these on the agreement so you are not charged for them when you return. Take photos of the car's condition on your phone as backup.

What to do if you do not have all required documents

If your driver's license is expired, Enterprise will not rent to you. Renew it before your rental date — this cannot be waived. If you are an international driver without an IDP, you can obtain one through your country's automobile association; most can issue one within days if you explore in person.

If you do not have a credit card in your name, some Enterprise locations may accept a debit card for payment if a co-renter (someone with a valid license and credit card) is present and signs the agreement as the primary renter. The co-renter is responsible for the rental and the damage deposit. Call your local Enterprise location to ask whether this option is available.

If you do not have proof of current address, bring two forms of ID instead (such as a passport and an expired license with your old address). Enterprise may accept this, but policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. Enterprise runs a check on your license status at pickup. A suspended or revoked license will prevent you from renting. You must have a valid, active license.

What if I want to add another driver to the rental?

Additional drivers must be present at pickup with their own valid driver's license and proof of address. Enterprise will add them to the agreement at no extra charge (unless they are under 25, in which case the underage fee applies to them as well). All drivers on the agreement are responsible for the rental and any damage.

Can I cancel my reservation and get my money back?

Cancellation policies depend on the rate you booked. Most standard rates can be cancelled free of charge up to the pickup date. Premium or discounted rates may have stricter cancellation terms. Check your confirmation email or call Enterprise to confirm your rate's cancellation policy.

What happens if I return the car with damage?

If the damage is not covered by your insurance or damage waiver, Enterprise will charge you for repairs. The cost is deducted from the credit card you provided at pickup. Enterprise may also charge an administrative fee. If the damage is severe, the charge could exceed your initial deposit hold.

Do I need to buy a GPS or can I use my phone?

You can use your phone's navigation app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze) at no cost. Enterprise offers GPS rental for roughly $10 to $15 per day if you prefer not to use your phone or if your phone does not have service in your rental area.