What You Need to Rent a Car from Enterprise

Renting from Enterprise is straightforward once you know what to bring — but the exact requirements depend on your age, how you're paying, where you're renting, and whether you're a U.S. resident. Show up without the right documents or payment method and you may walk away empty-handed.

Here's how Enterprise's rental requirements generally work, and where individual circumstances change the picture.

The Core Requirements Every Renter Needs

Most Enterprise rentals — domestic U.S. locations, standard passenger vehicles — require the same basic set of items:

A valid driver's license Your license must be current, not suspended or expired. It needs to match the name on your reservation and payment method. If you have an international license, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on your country of origin and the rental location.

A credit or debit card Enterprise accepts both, but the requirements are different depending on which you use (more on this below). The card must be in the renter's name.

Proof of insurance or a willingness to purchase coverage Enterprise will ask whether you have existing auto insurance that covers rentals, or whether you want to add their coverage options. You don't need to decide in advance, but you should know your current policy's rental terms before you arrive.

Meeting the minimum age requirement In most U.S. states, you must be at least 21 years old to rent. Renters under 25 typically pay a young renter surcharge — the amount varies by location and vehicle class. A handful of states allow renters as young as 18 with additional fees.

Credit Card vs. Debit Card: The Biggest Variable

This is where many renters run into unexpected friction.

Credit cards are straightforward. Enterprise holds a temporary authorization against your card for the estimated rental cost plus a deposit buffer. As long as your card has available credit, the process is quick.

Debit cards require more. Enterprise's debit card policy varies by location, but generally you should expect:

• Proof of a return flight or travel itinerary (at some locations)
• A credit check or verification process
• A higher security hold — often $200–$400 or more above the rental cost
• Additional forms of ID, such as a utility bill or pay stub

Some Enterprise locations don't accept debit cards at all for one-way rentals or certain vehicle categories. Check the specific location's policy before booking.

What International Renters Need

If you're visiting the U.S. from another country, the requirements shift:

• Your home country driver's license (in good standing)
• An International Driving Permit — Enterprise recommends one, and some locations require it
• A passport
• A credit card (debit card policies for international renters are even more restrictive)
• Proof of return travel may be requested

Some countries' licenses are accepted without an IDP; others are not. This varies by country and by state, so confirming with the specific rental location in advance matters.

Additional Drivers

If someone else will be driving the rental vehicle, they generally need to be added as an authorized additional driver at the time of pickup. They must present their own valid license and meet the same age requirements as the primary renter. There is usually an added daily fee for each additional driver, though Enterprise's rules for this vary — members of some employer discount programs or loyalty memberships may have fees waived.

Insurance and Coverage Options 📋

You aren't required to purchase Enterprise's optional coverage products, but you need to have some form of coverage. Your options typically include:

If you're relying on credit card coverage, confirm whether your card requires you to decline the rental company's LDW and whether it covers liability or just collision damage.

Factors That Change What You'll Need

There's no single checklist that works for every renter in every situation. Here's what shapes your specific requirements:

• Your age — under 25 triggers surcharges; under 21 may result in denial at many locations
• Your payment method — debit card rentals have additional steps at most locations
• Your state or rental location — state laws affect minimum age rules, what documents are acceptable, and how deposits work
• Vehicle class — luxury, specialty, and large vehicles sometimes have stricter requirements
• Rental type — one-way rentals, airport locations, and neighborhood locations may have different policies
• Residency status — domestic vs. international renters face different documentation requirements

Before You Arrive 🚗

The most common source of problems at the rental counter is showing up with a debit card without knowing the location's policy, or arriving without a license that matches the payment method.

Enterprise's website allows you to review policies by location before you book. If anything is unclear — particularly around debit card acceptance, young renter fees, or international documentation — calling the specific location directly is the most reliable way to get accurate, current information.

What you'll actually need is determined by your specific situation: your age, where you're renting, how you're paying, and whether you're renting as a U.S. resident or visitor. Those variables — not a universal checklist — determine what you should bring to the counter.