The documents and information you'll need before you arrive

To rent a car, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies also require you to be at least 25 years old, though some rent to drivers as young as 18 or 21 with an additional young driver fee. The specific requirements vary by rental company and location, so calling ahead or checking the company's website before you go saves time at the counter.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended. If you have a learner's permit or a license that expired more than a few months ago, the rental company will turn you away. International visitors need a valid passport and, in most cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license, though some companies accept just the home license if it's in English or has an English translation.

The credit card must be in your name and have enough available credit to cover the rental cost plus a hold for damage or fuel. Debit cards are rarely accepted, even if you have the cash available. Some companies allow a second form of payment for the final bill, but the credit card is required at the time of booking or pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • You must present a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance at pickup, and most companies require you to be at least 25 years old.
  • Your driver's license cannot be suspended or expired, and international drivers need a passport and usually an International Driving Permit in addition to their home country license.
  • The credit card must have enough available credit for the rental cost plus a hold for potential damage or fuel charges, and debit cards are not accepted.
  • Proof of insurance can come from your personal auto policy, your credit card's rental coverage, or the rental company's own insurance, depending on what you choose to purchase.
  • Some rental companies charge extra fees for drivers under 25, additional drivers, or returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up.

Insurance and what counts as proof

You must show proof of insurance, but it does not have to be your personal auto policy. Three options exist: your own car insurance, coverage included with your credit card, or the rental company's insurance purchased at pickup.

If you use your personal auto policy, bring the insurance card or a printed declaration page showing your policy number, coverage limits, and the effective dates. Call your insurance company before renting to confirm that your policy covers rental cars and what the deductible is. Some policies exclude rentals, and some cover only rentals within your home state.

Many credit cards include rental car damage coverage at no extra cost. This coverage typically covers collision and theft but not liability (damage you cause to other people or property). Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm what is covered, what the deductible is, and whether you need to decline the rental company's insurance to set up the card's coverage. Some cards require you to pay the rental with that card for the coverage to explore.

If you do not have personal insurance or credit card coverage, the rental company will sell you a damage waiver and liability insurance at pickup. This is the most expensive option but the simplest if you have no other coverage. Ask for the daily rate and what the deductible is before you agree.

Age requirements and young driver fees

Most major rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old. Some allow drivers as young as 21 with an additional fee, usually $15 to $30 per day. A few companies rent to drivers 18 and older, but availability is limited and fees are higher.

The age requirement applies to the primary renter. Additional drivers must also meet the age requirement, though some companies allow one driver under 25 if the primary renter is 25 or older. Check the specific company's policy when you book, because the rules differ widely.

If you are under 25, call the rental company directly rather than booking online. The website may not show you all available car classes or may not calculate the young driver fee correctly. Speaking to an agent lets you confirm the total cost and whether the company has cars available for your age group at that location.

Additional drivers and what they need

Most rental companies allow you to add another driver at no extra charge if that person is at least 25 years old and has a valid driver's license. The additional driver does not need to be present when you pick up the car, but you must provide their full name, date of birth, and license number at the time of rental.

If the additional driver is under 25, the company will charge a young driver fee for each day they are authorized to drive the car. Some companies do not allow additional drivers under 25 at all. If you plan to share driving, confirm this when you book.

The additional driver must carry their own valid driver's license when driving the car. If they are stopped by police and do not have their license, the rental agreement may be voided and you could be held liable for any damage or violations that occur.

One-way rentals and location fees

Renting a car at one location and returning it to another is called a one-way rental. Most companies allow this but charge a one-way fee that varies based on the distance between locations. A one-way rental from a city airport to downtown might cost $20 to $50, while a rental from one state to another can cost $200 or more.

Some locations are considered "drop-off" locations where the company charges more to accept returns, while others are "pick-up" locations where the company charges more to rent from. Check the total cost before you book, because the one-way fee can double the rental price.

A few rental companies offer one-way rentals at no extra charge during certain seasons or between popular routes, but this is not the default. Always compare the cost of a one-way rental to the cost of renting at each location separately and returning the first car, because sometimes two separate rentals are cheaper.

What to bring and what to expect at pickup

Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance in physical form or on your phone. Have your reservation confirmation number ready, either printed or on your phone. If you booked online, the company will have your information, but bringing your confirmation speeds up the process.

At pickup, the rental agent will ask you to inspect the car for damage and will point out any existing dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. Take photos or video of the car's condition before you leave the lot. This protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage that was already there.

The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually "full to full," meaning you pick up with a full tank and return it full), the mileage policy (unlimited or limited), and any tolls or parking fees you might incur. Ask about these before you sign the rental agreement, because you are responsible for all charges.

You will also be asked whether you want to purchase the rental company's damage waiver and liability insurance. If you already have coverage through your personal policy or credit card, decline the company's insurance. If you do not have coverage, purchase it.

International rentals and special requirements

If you are renting a car outside the United States, you need a valid passport, your home country driver's license, and an International Driving Permit. The IDP is not a replacement for your license but a translation of it that some countries require. You can obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance before you travel.

Some countries require an International Certificate of Motor Liability Insurance, sometimes called a "green card," to prove you have liability coverage. Check with the rental company and the country's embassy or tourism board before you travel to confirm what documents you need.

Rental companies in other countries may have different age requirements, insurance rules, and fuel policies than U.S. companies. Call the rental company directly or check their website for the specific country where you are renting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car with a learner's permit?

No. Rental companies require a valid, unrestricted driver's license. A learner's permit does not meet this requirement. You must have a full license to rent.

What happens if I don't have a credit card?

Most rental companies will not rent to you without a credit card in your name. A few companies accept debit cards at certain locations, but this is rare and usually requires a larger hold on your account. Call the rental company directly to ask whether they accept debit cards at the location where you plan to rent.

Do I have to buy the rental company's insurance?

No, if you already have coverage through your personal auto policy or credit card. If you do not have any coverage, you should purchase the rental company's insurance or decline and accept the risk of paying for damage yourself.

Can someone else pick up the car if I'm not there?

No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be present at pickup with a valid driver's license. The rental company will not release the car to anyone else, even if you have authorized them as an additional driver.

What if my driver's license is expired?

You cannot rent a car with an expired license. Renew your license before you attempt to rent. Some states allow a grace period of a few months after expiration, but rental companies do not recognize this and will refuse to rent to you.