The documents and information Enterprise requires before you drive off the lot
Enterprise will ask for a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent a car. You'll also need to be at least 21 years old (25 if you want to avoid an underage driver fee). The rental agreement itself — which you sign at the counter or on a tablet — is where Enterprise locks in the daily rate, mileage terms, and damage liability.
The process takes 15 to 30 minutes at most locations. If you're renting at an airport, add time for the rental facility's location and any lines. Online reservations speed things up because Enterprise has your basic information already, but you still need to show documents and sign in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must show a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or recognized country — an expired license will not work.
- The credit or debit card must be in your own name and have enough available credit or funds to cover the estimated rental cost plus a hold for damage.
- Proof of insurance can be your own policy, your employer's fleet coverage, or a credit card's rental car coverage — Enterprise accepts all three.
- Drivers under 25 pay an additional daily fee, typically $15 to $25 depending on location and car class.
- A reservation online or by phone speeds up pickup, but you cannot complete the rental without showing documents in person.
Driver's license and age requirements
Enterprise accepts a valid driver's license from any U.S. state, Canadian province, or most other countries. The license must not be expired — even if it expired yesterday, Enterprise will not rent to you. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot rent, and Enterprise checks this during the rental process.
You must be at least 21 to rent from Enterprise. If you're 21 to 24, you'll pay an underage driver surcharge — this is not optional and varies by location, but typically runs $15 to $25 per day. At 25 and older, this fee disappears. Some car classes (usually luxury or full-size SUVs) have a minimum age of 25 regardless of the surcharge.
If you have an international license, bring it along with your passport. Enterprise will accept it if your home country has a reciprocal agreement with the United States, but policies vary by location. Call the specific branch before you go.
Payment card and credit hold requirements
The card you use to reserve and pay for the rental must be in your name. Enterprise will not accept a card belonging to someone else, even if that person is with you and willing to sign. Debit cards work, but the hold — typically the estimated rental cost plus $200 to $500 for potential damage — must clear when ready, so you need that much available in your account.
Credit cards are easier because the hold doesn't reduce your available credit the same way. Enterprise places the hold when you pick up the car and releases it within a few days of return if there's no damage. If you damage the car, the hold may be replaced with an actual charge.
Some locations accept prepaid cards, but this varies. Call ahead if you plan to use one. Enterprise does not accept cash for the rental itself, though some locations may accept it for additional charges like fuel or tolls.
Insurance and liability coverage
Enterprise requires proof that the car will be insured during the rental. You can show this in three ways: your own auto insurance policy, your employer's fleet coverage (if you're renting for work), or a credit card's rental car coverage. The coverage must be valid for the rental dates and the car class you're renting.
If you don't have any of these, Enterprise will sell you a daily damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) that covers collision and theft. This is not insurance — it's a waiver that limits your liability to Enterprise if the car is damaged or stolen. Read the terms carefully, because waivers often exclude damage from certain causes (like off-road driving or racing) and may have a deductible.
Bring a copy of your insurance card or policy declaration page. If you're using credit card coverage, bring the card itself and ask Enterprise whether they've seen that card's coverage before — some cards have restrictions Enterprise doesn't accept.
Reservation and pickup process
You can reserve a car online at Enterprise.com, by phone, or in person at a branch. A reservation holds a car class (not a specific vehicle) for you and locks in the rate you saw when you booked. Online reservations include a confirmation number you'll need at pickup.
When you arrive to pick up the car, bring your driver's license, the payment card, and proof of insurance. An agent will verify your information, show you the car's condition (usually by walking around it and noting any existing damage on the contract), and explain the fuel and mileage terms. You'll sign the rental agreement — read it before you sign, because it includes your liability for damage and the terms for returning the car late.
The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes if there are no issues. If the car class you reserved is not available, Enterprise will offer you an upgrade or a different location. If you decline both, you can cancel the reservation without penalty.
Additional documents for special situations
If you're renting for business, some companies require an employee ID or a letter from your employer. Enterprise doesn't require this, but your company's policy might. Check before you go.
If you're renting with a debit card and the hold is declined, Enterprise may ask for a second form of payment or proof of funds. A bank statement showing your account balance can help, but it's not may provide to work — call the branch first if you're worried.
If you're under 25 and renting a premium or luxury car, some locations require an additional form of ID (like a passport) or proof of insurance in writing. Again, call ahead to confirm what the specific branch needs.
What happens if you don't have what Enterprise needs
If you show up without a valid driver's license, you cannot rent. There's no workaround — Enterprise is legally required to verify your license before handing over keys. If your license is suspended or expired, you'll need to reschedule.
If your payment card is declined or doesn't have enough available credit, Enterprise will ask for a different card. If you don't have one, you cannot complete the rental. Prepaid cards and gift cards rarely work because they don't have the credit line Enterprise needs for the hold.
If you can't show proof of insurance, you must buy Enterprise's damage waiver to proceed. This is the most expensive option — the daily waiver often costs more than your own insurance deductible — so it's worth checking your policy or credit card coverage before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else's credit card be used if they're with me at pickup?
No. The card must be in the renter's name. If the cardholder is not present, Enterprise will not accept it. This is a fraud prevention rule and applies even if the cardholder signs a letter authorizing you to use it.
What if my driver's license is expired but I have a passport?
A passport alone is not enough. Enterprise requires a valid driver's license. If your license is expired, you'll need to renew it before you can rent. Some states allow temporary licenses while you wait for renewal — check whether yours does.
Does Enterprise accept international driver's licenses?
Yes, if your home country has a reciprocal agreement with the United States. Bring your international license and passport. Policies vary by location, so call the specific branch before you go to confirm they'll accept yours.
Can I use a debit card if I don't have a credit card?
Yes, but the hold must clear when ready, so you need that much available in your account. If the hold is declined, you'll need a different payment method. Credit cards are easier because the hold doesn't reduce your available balance the same way.
What if the car class I reserved is not available when I arrive?
Enterprise will offer you an upgrade to a higher class at the same rate, or a different location with your reserved class. You can accept either option or cancel the reservation without penalty. You cannot be forced to take a downgrade.