The documents and information a rental company will ask for
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 21 years old, though some charge extra for drivers under 25. The rental agent will check your license to confirm your driving status and age, run your credit card to hold a deposit (usually $200 to $500, depending on the car), and verify your insurance covers rental vehicles.
Bring your physical driver's license, not a photo or digital copy. If your license is expired or suspended, the rental company will refuse to rent to you. Some companies accept an International Driving Permit if your license is from outside the United States, but call ahead to confirm. Your credit card must be in your name—rental companies will not accept cards belonging to a spouse, family member, or friend, even if you have permission to use it.
Your insurance information should be on hand, either as a printed card from your insurer or a photo of it on your phone. If you do not have personal auto insurance, you can buy coverage directly from the rental company, though this is more expensive than adding a rental car to an existing policy. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card, but the protection varies widely and often excludes certain damage types.
Key Takeaways
- You must present a valid driver's license in your name, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before a rental company will hand over keys.
- Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old; drivers under 25 often pay a daily surcharge of $15 to $30.
- The rental company will place a hold on your credit card for a deposit, which is released after you return the car undamaged and settle the final bill.
- If you do not have personal auto insurance, you can purchase a rental car damage waiver from the rental company, but compare the cost to adding a rental to your existing policy first.
- Bring a second form of ID if possible, such as a passport or state ID card, because some locations ask for it.
Age requirements and young driver surcharges
Rental companies set their own age policies, but nearly all require you to be at least 21. If you are 21 to 24, expect to pay an additional daily fee, often called a young driver surcharge, which ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the company and location. Some companies do not rent to drivers under 25 at all, so check the rental company's website or call before you book.
The surcharge applies even if you have a clean driving record. It is a flat fee the company charges because younger drivers statistically file more damage claims. If you are renting for a week or longer, this fee adds up quickly—a $20 daily surcharge on a seven-day rental costs $140 on top of the base rate.
Credit card requirements and deposit holds
Your credit card must be in your name and must be a major card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards are rarely accepted, and prepaid cards are almost never accepted. The rental company uses the card to place a hold for the security deposit, which freezes that amount in your account but does not charge it unless you damage the car or incur extra fees.
The hold is released when you return the car, usually within 24 to 48 hours, though it can take longer depending on your bank. If you have a low credit limit or little available balance, the hold can max out your card and prevent you from making other purchases during the rental period. Plan for this if you are renting a larger or luxury vehicle, which typically carries a higher deposit hold.
If your credit card is declined or you do not have one, some rental locations will accept a debit card with a larger deposit or a cash deposit, but policies vary. Call the specific location where you plan to rent to ask what alternatives they offer.
Insurance: what you have, what you need, and what the rental company offers
Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm. Most comprehensive and collision policies extend to rentals, but some exclude them or limit coverage. If your policy covers rentals, you do not need to buy the rental company's damage waiver—your own insurance will handle claims, though you will still pay your deductible if damage occurs.
If you do not have personal auto insurance, the rental company will offer you a damage waiver, sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the rental car from collisions, theft, or vandalism. Without it, you are liable for the full repair cost if the car is damaged, which can easily exceed $5,000.
Some credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Read the card's benefits guide to understand what is covered—many exclude certain damage types, have mileage limits, or do not cover theft. If your credit card offers coverage, you can usually decline the rental company's waiver and use the card's protection instead, saving money.
What happens at the rental counter
When you arrive to pick up your car, the agent will ask for your driver's license, credit card, and insurance information. They will verify your license is valid, run your credit card for the deposit hold, and confirm your insurance covers rentals. They will then show you the car, point out any existing damage, and ask you to inspect it and sign a damage report.
Walk around the car with the agent and look for dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. Point out anything you see—if it is not documented on the damage report before you drive away, you may be charged for it when you return. Take photos of the car's condition with your phone if the company allows it. The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually you fill the tank before returning it), mileage limits if any, and late return fees.
Before you leave the lot, confirm the total rental cost, the deposit amount, and what is and is not covered by insurance. Ask about the return process—whether you can return the car after hours, whether you need to fill the tank, and where to park it.
Additional documents and information to bring
Bring a second form of identification if you have one, such as a passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some rental locations ask for it, and having it speeds up the process. If you are renting under a corporate account or with a promotional code, bring the account number or code.
If you are renting a car to drive across state lines or into Canada or Mexico, tell the rental company when you book. Some companies restrict where you can take their cars, and crossing borders without permission can result in extra charges or legal trouble. International travel may also require an International Driving Permit, which you can obtain from your local AAA office or courthouse.
Keep your rental agreement and all receipts until after you return the car and the deposit hold is released. If there is a dispute about damage or charges, these documents are your proof of what was agreed to and what you paid.
What disqualifies you from renting
A suspended or revoked driver's license will disqualify you when ready. If your license is expired, most companies will not rent to you, though a few may accept an expired license if it expired very recently. A history of serious traffic violations or DUI convictions may also disqualify you, depending on the company's policy.
If you do not have a valid credit card in your name, you cannot rent from most major companies. Some independent or local rental agencies may work with you, but they are the exception. If your credit card is declined or you have no available balance for the deposit hold, you will not be able to complete the rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else's credit card be used if they give me permission?
No. Rental companies require the credit card to be in the renter's name. If you do not have a credit card, ask the rental location whether they accept debit cards or cash deposits as an alternative. Policies vary by location and company.
What if my driver's license is expired?
Most rental companies will not rent to you with an expired license. If your license expired very recently, call the specific location where you plan to rent and ask whether they will make an exception. Otherwise, you will need to renew your license before renting.
Do I have to buy the rental company's insurance if I have my own auto insurance?
No. If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you can decline the rental company's damage waiver. Bring proof of your coverage—your insurance card or a printed policy page—so the agent can confirm it covers rentals.
What if I get into an accident during the rental?
Contact the rental company when ready and report the accident. If you have damage waiver coverage through the rental company or your personal insurance, the claim will be filed through that coverage. You may still owe a deductible. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the accident report the rental company provides.
Can I rent a car if I am under 21?
No. All major rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Some independent rental agencies may rent to drivers as young as 18, but they are rare and typically charge much higher daily rates.