Most rental companies will not rent to you with only a temporary license, but a few exceptions exist depending on where you live and which company you use.

A temporary license — the paper document you receive at the DMV while waiting for your plastic card to arrive by mail — is not accepted by the major rental chains. Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National all require a valid, government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your reservation. A temporary license does not meet this standard because it lacks the security features and permanence that rental companies use to verify identity and assess risk.

The reason is straightforward: rental companies need to confirm you are who you say you are, and they need an ID they can photograph and keep on file. A temporary license is meant to be replaced within weeks, and rental agents cannot reliably verify its authenticity the way they can with a plastic state ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Major rental chains (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National) require a valid plastic state ID card and will not accept a temporary paper license alone.
  • Some smaller or regional rental companies may accept a temporary license paired with a second form of ID, such as a passport or military ID, but you must call ahead to confirm.
  • If you have a valid passport, passport card, or military ID, you can use that instead of a driver's license at most rental companies.
  • The safest option is to wait for your plastic license to arrive before renting, or to use an alternative ID that meets the rental company's requirements.

What ID rental companies actually require

Rental companies have their own ID policies, but they all follow the same basic rule: the ID must be government-issued, must have your photo on it, and must be current (not expired). A temporary license fails on the first count — it is not considered a permanent government ID by rental standards, even though it is issued by your state's DMV.

If you do not yet have your plastic license, you have other options. A valid passport, passport card, or military ID will work at nearly every major rental company. Some companies also accept a state ID from another state if you have one. The key is that the ID must be current and must have your photograph on it.

A few rental companies may ask for a second form of ID in addition to your primary ID — such as a credit card or insurance card — but this is separate from the photo ID requirement and does not replace it.

When smaller rental companies might make an exception

Independent or regional rental agencies sometimes have more flexible policies than the national chains. A local car rental business in your area might accept a temporary license if you also provide a passport, military ID, or another government-issued photo ID. However, this is not may provide, and policies vary widely.

If you are considering this route, call the rental company directly before you arrive. Ask specifically whether they will rent to someone with a temporary license paired with a second form of ID. Do not assume — rental agents cannot override their company's policy at the counter, and you may arrive only to be turned away.

Even if a company says yes over the phone, bring all the documents they mention. Bring your temporary license, your second ID, your credit card, and your insurance information. The more documentation you have, the smoother the process will be.

Using a passport or military ID instead

If you have a valid passport or passport card, this is your simplest option. Rental companies accept passports as primary ID in all 50 states. You do not need your driver's license at all — the passport alone is sufficient. The same is true for a military ID: it is government-issued, has your photo, and is accepted by all major rental companies.

A passport card (the wallet-sized version) works just as well as a full passport book. Both are valid for car rental. If you have either one, bring it instead of waiting for your plastic license to arrive.

What happens if you try to rent without acceptable ID

If you show up with only a temporary license and no other acceptable ID, the rental agent will not be able to complete the reservation. You will not be able to rent the car. This is not a judgment call — it is a company policy that applies to every location of every major chain.

The rental company also cannot hold a reservation for you to pick up later once your plastic license arrives. You will need to make a new reservation at that time. If you have already paid a deposit, you may be able to transfer it to a new reservation, but you will need to contact the rental company's customer service to arrange this.

Steps to take before your plastic license arrives

If you need to rent a car before your plastic license arrives, start by checking what ID you have on hand. Do you have a valid passport, passport card, or military ID? If yes, use that for your rental — you do not need your driver's license at all.

If you do not have an alternative ID, your options are to wait for your plastic license to arrive or to contact local rental companies and ask whether they will make an exception. When you call, have your temporary license number and your second form of ID ready to describe. Be honest about what you have, and ask what documents they need.

You can also check the rental company's website for their ID policy. Most major chains publish this information in their FAQs or terms and conditions. Reading it before you call saves time and gives you clear expectations.

How long plastic licenses usually take to arrive

Most states mail your plastic driver's license within two to four weeks of your visit to the DMV, though this varies by state and by how busy the DMV is. Some states are faster; others take longer. When you receive your temporary license, ask the DMV agent how long you should expect to wait for the plastic card.

If you are in a hurry to rent a car, this timeline matters. If your plastic license will arrive in a week or two, waiting may be simpler than trying to find a rental company willing to work with a temporary license. If you need a car now and your plastic license is weeks away, using a passport or military ID is your most reliable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car with a temporary license and a credit card?

No. A credit card is not a government-issued photo ID and cannot replace your driver's license. You need either your plastic license, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID. A credit card may be required as a payment method, but it does not satisfy the ID requirement.

Will a temporary license work if I have a reservation already made?

No. When you arrive to pick up the car, the rental agent will ask for your ID. If you only have a temporary license, they will not be able to complete the rental, even if you have a confirmed reservation. You will need to cancel or modify the reservation and provide an acceptable form of ID.

What if I lost my plastic license and only have the temporary one?

If your plastic license was lost or damaged, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement. In the meantime, use a passport, passport card, or military ID to rent a car. These are all acceptable alternatives and do not require you to have a driver's license.

Do I need a temporary license if I have a passport?

No. A passport is a valid form of ID for car rental and for driving in the United States. You do not need a driver's license or temporary license if you have a current passport. However, some states require you to carry a driver's license while driving, so check your state's laws about what ID you must have in the car.

Can I use an out-of-state driver's license instead of waiting for my new one?

Yes. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, most rental companies will accept it. You do not need to wait for your new license from your current state. Bring the out-of-state license and your rental reservation, and you should be able to complete the rental.