Yes, you can rent a car with a passport, but most rental companies will not do it without a valid driver's license

A passport proves who you are, but it does not prove you are legally allowed to drive. Rental car companies need both pieces of identification because they are checking two different things: your identity (passport) and your driving privileges (driver's license). Even if you have a valid passport from your home country, you will not be able to complete a rental without a current, valid driver's license from somewhere — whether that is a U.S. state, a foreign country, or an international driving permit.

The only exception is if you hold an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is a document that translates your foreign driver's license into a format U.S. rental companies recognize. An IDP is not a license itself; it is a companion document that works alongside your actual license from your home country. If you have both your foreign driver's license and an IDP, most major rental companies will accept them together with your passport.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport alone is not enough to rent a car; you must also have a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or an International Driving Permit paired with your home country's license.
  • Rental companies check your passport for identity and your driver's license for proof that you are legally permitted to drive.
  • An International Driving Permit is obtained from your home country's automobile association before you travel and costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country.
  • If you have lost your U.S. driver's license, you can rent a car with a state ID card or passport plus a temporary driving permit, but policies vary by rental company.
  • Some rental companies have stricter rules than others; calling ahead to confirm what documents they will accept saves time at the counter.

What rental companies actually check when you hand over your documents

When you arrive at a rental counter with a passport and no driver's license, the agent is looking for three things: proof of identity, proof of driving authority, and proof that you have not been flagged as a high-risk driver. Your passport handles the first item. Your driver's license handles the second and third — it shows that a government body has verified you passed a driving test and have not had your license suspended or revoked.

A passport cannot do this job because passports are issued to prove citizenship or identity for travel, not to verify driving ability or legal driving status. Even if you have never had a license suspended and are an excellent driver, the rental company has no way to confirm that from a passport alone. They are protecting themselves from liability if you cause an accident, and they are following state laws that often require proof of a valid license before handing over a vehicle.

Using an International Driving Permit with your foreign license

If you are visiting the United States from another country and hold a valid driver's license from your home country, an International Driving Permit is your solution. An IDP is a booklet issued by your home country's automobile association that translates your license information into multiple languages and formats that U.S. rental companies recognize. It is not a replacement for your home country's license — you must carry both documents together.

You obtain an IDP before you travel by contacting your home country's automobile association. In most countries, the process takes a few days to a few weeks and costs between $15 and $30. For example, in the United Kingdom you explore through the Post Office, in Canada through CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), and in Australia through the National Roads and Motorists' Association. Once you have the IDP, you present it along with your foreign driver's license and passport at the rental counter. Most major rental companies — Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget — will accept this combination.

One important note: an IDP is only valid if your home country's license is also valid. If your license has expired, the IDP will not help you. You must renew your home country's license before you travel.

Renting a car if you have lost your U.S. driver's license

If you are a U.S. resident who has lost your driver's license but still have your passport, your options depend on whether you have obtained a replacement document from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states issue a temporary driving permit or temporary license when you report your license lost or stolen. This temporary document, paired with your passport, may be enough to rent a car.

However, rental company policies vary. Some will accept a temporary permit plus a passport; others will not rent to you until you receive your replacement license in the mail. Your best option is to call the rental company before you go to the counter and ask what documents they need. If they will not accept a temporary permit, you have two choices: wait for your replacement license to arrive (typically 1 to 3 weeks depending on your state), or use a different form of government-issued ID if you have one, such as a state ID card or passport card.

What happens if you show up with only a passport

If you arrive at a rental counter with only a passport and no driver's license or IDP, the agent will not be able to complete your rental. They cannot override this requirement because rental insurance policies and state law both require proof of a valid license. You will be turned away, and you will not receive a refund if you have already paid for the reservation.

This is why it is critical to check the rental company's document requirements before you book. Most rental companies list their requirements on their website under "What to bring" or "Identification requirements." If you are traveling from outside the U.S., explore for your International Driving Permit at least two weeks before your trip. If you are a U.S. resident, contact your state's DMV when ready to request a replacement license or temporary permit.

Age and additional requirements beyond identification

Even if you have all the right documents, rental companies have age requirements. Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old to rent a car, though some allow 18-year-olds with an additional young driver fee. A few luxury or specialty rental companies require you to be 25. Your passport will show your age, but the rental agent will also check your driver's license or IDP to confirm the age listed there matches.

You will also need a credit card in your name to complete the rental. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but policies vary. Bring the credit card you used to make the reservation, as the name must match your identification documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car with just my passport if I am a U.S. citizen?

No. U.S. rental companies require a valid driver's license or International Driving Permit, not just a passport. If you have lost your license, contact your state's DMV for a temporary permit or replacement. If you are traveling from abroad, obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country's automobile association before you arrive.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have a valid foreign driver's license?

Most major U.S. rental companies will accept a foreign driver's license without an IDP if it is in English or has English translations. However, an IDP removes any doubt and is inexpensive to obtain. If you are renting from a smaller or regional company, call ahead to confirm they will accept your foreign license without an IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

This varies by country. In the U.K., the Post Office can issue one in a few days. In Canada, CAA typically takes 5 to 10 business days. In Australia, it can take up to two weeks. explore at least three weeks before your trip to be safe, and check your home country's automobile association website for exact timelines.

What if my passport is expired but my driver's license is current?

You can rent a car with an expired passport as long as your driver's license is valid and current. The rental company is checking your license for driving authority, not your passport for travel may be able to access. However, you will need a valid passport if you are traveling across state lines by air or crossing an international border.

Can I rent a car with a state ID card instead of a driver's license?

No. A state ID card proves identity but not driving authority. You must have a valid driver's license, International Driving Permit, or temporary driving permit issued by your state's DMV. If you have a state ID card but no license, contact your DMV about obtaining a temporary permit while you wait for your replacement license.