What do I need to rent a car? 2027 ultimate checklist

Are you planning to rent a car for the first time? While the process might seem overwhelming, knowing exactly what to bring will make your experience simple and stress-free.

To rent a car, you need a valid driver’s license held for at least one to two years, a physical credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit, and a valid passport or ID. Most rental companies also require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though young driver fees usually apply if you are under 25.

Renting a vehicle is one of the best ways to explore a new destination, whether you are planning a coast-to-coast road trip across North America or driving through scenic European routes. However, before you grab the keys at the rental desk – especially when you rent a car for the first time -, you need to make sure you have the right documentation and meet all local requirements. 

Having these essential documents ready ensures a fast and smooth pickup process at the counter. Because rules can change depending on the destination, comparing your options with Rentcars makes the process much easier, as we show you the specific requirements for over 350 rental companies globally before you book.

What to Do Before Booking

Picture this: you land exhausted from a long flight only to discover the car you need is sold out or costs double your budget. To avoid this travel nightmare and hit the road smoothly, your rental strategy needs to begin long before you pack your bags.

• Book early to lock in prices: Car rental rates skyrocket as availability drops. Secure your reservation weeks in advance to guarantee the lowest price and ensure your ideal vehicle is waiting for you upon arrival.
• Choose the right car category: Match the vehicle to your itinerary and luggage. A compact car easily navigates tight city streets, while an SUV offers essential comfort for longer family trips. Always confirm the transmission type if you strictly drive automatic.
• Hunt for discounts and compare: Never pay the sticker price without a quick search. Leverage global comparison platforms like Rentcars and look for seasonal promo codes to uncover the best deals across multiple suppliers instantly.
• Sort out your insurance early: Skip the upselling pressure at the counter by knowing your coverage beforehand. Check if your credit card offers rental protection, or simply add a comprehensive plan during your online checkout to save money.
• Prioritize flexible cancellation: Travel plans change without warning. Choose reservations with free cancellation policies so you can adapt your itinerary later without facing financial penalties.

Mandatory car rental requirements checklist 

To keep things simple, here are the core items every driver must present at the rental counter:

• A valid driver’s license held for at least 1–2 years
• A secondary form of ID (such as a passport)
• A major credit card in the main driver’s name
• Proof of minimum age requirements (and young driver fees if applicable)
• An International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on your destination

Let’s break down each requirement in detail so you do not run into unexpected surprises.

1. A valid, physical driver’s license

Your driver’s license is the most important document. It must be valid for the entire rental period and typically held for at least one or two years, depending on the rental company.

Many travelers ask: can I rent car with temporary license? The answer is generally no. Rental companies require a definitive, physical license. If you are wondering can you rent a car with a temporary license or a learner’s permit, you will be turned away at the counter. Likewise, you cannot rent a car without a license under any circumstances, as it is illegal to drive without one.

2. Valid Passport or National ID

If you are renting a car internationally, your valid passport is mandatory. If you are renting domestically, a state-issued ID or your driver’s license is usually enough, but keeping a second form of photo ID is highly recommended.

3. Credit card for the security deposit

You must present a physical credit card issued in the main driver’s name. This card is used to block a temporary security deposit to cover potential damages, traffic fines, or missing fuel.

If you are wondering how much is car rental deposit, the amount varies widely. It usually ranges from $200 to over $1,000, depending on the car category, destination, and the specific rental company’s policy. 

Rentcars clearly displays the estimated deposit amount during your search, so you are never caught off guard at the pickup counter.

• Debit Card Exceptions: Some locations accept debit cards, but they often require additional proof of identity (like a return flight ticket or utility bills) and a higher deposit. It is always safer to travel with a credit card.

4. How old do you have to be to rent a car?

Age restrictions are primarily set by insurance providers, meaning they differ depending on where you rent:

• Standard Minimum Age: In the US and Canada, the standard age requirement without additional fees is usually 25. In Europe, the minimum age often starts at 21, though higher-tier vehicle categories may require drivers to be 25 or older.
• Young Driver Surcharges: If you are under 25 (or under 21 in select EMEA locations), you can still rent a car, but suppliers will apply a daily “Young Driver Fee.”
• Regional Exceptions: Certain US states, like New York and Michigan, mandate that rental agencies allow drivers aged 18 and older to rent, though specific daily surcharges still apply.

International car rentals: Do you need extra documents?

Getting behind the wheel in a foreign country means you might need slightly different paperwork. Rentcars recommends always checking the specific rules of your destination, but these are the main additions:

• International Driving Permit (IDP): If your driver’s license is not in the Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic), an IDP is mandatory. Even if it is in the Roman alphabet, many countries in Europe and Asia legally require an IDP alongside your original license.
• EU Driving License Perks: If you are an EU resident driving within the European Union, your standard EU driver’s license is all you need.

Add-ons: Protections, Baby Chairs, Snow Tires and More

Nothing stalls a road trip faster than realizing at the rental counter that you lack a mandatory child seat or the mountain pass ahead requires winter gear. Selecting the right extras during your online booking guarantees a seamless getaway tailored exactly to your route.

• Protections and insurance: Drive with total confidence by adding a reliable protection plan before pickup. Platforms like RentalCover provide comprehensive and budget-friendly policies, shielding you from massive out-of-pocket repair costs.
• Baby and child seats: Reserve an infant, toddler, or booster seat in advance to comply with strict local traffic laws. This simple step saves you the intense physical hassle of lugging heavy car seats through busy airport terminals.
• Snow tires and chains: Winter road trips demand proper traction to navigate icy roads safely. Secure snow tires or chains if you are heading to colder regions, as many mountain routes legally enforce their use.
• Additional driver: Split the driving duties to keep fatigue at bay on long highway stretches. Registering a travel companion as an extra driver lets you share the journey legally and actually enjoy the scenery.
• Toll transponders: Bypass tedious cash lanes at toll booths with a prepaid electronic device. This extra automatically processes your highway fees, saving valuable time and preventing surprise fine notices in the mail.

How to pick up your rental car easily? 

1. Have your documents ready: Present your voucher, driver’s license, credit card, and passport at the desk. The names on all documents must match perfectly.
2. Understand the fuel policy: Check if you need to return the car with a full tank (Full-to-Full policy) to avoid expensive refueling taxes.
3. Inspect the car: Before driving away, take pictures and videos of the car’s exterior and interior. Make sure any existing scratches or dents are registered in the rental agreement.

What to check before driving off

Before leaving the rental lot, taking five minutes to inspect the vehicle is your best defense against unwarranted damage charges.

• Timestamp the car’s condition: Shoot a quick, continuous walk-around video with your smartphone to document any existing scratches, paying special attention to the bumpers, wheels, and windshield.
• Photograph the dashboard: Take a clear picture of the exact mileage and fuel gauge before moving the car to guarantee it perfectly matches the paperwork handed to you at the counter.
• Verify the emergency kit: Briefly open the trunk to confirm the spare tire, jack, or emergency inflation kit is actually present before heading out onto unfamiliar highways.
• Set up your navigation securely: Connect your phone to the car’s system and set your destination while safely parked to avoid fiddling with an unknown dashboard in heavy traffic.

How to return your car smoothly

A rushed drop-off at the airport is where most surprise credit card fees happen. Plan your final logistics carefully to close out your rental agreement without friction.

• Keep your final gas receipt: Map out a gas station within a 5-mile radius of the return lot and keep the physical receipt to definitively prove you met the full-to-full fuel policy.
• Beat the 24-hour clock: Rental companies enforce strict daily cycles, meaning returning the vehicle just 30 minutes past your scheduled time will often trigger an automatic full-day penalty charge.
• Document the drop-off: Take a final set of photos showing the clean interior, the full fuel gauge, and the undamaged exterior, which is especially critical if you are using an after-hours key drop box.
• Do a thorough cabin sweep: Double-check the glovebox, center console, and under the seats for passports or charging cables, as retrieving lost items from a rental fleet is notoriously difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions about what do you need to rent a car

Can you rent a car with a temporary license?

No, major car rental companies do not accept temporary licenses, paper permits, learner’s permits, or photocopies. You must present an official, fully issued physical driver’s license. If your license recently expired or was lost, you must wait for the permanent replacement before picking up a rental car.

Can I rent a car with a temporary license if I bring extra ID?

Generally, no. Even with extra identification like a passport or utility bill, rental policies strictly require a permanent, valid driver’s license card to complete the contract.

Can you rent a car without a license?

No. It is impossible to rent a car without a valid driver’s license. The primary driver named on the booking must be physically present, show a valid license, and provide a credit card matching that exact name. You cannot rent a vehicle on behalf of someone else if you do not hold a valid driver’s license yourself.

Will rental companies check my driving record?

In some jurisdictions (especially within the US), rental agencies reserve the right to verify your record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Service may be denied if your record shows severe recent offenses, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or license suspensions within the last 3 years.

Are car rental rules and policies the same across all major companies?

While baseline requirements like holding a valid driver’s license and credit card apply everywhere, specific policies vary significantly between brands. Major global chains like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt, and Budget set their own distinct rules regarding young driver age limits, security deposit amounts, debit card acceptance, and cross-border driving permissions. Always check the rental terms of your specific supplier before confirming your reservation.

Which destinations have unique or strict car rental regulations?

Several regions enforce specific legal mandates. In the US, states like New York and Michigan legally require agencies to rent to 18-year-old drivers, whereas most other states set the minimum threshold at 21. Internationally, countries across Europe, Asia, and South America strictly require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license, while mountain destinations in Austria, Germany, or Italy legally mandate snow tires during winter months.

How much does it cost to rent a car per day on average?

Renting an economy or compact car typically costs between $35 and $75 per day under normal market conditions. Rates for SUVs, luxury vehicles, or rentals booked during peak holiday seasons can easily rise above $100 to $150 per day. Remember that young driver surcharges, optional insurance coverage, and local taxes will add to your final daily bill.

Can you rent a car last-minute, or should you always book in advance?

While counter walk-ups are occasionally possible at major airport hubs, relying on last-minute availability is risky and expensive. Popular economy categories sell out quickly during holidays or peak travel seasons, leaving only premium models at steep rates. Reserving your vehicle weeks or months ahead guarantees availability and secures substantially lower prices.

Now that you know exact answers to “what do I need to rent a car?”, you are fully prepared for your trip. Compare top global rental suppliers, compare prices, and secure your vehicle on Rentcars today.