Renting a car can be a convenient way to get around during a vacation, business trip, airport transfer or road trip. However, rental companies have specific requirements that drivers generally need to meet before they can pick up a vehicle.
The exact requirements vary by rental company, location, vehicle category and driver’s circumstances. Understanding the basics before you arrive at the rental counter can make the process easier.
In this guide, AutoDeals24 explains what you typically need to rent a car in the United States.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car?
Most rental companies typically require some combination of the following:
- A valid driver’s license
- A valid form of identification
- An accepted payment method
- A minimum age requirement
- A security deposit or authorization
- Proof of eligibility when required
- Compliance with the rental company’s insurance requirements
Additional requirements may apply depending on the rental location, vehicle type and driver’s age.
1. A Valid Driver’s License
A valid driver’s license is one of the most important requirements when renting a car.
The license generally needs to be:
- Valid and not expired
- Issued by an appropriate government authority
- Presented at the time of rental
- Appropriate for the type of vehicle being rented
Some rental providers may have additional requirements for drivers with licenses issued outside the United States.
If you are an international traveler, check the requirements of the specific rental provider before making your reservation.
2. Proof of Identification
Rental providers may require additional identification depending on the circumstances.
A driver’s license may serve as the primary identification document, while some providers may request another form of identification.
Requirements can vary depending on:
- Rental location
- Driver’s residence
- Payment method
- Rental provider
- Type of rental
Always confirm the identification requirements before pickup.
3. An Accepted Payment Method
Rental companies typically require an accepted payment method for the rental and may also place an authorization or deposit on the payment account.
Accepted payment methods vary by provider.
Some rental companies may accept:
- Major credit cards
- Debit cards
- Other approved payment methods
However, debit-card rentals may have additional requirements.
For example, a provider may require additional identification, proof of travel, a larger deposit or other conditions.
If you plan to rent using a debit card, check the provider’s policy before arriving at the rental location.
4. Minimum Age Requirements
Rental companies commonly have minimum-age requirements.
Drivers below a certain age may face:
- Additional fees
- Vehicle restrictions
- Limited availability
- Additional documentation requirements
Age rules vary by rental provider and location.
If you are under 25, it is especially important to check the provider’s requirements before booking.
5. Security Deposit
Some rental companies require a security deposit or temporary authorization on your payment method.
The amount can vary based on:
- Vehicle type
- Rental provider
- Rental duration
- Payment method
- Location
- Other rental conditions
The deposit or authorization may be released after the vehicle is returned according to the provider’s terms.
Because deposit policies differ, ask the rental provider about the required amount before completing your rental.
6. Insurance and Protection
Insurance is another important consideration when renting a car.
Depending on your circumstances, you may have coverage through:
- Your personal auto insurance
- A credit card
- Travel insurance
- Coverage offered by the rental provider
Rental companies may also offer optional protection products.
Insurance requirements and available coverage vary by provider and location.
Do not assume that your existing insurance automatically covers every rental situation. Check your policy and the rental provider’s requirements before pickup.
7. Additional Driver Requirements
If someone else will drive the rental vehicle, the rental company may require that person to be added as an authorized driver.
Additional-driver fees or eligibility requirements may apply.
Allowing an unauthorized person to drive a rental vehicle could violate the rental agreement and potentially affect coverage.
Always follow the rental provider’s additional-driver policy.
8. International Drivers
International visitors may have additional documentation requirements.
Depending on the rental provider and location, an international driver may need:
- A valid driver’s license from their home country
- Passport
- International driving permit where applicable
- Additional identification
- An accepted payment method
Requirements vary significantly, so international travelers should check directly with the rental provider before booking.
9. What About Renting an SUV or Luxury Car?
Larger or premium vehicle categories can have different eligibility requirements.
For example, certain vehicle categories may have:
- Higher rental rates
- Higher deposits
- Additional age requirements
- Different payment requirements
- Limited availability
If you are looking for an SUV, minivan or premium vehicle, confirm the provider’s specific requirements.
10. What Should You Bring to the Rental Counter?
Before picking up a rental car, consider having:
- Your valid driver’s license
- Identification documents
- Your payment method
- Reservation information
- Any required travel documents
- Additional-driver information if applicable
International travelers should also carry the documents required by the applicable rental provider.
Can You Rent a Car Without a Credit Card?
Sometimes.
Some rental companies accept debit cards or other payment methods, but additional requirements may apply.
A debit-card rental could have different:
- Deposit requirements
- Identification requirements
- Vehicle restrictions
- Eligibility rules
If you don’t have a credit card, ask the rental provider specifically about its debit-card policy before making your plans.
Can Someone Else Pay for Your Rental?
Policies concerning payment by another person vary between rental providers.
Some providers may have restrictions regarding the name on the payment method and the person renting the vehicle.
If someone else is paying for the rental, confirm the policy with the provider before pickup.
Can You Rent a Car With an Expired License?
Generally, a rental provider will require a valid driver’s license.
An expired license may not satisfy the provider’s requirements.
Always make sure your license is valid before attempting to pick up the vehicle.
Does Every Rental Company Have the Same Requirements?
No.
This is one of the most important things to remember.
Requirements can vary based on:
- Rental company
- Pickup location
- Vehicle category
- Driver age
- Payment method
- Residency
- Rental duration
- One-way versus local rental
- Other circumstances
Therefore, information found online should be treated as general guidance rather than a guarantee of a specific provider’s requirements.
How AutoDeals24 Can Help
If you are unsure what type of rental you need or want to discuss available rental options, AutoDeals24 can help connect you with participating third-party rental providers.
You can call AutoDeals24’s advertised rental assistance number to discuss your trip and rental requirements.
Calls may be routed directly to a participating third-party rental provider.
You can also explore AutoDeals24 for information about:
- Airport car rentals
- Daily rentals
- Weekly rentals
- One-way rentals
- SUV rentals
- Economy cars
- Sedan rentals
- Family rentals
- Business travel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing you need to rent a car?
A valid driver’s license and an accepted payment method are among the most common requirements. Minimum-age and identification requirements may also apply.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Some rental providers accept debit cards, but additional requirements may apply. Check the provider’s policy before booking.
Do you need insurance to rent a car?
Insurance and protection requirements vary. Your personal insurance or credit card may provide coverage in some circumstances, but you should verify your coverage before renting.
Can someone under 25 rent a car?
Many rental providers allow younger drivers to rent, but additional fees or restrictions may apply.
Do rental cars require a deposit?
Many rental providers require a deposit or authorization, although the amount and conditions vary.
Do international visitors need an international driver’s permit?
Requirements vary depending on the driver’s license, rental location and provider. International travelers should confirm the applicable requirements before renting.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what you need before renting a car can help prevent delays and unexpected problems at pickup.
The most common requirements include a valid driver’s license, acceptable identification, an approved payment method and compliance with the rental provider’s age and eligibility rules. Deposits, insurance, additional-driver requirements and other conditions can vary.
Before completing a rental, always confirm the specific requirements directly with the rental provider.
AutoDeals24 provides independent rental information and connects consumers with participating third-party rental providers. AutoDeals24 does not itself provide rental vehicles or guarantee availability, pricing or rental terms.