What documents do you need to rent a car abroad?
A checklist to keep with your booking.
Short answer: Bring your valid driver's license, your passport, a credit card in the main driver's name and your booking confirmation. Add an official IDP where the country requires one, or a translation of your license where it isn't in the local language.
Rental desk checklist
- Your valid driver's license. Many companies want you to have held it for at least 1 year.
- Your passport, or national ID card where accepted.
- A credit card in the main driver's name, for the deposit.
- Your booking confirmation, printed or on your phone.
- An official IDP if the country requires one. Check your destination.
- A translation of your license if it isn't in the local language. How translations work.
Common reasons rentals get refused
- No IDP in a country that requires one for your license, such as Japan, or Italy and Spain for licenses from outside the EU.
- The credit card is in someone else's name, or it's a debit card.
- The license has expired, or was issued too recently.
- The driver is under the minimum age, often 21 to 25.
Before you go
- Look up your destination in our country guides.
- Get an official IDP from your home issuer if it's required.
- Get a license translation if your license isn't in the local language.
- Read your rental terms for age, card and insurance rules.
Common questions
Can I rent a car abroad with a debit card?
Sometimes, but many rental companies require a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. Check your booking terms before you travel.
Why do rental companies refuse customers?
The most common reasons are a missing IDP where one is required, a credit card that isn't in the driver's name, a license that's expired or too new, and the driver being under the minimum age.
Do I need extra insurance?
It depends on your booking and your own cover. Check what is included, what the excess is, and whether your credit card or travel insurance covers rental cars in that country.