Car Rental Drivers License Requirements

Car Rental Drivers License Requirements are standard for all rental companies.

In order to rent a car, or be an authorized additional driver on someone else's rental car, you must have a valid driver’s license, with your current address.

The rental counter reserves the right to do a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) check on any renter. In this check they will perform a verification for the renter and any additional drivers.

Read more about Car Rental Additional Drivers

The car rental companies reserve the right to deny a rental if your driving history shows any of the following:

invalid, suspended or revoked license

One or more convictions for reckless driving within a certain time frame (as determined by the individual rental company.

one DUI, DWI or DWAI conviction within a certain time frame (as determined by the individual rental company)

failure to report/leave scene of accident within a certain time frame (as determined by the individual rental company)

possession of stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime

expired license

three or more convictions for moving violations within a certain time frame (as determined by the individual rental company) Note: This restriction usually excludes seatbelt violations; check with the rental company.

two or more accidents within a certain time frame (as determined by the individual rental company)

Temporary driver's licenses are accepted only if for change of residence or replacement of lost or stolen license. If there is no photo ID on your temporary license, the description on the license must match that of the renter. A temporary drivers license will be checked for the same criteria as a regular license.

No Learner Permits or photocopies of your license are accepted. You may not rent a car to take your driver’s test.

Most car rental companies will rent to a person who is disabled and who does not possess a driver’s license. The renter must show that they are able to be personally and financially responsible for the rental vehicle. They must meet the drivers license requirement of the rental car company. The disabled renter must their own credit card to rent the vehicle. The driver must be 25 years of age and complete an additional driver form at the time of rental. There are no fees for an additional driver for a disabled renter.

Read more about Car Rentals for Persons with Disabilities

*Note: Car rental companies can modify policy at any time; I make every attempt to maintain up-to-date info, but always check with an individual company to verify any policy. See: Disclaimer

Rules at licensee-owned locations may vary. It’s always best to check directly with the location that you want to rent from.

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