Most rental problems abroad happen at the counter, not on the road. Bring these documents and you avoid the most common reasons for a refused rental.
1. Your original driving licence
Always the physical card, valid for your whole rental period. Many companies also require that you have held it for at least one year, sometimes two for larger cars. Digital or temporary paper licences are often refused.
2. An IDP or a translation, where needed
In countries that require an International Driving Permit, such as Italy or Greece, rental desks will ask for it and may refuse the rental without it. Where foreign licences are accepted but yours isn’t in the local language or Latin script, many companies ask for a translation. Check your rental company’s terms before you book.
3. A credit card in the main driver’s name
Rental companies block a deposit on the card, and most won’t accept debit cards or a card in someone else’s name. Make sure the limit covers the deposit plus your other travel spending.
4. Your passport
Outside your home country, rental desks usually want to see your passport alongside your licence.
5. Age rules
The minimum age is commonly 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee. Some premium cars need drivers to be 25 or older.
Before you leave
- Read the rental terms for your pick-up location, not just the country.
- Photograph the car, inside and out, before you drive away.
- Check how tolls and traffic fines are charged; many are billed to your card later.