Car Rental Documents Required in 2026: Driving Licence, Credit Card and Age Rules
The counter at a car rental desk has a predictable rhythm: you present your documents, the agent checks each one, and you either drive away or spend the next 45 minutes explaining why something does not match expectations. Knowing exactly what is required — and where the common failures happen — makes the entire process take 10 minutes instead of an hour.
The three documents every rental requires
Every rental company, everywhere in the world, requires the same three items:
1. Valid driving licence (category B)
What it must be:
- A current, non-expired licence
- Category B (standard car/automobile) — category A alone (motorcycles) is not sufficient
- In most cases, held for at least 1 year from the date of issue. Some companies require 2–3 years for specific car categories or destinations.
What it does not need to be: the same nationality as your passport. An Irish licence holder can rent a car in Germany without any issues, even if travelling on a French passport.
Physical card: most companies require the physical licence card. A digital licence on a phone app is not universally accepted and should not be relied upon when travelling. Some EU member states have introduced app-based digital licences, but rental policy acceptance has lagged behind implementation.
Check the expiry date: this sounds obvious, but licences expire and renewal can be time-consuming. An expired licence by even one day means no rental, no exceptions.
2. Passport or national ID
Your licence establishes your driving eligibility; a separate identity document confirms who you are. For EU citizens renting within the EU, a national ID card is almost always sufficient. For rentals outside the EU (USA, Turkey, UAE, Asia), a passport is usually required.
Matching names: the name on your driving licence and your identity document must match exactly. Discrepancies (a middle name on one but not the other, a maiden name) can cause refusals. If your documents have different name formats, carry a supporting document (marriage certificate, etc.).
3. Credit card in the driver's name
This is the most frequent documentation failure — and the most consequential. The credit card is required not for payment (you can pay any way) but for the security deposit: the company blocks a sum on the card as a guarantee against damage, fines, or fuel discrepancies.
Why credit card specifically:
- A credit block is reversible — when you return the car undamaged, the hold is released without money actually leaving your account
- It provides the rental company legal recourse
- Debit cards work differently: a blocked amount reduces your available balance immediately
What is and is not accepted:
| Card type | Typically accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa or Mastercard credit | ✅ Yes | The standard requirement |
| American Express | ✅ At most major chains | Not all accept Amex |
| Visa or Mastercard debit | ⚠️ Sometimes | With additional conditions |
| Revolut credit card | ✅ Yes | The Revolut credit product, not standard/prepaid |
| Revolut prepaid/debit | ❌ Usually not | Most chains reject prepaid |
| Maestro / Visa Electron | ❌ No | Not accepted anywhere |
| Prepaid cards | ❌ No | Without exception |
The Revolut situation: Revolut offers both prepaid/debit and credit card products. The prepaid debit card (Standard, Plus plan) is almost universally rejected. The Revolut credit card (available in select markets) functions like any other credit card and is typically accepted. Verify which product you have before travel.
Credit limit: the deposit block (€200–2,000 depending on car category and insurance level) must be within your available credit limit. If your card has a €500 limit and the deposit is €800, the transaction fails. Check your limit before the trip and increase it if necessary.
Age requirements and young driver fees
Age affects both your eligibility to rent and your cost:
| Age | Situation |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | Cannot rent anywhere |
| 18–20 | Cannot rent at most major chains (minimum age 21) |
| 21–24 | Can rent, but young driver surcharge applies |
| 25+ | Standard rates, no surcharge |
| 70+ | Some companies add a senior driver surcharge or require a medical certificate |
Young driver surcharge: €5–15 per day per driver aged 21–24. On a 10-day rental at €10/day, that is €100 in addition to the base rate. It is mandatory wherever applied — there is no way around it except choosing a company that does not charge one (some local operators do not).
Minimum licence holding period: separate from age. A 23-year-old who only passed their test 6 months ago may still be refused by companies that require 1 or 2 years of licence holding. The test date is on your licence — companies check it.
Luxury and premium vehicles: minimum age requirements are often higher — 25 or even 30 — and licence holding requirements are stricter. If you are planning to rent a sports car or large SUV, check the age requirement specifically for that vehicle class before booking.
When you need an international driving permit (IDP)
The IDP is a multi-language translation document (not a standalone licence — it is always used together with your national licence, never instead of it). It translates your licence details into 12 languages under the 1949 and 1968 UN conventions.
You do NOT need an IDP:
- EU/EEA licence holders renting within the EU/EEA
- UK licence holders renting in most of Western Europe (the UK Driving Licence is widely recognised, though this can change post-Brexit in specific countries — verify for your destination)
You DO need an IDP:
- Any rental outside your home country if your licence is not written in Latin characters (Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Cyrillic, Greek, Thai, etc.)
- In the USA, Canada, and Australia: technically required but rarely enforced — rental companies accept international licences, but in the event of an accident or police stop, not having one can complicate matters significantly
- In Turkey, UAE, and most Middle East destinations: strongly recommended alongside your national licence
- In some Asian destinations (Japan, South Korea, China): required
Where to get an IDP: from the national automobile association in your country (RAC in the UK, AAA in the US, ADAC in Germany, etc.). It typically costs €5–25, requires a valid driving licence and passport photo, and is issued on the same day or mailed within a few days. Valid for 1–3 years depending on the issuing country.
The deposit: how much, for how long, on what card
The security deposit is a pre-authorisation (not a charge) that appears on your credit card statement as a pending transaction. The amount varies significantly:
| Car category | Typical deposit range |
|---|---|
| Economy / compact | €200–500 |
| Mid-size / standard | €400–800 |
| Full-size / SUV | €600–1,200 |
| Luxury / convertible | €1,000–3,000 |
| With reduced excess waiver | €0 (if full cover purchased) |
Timeline for release:
- Undamaged return: hold released within 3–14 days (banking processing time, not the rental company's delay)
- Damage reported: company deducts the excess amount and releases the rest
- Disputed damage: process can extend to weeks
The reduced excess option: purchasing a "Super CDW" or full damage waiver at the counter (expensive) or a third-party excess waiver before rental (significantly cheaper) can reduce the deposit block to zero. If your budget is tight and a large blocked amount creates a problem, the third-party excess waiver from a specialist (insurance4carhire.com, RentalCover.com) at €3–8/day is worth considering.
Additional drivers: rules and costs
Any person who will drive the rental car (beyond the main driver) must be added to the contract. This is not optional — driving a rental car that is not assigned to you is both a contract violation and potentially an insurance violation.
Requirements for additional drivers: identical to the main driver — valid licence (with appropriate age and holding period), ID or passport, and the company may require them to be present at collection.
Additional driver fees: most companies charge €3–10/day per extra driver. On a 10-day rental for two drivers: €30–100 extra. Some premium credit card benefits include one additional driver at no charge — worth checking before paying this fee.
Credit card benefit note: if your credit card's rental car benefit requires the full rental to be paid on that card, all drivers may need to be registered under the same booking. Check the terms of your specific card.
What to do at the collection counter: the full process
The collection process has a defined sequence. Knowing it prevents both mistakes and pressure-sales:
Step 1 — Present documents Licence, passport/ID, and credit card. The agent copies or scans your licence. They pre-authorise the deposit on your card.
Step 2 — Inspect the car before signing Walk around the car and photograph every panel — all four sides, the roof, bonnet, boot, both bumpers, and both wing mirrors. Photograph the odometer and the fuel gauge. Email all photos to yourself immediately — the timestamp is your proof.
Step 3 — Note existing damage on the contract If you see scratches, dents, or any damage, ensure it is documented on the damage form or collection paperwork before you sign. Do not assume the agent has noted everything.
Step 4 — Decline upsells you do not need The counter sequence typically includes:
- "Upgrade to a larger car for just €X/day" → decline unless you genuinely want it
- "Add our Super CDW to reduce your excess to zero" → if you already have third-party excess cover, decline
- "Pre-purchase your fuel for convenience" → decline; choose full-to-full (return with a full tank)
- "Add GPS for €X/day" → decline; use your phone
- "Add roadside assistance" → check if your travel insurance or credit card already includes this
Step 5 — Confirm departure Verify the fuel level matches what is stated on the contract. Confirm the stated mileage. Get the 24/7 emergency contact number for the rental company before driving away.
Documents checklist for car rental
Before your collection appointment, confirm you have:
- Physical driving licence — valid, not expired, category B
- Licence held for the required minimum period (typically 1 year, check your booking)
- Passport or national ID — name must match your licence exactly
- Credit card in the driver's name — sufficient available credit for the deposit
- Booking confirmation (email or printed)
- International Driving Permit (if renting outside EU with a non-Latin-script licence)
- Third-party excess waiver insurance confirmation (if purchased in advance)
- Travel insurance confirmation (if using card benefits, have documentation)
Related guides
- Hidden fees in car rental — CDW excess, airport surcharges, fuel policy traps, and the full counter script
- Car rental in Greece 2026 — country-specific guide including the new 2026 traffic rules
- Car rental without a credit card — what to do if you only have debit
- How to pay abroad without fees — why your card choice matters beyond just rental deposits
- Travel insurance guide 2026 — how rental car cover fits into your overall travel protection
- Lost luggage rights 2026 — another area where knowing your rights before arrival saves money
Întrebări frecvente
- Do I need an international driving permit in Europe?
- No, if your driving licence was issued by an EU/EEA member state. EU licences are mutually recognised across all 27 member states plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. An international driving permit (IDP) is only required if your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, or if your licence is written in non-Latin characters (Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, etc.).
- Can I rent a car with a debit card?
- Rarely with major chains (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt). These companies almost universally require a credit card for the security deposit. Some smaller and local operators accept debit cards with additional conditions (higher deposit, age restrictions). Prepaid cards, Maestro, and Revolut Standard (debit) are almost never accepted. Revolut credit card or a traditional Visa/Mastercard credit card is the safe option.
- What is the minimum age to rent a car?
- Most rental companies set the minimum age at 21, with a valid driving licence held for at least 1 year. Some operators require 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories (luxury, large SUVs, automatic). Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge of €5–15/day on top of the base rental price.
- Can I use a digital driving licence on my phone?
- Generally no. Most rental companies require the physical driving licence card. Some EU member states have introduced digital driving licences in their apps, but rental companies have been slow to accept these — policies vary by company and country. Do not rely on a digital version when travelling abroad. Bring the physical card.
- What happens to the credit card deposit when I return the car?
- The security deposit (typically €200–2,000 depending on car category and insurance level) is blocked — not charged — on your credit card at collection. It appears as a pending charge. When you return the car in good condition, the hold is released within 3–14 days depending on your bank. If damage is reported, the company charges some or all of the deposit against the hold.
- Does my regular car insurance cover rental cars abroad?
- Your domestic car insurance policy covers your own vehicle, not rental cars. Some comprehensive motor insurance policies extend to rental cars in some countries — check your policy documents. Credit card travel benefits sometimes include rental car cover (Visa Infinite, Amex Gold) — but with conditions (must pay the full rental on that card, cover is secondary). A third-party excess waiver insurance is the most reliable rental cover.
- Can a second driver use a rented car?
- Yes, but additional drivers must be added to the contract at collection and must meet all the same requirements (age, valid licence, credit card may be required). Most companies charge an additional driver fee of €3–10/day per extra driver. Some credit card rental benefits include one additional driver free — check your card terms before paying.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations stay honest.