Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Kristin
Some car renters are caught unprepared when they arrive at the rental counter. Here’s what you need to pick up a rental car.
Car Rental Checklist: What to Bring
Nearly every rental car company will require you to bring a few basic documents when you rent a car.
Driver’s License
You’ll need to bring an unexpired driver’s license when picking up your vehicle. The license should not have any major restrictions. Some states or countries may require drivers to have had a driver’s license for a certain amount of time. Others require that primary drivers be at least 25 for exotic rentals. Be sure to check the fine print to see if any of these time restrictions affect you.
Be sure to bring a physical copy of your driver’s license, as a digital copy will not be accepted. Even if you have a mobile driver’s license, the rental car company needs to see the physical document. Also, make sure to bring a physical driver’s license for any additional drivers.
Physical Credit or Debit Card
Rental car companies generally require renters to pay with a credit card. While it may be possible to rent a car with a debit card, you may need additional documents (see below). While rental car companies may say they accept digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, in our experience, practices can vary by location. It’s always best to bring the physical card. If you want to pay with a credit card that offers primary insurance coverage, be sure to use this payment method when making the reservation.
Proof of Membership or Discount Eligibility
If you booked using a membership-based discount or benefit, such as AAA, Costco or AARP, bring proof of your membership. Some rental companies require the primary renter to show a current membership card at pickup to receive the discounted rate or other benefits. Check the terms of your particular offer before you leave home.
Possible Additional Documents
In some cases, you may be required to show additional documents when picking up a rental car. These documents are generally not required, but the rental company could ask for them in certain situations.
Proof of Return Travel
If you’re renting with a debit card, particularly at an airport location, you may need to show a ticketed return itinerary. Requirements vary by rental company and location.
Secondary Identification
If you’re paying with a debit card, the rental car company may require you to show additional documents proving your address. These additional documents may be a utility bill, bank statement or auto insurance card. For a list of acceptable documents when renting with a debit card, check your rental company’s policies.
Proof of Insurance
While you do not generally need to show proof of an auto insurance policy, the rental company may ask to see your insurance information when renting an exotic vehicle or renting a car abroad.
Valid Passport
If you’re renting a car internationally, you’ll likely need to show a passport in addition to your driver’s license. In some countries, you may also be required to share your accommodation details.
International Driving Permit
You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) when renting a car abroad if English is not the official language. While not all countries require this permit, the rental car company may ask for it in certain places where the document is required. An International Driving Permit translates your driver’s license into 10 languages and is valid in 150 countries. The IDP can be obtained from the American Automobile Association (AAA) in advance of your trip.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
While renting a car is straightforward, some travelers do forget key documents when picking up their vehicle.
Bring Physical Documents: To avoid any mishaps at the rental car counter, make sure you have a hard copy of your driver’s license and a physical credit or debit card. These are the two most important documents you can bring. You should always have these physical documents with you, even if you have already completed a digital check-in process or paid in advance.
Check Debit Card Policy: If you are renting with a debit card, check the rental company’s policies to see if you need any identification beyond your standard driver’s license. Some companies want to see a utility bill or other proof of residency, though this varies considerably by rental company and location. Also, double-check the deposit amount to ensure your debit card has enough funds to cover the full amount of the deposit on top of the estimated rental charges. This deposit may cost hundreds of dollars and you will not have access to those funds during the rental period and possibly some time after.
Bring International Paperwork: If you’re renting a car internationally, read the fine print to see which documents the rental company requires before your trip. In addition to your valid driver’s license, bring your passport and International Driving Permit (IDP) if required. It’s also a good idea to check whether the rental company requires proof of your local address, such as a hotel or Airbnb.
Renting a car is straightforward, but don’t assume all you need is your driver’s license. Make sure to double-check any additional documentation you may need before arriving at the rental car counter to avoid any headaches during your trip.
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