Traveling across the USA is a dream for many! Is this your dream too and want to plan a stress-free US trip? We are here to help you. One of the most important factors of any trip is transportation to the place you are going to. For international visitors, renting a car provides freedom and comfort. But you cannot just visit a rental company and rent a car. You must know which rental companies accept foreign renters. What are their requirements? Well, if you do not know, this guide will help international travelers understand car rental conditions and make the best choice.
📋 General Requirements for Foreign Renters
Most U.S. car rental companies allow international renters. However, they usually require:
✅ Valid Driver’s License: Most companies accept your home country’s license. Some may also ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English.
✅ Passport: You also need a valid passport as proof of identity.
✅ Credit Card: Companies also ask for a major credit card for payment and deposit security.
🏆 Major Car Rental Companies and Their Policies
Here is a comparison of major U.S. car rental companies and their policies for foreign renters:
| 🚘 Rental Company | 🛂 Foreign License Accepted? | 📝 IDP Required? | 🏦 Credit Card Needed? |
| Alamo | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Enterprise | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Hertz | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Avis | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Budget | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| National | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Thrifty | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Dollar | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
| Sixt | ✅ Yes | Recommended if not in English | ✅ Yes |
🔹Note: IDP = International Driving Permit
🚘 Take a Quick Look at Company Policies
Alamo Rent a Car
The Alamo is a popular choice among international travelers. They accept foreign driver’s licenses and may request an IDP, especially if the license is not in English. A valid passport and credit card are also necessary.
🔹 Alamo is a popular choice for international travelers.
🔹 Accepts foreign driver’s licenses.
🔹 May request an IDP if the license is not in English.
🔹 Requires a valid passport and credit card.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise welcomes foreign renters with a valid driver’s license from their home country. You can carry an IDP if the license is not in English. Renters must present a passport and a major credit card.
🔹 Enterprise allows foreign renters with a home country license.
🔹IDP is recommended if the license is not in English.
🔹You need a passport and credit card for verification.
Hertz
Hertz allows international visitors to rent vehicles using their foreign driver’s license. If the license is in a non-Roman alphabet, you must have an IDP. They also ask for a passport and a credit card for verification and payment.
🔹 Hertz accepts foreign driver’s licenses.
🔹 If the license is not in the Roman alphabet, an IDP is highly advisable. 🔹 Passport and credit card required for payment and security deposit.
Avis
Avis accepts foreign driver’s licenses for rentals. We recommend an IDP if the license is not in English. Renters need to provide a valid passport and a credit card.
🔹 Avis allows international visitors to rent with a foreign license.
🔹 Recommends an IDP if the license is not in English.
🔹 Renters must provide a valid passport and credit card.
Budget Rent a Car
Budget car rental permits foreign renters with a valid driver’s license. An IDP may be necessary if the license is not in English. A passport and credit card are also required.
🔹 Budget accepts foreign renters with a valid license.
🔹 May require an IDP if the license is not in English.
🔹 Passport and credit card needed.
National Car Rental
National accepts foreign driver’s licenses for rentals. If the license is not in English, renters need an IDP. Renters must present a valid passport and a major credit card.
🔹 National allows rentals with a valid foreign license.
🔹 IDP is recommended if the license is not in English.
🔹 Must present a passport and credit card.
Thrifty Car Rental
Thrifty allows international renters with a valid driver’s license. An IDP is recommended for licenses not in English. A passport and credit card are necessary for the rental process.
🔹 Thrifty allows foreign renters with a valid driver’s license.
🔹 IDP is suggested if the license is not in English.
🔹 Requires a passport and credit card.
Dollar Rent A Car
Dollar accepts foreign driver’s licenses. If the license is not in English, an IDP can help. Renters need to provide a passport and a credit card.
🔹 Dollar accepts international renters.
🔹 If the license is not in English, IDP is recommended.
🔹 Passport and credit card required for rental.
Sixt Rent a Car
Sixt welcomes foreign renters with a valid driver’s license. An IDP is recommended if the license is not in English. A passport and credit card are required for verification
🔹 Sixt welcomes international visitors with a valid driver’s license.
🔹 An IDP is advised if the license is not in English.
🔹 Passport and credit card needed.
🚘 Alternative Car Rental Option
Kyte (Car Rental Delivery Service)
Kyte is a San Francisco-based rental car service that delivers cars directly to customers. Currently, it works in 14 U.S. cities. International renters can use Kyte with a valid driver’s license and passport. An IDP is needed if the license is not in English.
✅ San Francisco-based rental company.
✅ Delivers rental cars directly to customers in 14 U.S. cities.
✅ Accepts foreign driver’s licenses and passports.
✅ An IDP is recommended if the license is not in English.
Turo (Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing)
Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform operating in the U.S. International visitors can rent vehicles using their foreign driver’s license. An IDP is recommended if the license is not in English. A valid passport and credit card are also necessary.
✅ Turo allows foreigners to rent directly from car owners.
✅ Requires a valid foreign driver’s license.
✅ IDP is advised if the license is not in English.
✅ A passport and credit card are necessary
Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience
- Check Insurance Coverage: Your credit card or travel insurance might cover rental cars. Verify before purchasing extra insurance.
- Age Requirements: Most companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Renters aged 21-24 may pay extra fees.
- Clean Driving Record: Some companies may check your driving history.
- Book in Advance: Reserve your car early, especially in peak travel seasons.
- Understand Fuel Policies: Some companies require a full tank return, while others offer pre-paid fuel options.
Conclusion
The process of renting a car in the USA as a foreigner is usually easy and simple! Most rental companies allow international renters if they provide the required documents, such as a driver’s license, passport, and credit card. Services like Turo and Kyte also offer flexible rental options. You need to understand company policies, book in advance, and know insurance coverage to ensure a hassle-free rental US experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in the USA with my foreign driver’s license?
Yes, most U.S. car rental companies accept foreign driver’s licenses. However, if your license is not in English, some companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in the USA?
Not always. An IDP is recommended if your driver’s license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some states or rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check ahead.
Can I use a digital copy of my driver’s license to rent a car?
No, rental companies require a physical, valid driver’s license at the time of rental.
Can I use a debit card to rent a car in the USA?
Some rental companies accept debit cards, but many prefer credit cards for security reasons. It’s advisable to check the specific rental company’s policy beforehand.
What documents are required to rent a car as a foreigner in the USA?
You will generally need:
- A valid driver’s license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (if necessary)
- A valid passport
- A major credit card for payment and security deposit
