Foreign licenses and the International Driving Permit
The short answer
A valid home-country license with your passport is accepted by the major US rental companies. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your license isn't in English, and required by Enterprise and Budget if it isn't in the Latin alphabet. An IDP is only a translation: it's never accepted on its own.
Free call. We answer 24/7, every day of the year.
Or leave your number and we'll call you back.
Key takeaways
- A license in English is usually enough for the major US rental companies.
- If your license isn't in English, bring an International Driving Permit with it.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
| Your license is | What the rental companies say |
|---|---|
| In English | Your license and passport are enough. No IDP needed for the rental. |
| In another language using Latin letters (for example German or Spanish) | Enterprise: an IDP is recommended but not required. Hertz: an IDP is recommended to help translation. |
| In a non-Latin script (for example Arabic, Russian or Japanese) | Enterprise and Budget: an IDP is required, with your license and passport. Enterprise also accepts a professional, typed translation if you can't get an IDP. |
From each company's own website, checked 19 October 2026. State driving laws can differ from rental company rules.
What do rental companies check on a foreign license?
- It's valid for the whole rental and has your photo. Enterprise doesn't accept digital licenses.
- It isn't a learner's permit. Enterprise and Avis don't accept learner's permits.
- The name matches your passport. Hertz and Avis ask for a passport in the same name.
- Avis accepts licenses from countries in the 1949 Geneva or 1943 Inter-American road traffic conventions, or with a reciprocal agreement with the US.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
In your home country, before you travel. IDPs are issued by the authorised body in the country that issued your license, and you can't get one after you arrive in the US.
Not sure your license will be accepted at your pickup location? Leave your number and we'll check it for your booking.
Questions people ask
Is an International Driving Permit valid on its own for renting a car?
No. Hertz, Avis and Enterprise all say an IDP is only accepted together with your original home license.
Can I rent a car in the USA with a UK, Australian or Indian license?
Yes, with your passport. Licenses in English don't need an International Driving Permit for the rental.
What if my license is not in English?
Bring an International Driving Permit. If your license uses a non-Latin script, Enterprise and Budget say the IDP is required.
Related help
- Renting in the US or Canada from abroad
- Paying for a rental car from abroad
- License refused at the counter
- What you need to rent a car
- Renting a car in the USA from the UK
- Renting a car in the USA from Canada
- Renting a car in the USA from India
- Renting a car in the USA from Australia
OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.
What happens when you call
Leave your name and number
That's all we need to start.
A real person calls you back
During our hours, 24/7, every day of the year. They stay with you until it's sorted.
We find you a way forward
And explain it in plain words.
You see everything in writing before you pay a cent
Nothing is charged until you say yes.
Pickup, drop-off, and everything in between. You've always got someone.
Planning a rental? Talk it through first
Tell us where and when. Your agent compares your options, spots the fees most people miss, and tells you the real total before you book.
Free call. We answer 24/7, every day of the year.