How do you rent a car in the US as an international visitor?

What documents do you need to rent a car in the US?

At the counter you'll usually need:

• your full driver's license from your home country, held long enough to meet the company's minimum, often one year;
• your passport;
• a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit hold;
• your booking confirmation, including any prepaid voucher.

Some companies also ask for a return flight ticket. See renting from abroad.

Do you need an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your license. It isn't a license on its own, so you always carry both. Rules vary by state and company. If your license isn't in English, or doesn't use the Latin alphabet, get one. Many visitors with English-language licenses don't need one, but it's cheap insurance against a difficult counter.

You must get your IDP in the country that issued your license, before you travel. You can't get one once you're in the US. See International Driving Permits.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in the US?

At most major companies, 25 is the age for standard rentals without extra fees. Drivers aged 21 to 24 can usually rent but pay a daily young-driver fee and may be limited to smaller car classes. In New York and Michigan, state law lets drivers from 18 rent, with fees. Under 21 elsewhere is difficult.

Can you use a debit card or a foreign credit card?

A credit card from your home bank is normally fine, as long as it's in the main driver's name and has room for the deposit hold. Debit cards are far harder for international visitors, and many airport counters won't accept them. See paying from abroad.

What insurance do you need?

US rentals separate two kinds of cover:

• Damage to the rental car, usually a collision or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW).
• Liability, for damage or injury you cause to others. The car includes only the state minimum, which is often low, so many visitors add supplemental liability.

Your home car insurance usually won't cover you in the US. Some travel insurance and premium credit cards do. Check before you fly, so you know what to accept or decline. See insurance for visitors.

What should you know about US road rules?

Rules vary by state. A few that surprise visitors:

• Right on red is allowed in most places after a full stop, unless a sign says no. New York City is an exception.
• At a four-way stop, the first car to stop goes first.
• School buses with flashing red lights: in most states you stop in both directions, unless you're on the other side of a divided highway.
• Hand-held phone use while driving is banned in many states.

How do tolls work in a rental car?

Many toll roads, especially in the Northeast, Florida, Texas and California, no longer take cash. Rental companies bill tolls through their own programs, often with a daily fee on top. Ask at the counter how tolls work, or plan a route that avoids them. See toll fees by company.

How OneCall helps international visitors

Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls, including plenty from overseas travelers. Your agent checks the license, age, card and insurance rules for your company and pickup location before you fly, so there are no surprises at the counter. If you're stuck at the desk, call us. Advice is free, and if anything costs money, you hear the price first.

Questions people ask

Can I rent a car in the US with a foreign license?

Yes. Most companies accept a valid foreign license, often with an IDP if it isn't in English. Check your company's rules for your pickup location.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car in the US as a visitor?

Almost always. It should be in the main driver's name with enough room for the deposit hold.

Does my home car insurance cover me in the US?

Usually not. Check your travel insurance and credit card benefits, or buy cover from the rental company.

Related help

• Renting in the US or Canada from abroad
• Foreign licenses and the International Driving Permit
• Rental car cover for overseas visitors
• Paying for a rental car from abroad
• Rental car toll fees, company by company

Written and checked by the OneCall Rental team on 1 November 2026. Our team includes people who've worked car-rental reservation calls. Rules differ by company and location, so check your own rental agreement too.

OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.