Renting a car in the USA from Canada
The short answer
Your Canadian provincial license is accepted in the US. Budget asks Canadians to show a passport or Enhanced Driver's License too, and Avis says Canadians arriving by air need a license and passport. Bring a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit.
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What do I need to bring?
- Your Canadian provincial driving license.
- Your passport or an Enhanced Driver's License. Budget asks for one of them; Avis asks for a passport if you arrive by air.
- A credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit.
Driving a US rental back into Canada
- Tell the rental company if you plan to drive into Canada; not every rental can cross the border.
- One-way rentals across the border can carry large drop fees.
- Keep the rental agreement in the car at the border.
What catches visitors out?
- A debit card, or a card in someone else's name, for the deposit.
- Young driver fees if anyone driving is under 25.
- Tolls billed weeks later, after you've flown home. See toll fees by company.
- Buying cover twice, or not at all. See cover for visitors.
Planning your trip? Leave your number and we'll check it for your booking.
Questions people ask
Can Canadians rent a car in the USA?
Yes. A valid Canadian provincial license is accepted. Budget also asks for a passport or Enhanced Driver's License.
Do Canadians need an International Driving Permit in the USA?
No, not for the rental. Canadian licenses are accepted on their own, with the ID the company asks for.
Can I drive a US rental car into Canada?
Often, but not always. Tell the rental company when you book, because cross-border rules differ by company and car.
Related help
- Renting in the US or Canada from abroad
- Foreign licenses and the International Driving Permit
- Paying for a rental car from abroad
- Rental car cover for overseas visitors
- Airport rental counter finder
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