What documents do you need to rent a car?

In Australia, the most important documents you’ll need to pick up your rental car are your driving licence and a credit card with your name on it. If you’re holding a foreign driving licence, there are a few other details you need to be aware of. Read on for VroomVroomVroom’s detailed list of documents you’ll need to collect your hire car.

Driving licence requirements for car hire in Australia

Driving licences are different for each country, and whether your licence is a valid document for car hire in Australia varies between providers and locations. Remember that most Australian states have strict requirements for both domestic and international driving licence holders. If your licence has been suspended, cancelled, or surrendered to an authority at any point in time, you may not be allowed to drive in most states.

Australian driving licence

Most rental car providers only accept Australian driving licences held for at least 12 months since their issue date. Across Australia, a Class C licence holder is permitted to drive cars, vans, light trucks, and 12-seater vehicles. Drivers under the age of 25 with full licences are usually allowed to rent a car, although there may be a young driver fee.

Can you hire a car with a provisional licence in Australia?

Some providers allow provisional licence or P-plate holders to rent a restricted range of cars subject to an additional fee, though keep in mind that provisional licences are subject to strict restrictions, such as maintaining a 0% BAC (Blood Alcohol Level) and keeping the P-plate on display. Drivers that hold learner’s permits are not allowed to rent a car in Australia.

Can you use a digital driver’s licence to hire a car in Australia?

Yes, some rental car providers accept digital driver’s licences, and some states, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia recognise them as valid driving documents. When you rent a car in Australia with a digital driver’s licence, you should carry your real licence at all times in case the provider asks for it for additional identification purposes.

Documents required for additional drivers

If you’re adding an additional driver to your rental, they must possess a full, valid driving licence adhering to the same requirements as the primary driver. Remember that additional drivers usually attract an additional driver fee.

Overseas licence holders

In most cases, rental car providers require your overseas driving licence to be printed in English, and drivers with non-English licences must secure an International Driving Permit or an English translation of their licence. Each Australian state applies varying restrictions for overseas licences, with some allowing visiting drivers to drive for up to a few months with their current licence if it’s in English. Check local laws on driving with an overseas licence before you book a rental car.

What’s an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit or IDP translates a driver’s licence from its original language and is often considered a primary document when driving abroad. International drivers with non-English licences must present an IDP when they rent a car in Australia. If the driver’s unable to secure an IDP, they must provide an English translation of their current driving licence coming from a state-recognised translation agency.

Do you need a passport to hire a car in Australia?

Yes, international drivers need to bring their passport to the rental car depot to verify their identity along with their driving licence and credit card. Review your provider’s Terms and Conditions to confirm what forms of identification are accepted.

Do additional drivers with international licences need an IDP?

Yes, additional drivers holding an international licence need an IDP the same way the primary driver with an overseas licence does. All drivers listed in a Rental Agreement must present valid licences, including an IDP if the licence is not in English.

For example

Rayyan forgets to bring his licence to the collection depot

With a valid credit card, an International Driving Permit, and his passport in hand, Rayyan thought he came in ready and prepared to pick up his rental car, only to realise that he didn’t have his driver’s licence in his bag. Sure, there’s his digital licence on his phone, but the depot needed to see a physical licence to verify his identity. As he had incomplete documents for the car rental, the rental car provider cancelled his booking — at no charge — and recommended creating another booking once he receives his physical licence in the mail.

Credit card and payment requirements

When it comes to car rental, credit cards are the widely accepted payment method. Compared to paying with a debit card or cash, credit cards make it easier for rental car providers to verify your identity and charge for additional expenses incurred during the rental.

Providers will often require a credit card for the security bond. If you use a debit card to pay for your rental booking, you need to have enough cash in your bank account to cover potential additional charges.

In all cases, the driver must present a credit card under their name when picking up their rental car, and other payment methods may attract additional fees.