The question of whether or not you can rent a car with a temporary license is one that many people are asking. The answer to this is complicated, and it really depends on the state in which the person lives. Some states allow for this type of transaction, while others do not. If you are interested in renting a car with your temporary driver’s license, then read below for more information about what you need to know!
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
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Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License?
Yes, some rental car companies allow you to rent a car with an official temporary license (licensed by the DMV). Budget, Avis, and Hertz are among the companies that allow you to rent a car with a temporary license.
This is the full list of rental companies that allow you to rent a car with a temporary license:
- Avis
- Budget (additional documentations may be required)
- Dollar Rent A Car
- Enterprise (additional documentations may be required)
- Fox Rent A Car
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
Other rental companies like Silvercar (by Audi), Rent a Wreck, U-Save, Zipcar and Turo allow a temporary driver’s license holder to rent a car given you add additional documents such as a photocopy ID, a government issued ID or an international driver’s license.
Can I Rent a Car with A Temporary License?
- What Other Requirements Are There For Renting A Car?
- What is considered a temporary license?
- How to rent a car with a temporary license?
- When will I get my permanent driver’s license?
- Can I rent a car without insurance?
- How do I get my temporary driver’s license online?
What Other Requirements Are There For Renting A Car?
Most of the time, you are required to be 25+ years old and have a valid credit card in order to rent a car with an official temporary license. You may also be required to provide proof of insurance. If you do not own a vehicle and do not have auto insurance, then most companies will allow you to purchase their collision damage waiver at an additional charge.
Your temporary license should be issued by US or Canada, or by another country that meets your rental company requirements.
Also, your license cannot be suspended, expired, revoked, canceled, or surrendered.
Another fact that’s important is that your temporary license should be valid throughout the entire rental period. If you do not meet these requirements you won’t be able to rent a car.
If you are under 25 years old and do not have a credit card, then many companies will allow you to rent with an international driver’s license. However, if your official temporary license is issued by the state that you reside in (for instance California), then most car rental companies will require this over their own international drivers’ license.
If you do not have a driver’s license, then it is possible to rent with an international student ID card or passport as long as the company that you are renting from allows this form of identification.
What is considered a temporary license?
The Temporary Driver License is the perfect way to get around town while you’re waiting for your permanent license. It’s an identification card that grants permission from law enforcement officers to legally drive on the roads for a certain period of time.
How Long Is A Temporary Driver’s License Valid For?
The temporary license/identification card is valid for up to 45 days. After that, a permanent card will be mailed to your address.
How Can I Apply For A Temporary Driver’s License?
You can apply for a temporary license online by visiting the Department of Licensing website of your country. You will need to provide your driver’s license number, social security card, and proof that you are an out-of-state student. After submission, it takes about two weeks to receive your temporary card.
Partial list of DMV websites by state:
- California DMV
- New York DMV
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Virginia.gov
- Colorado DMV
- Florida DMV
How to rent a car with a temporary license?
If you are driving on a temporary driver’s license, then it is important to understand the rules of your rental car company.
Most companies do not allow renters who have had their licenses for less than one year to rent cars or trucks that weigh more than two thousand pounds. Additionally, some also require drivers with only a permit may drive up to twelve thousand pounds. Contact your car rental company before you go to the office so that there are no surprises when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to order a car with a temporary license:
#1 Get your driver’s license scanned and uploaded to the rental company
This can be done either by the car rental company or through your state’s DMV. If they already have a copy of your license on file, then you’ll just need to upload it once more and provide them with an electronic version. This will save time when you go to pick up the vehicle because there won’t be any delays while the car rental company looks up your license.
The second option is to have the DMV scan and upload a copy of your temporary license before you go into the office so that it’s waiting for you when you get there. This can be done by visiting any local DMV office, but expect long wait times if at all possible.
#2 Have a valid credit card and proof of insurance on hand
Before you go to the car rental office, it’s a good idea to have a valid credit card and proof of insurance on hand as well. This will ensure that your trip goes smoothly from beginning to end. Although most companies require customers who are younger than 25 years old or those without established lines of credit for their vehicles, exceptions can always be made if the situation calls for it.
#3 Be prepared for the renter’s age requirement, which is typically 25 years old or older
The renter’s age requirement is typically 25 years old or older, but there are exceptions to this rule. People who have spent a long time in the military and those with established lines of credit for their vehicles may be able to get around it if need be. But otherwise, renters will still need at least two forms of identification such as a driver’s license and a credit card, along with proof of vehicle insurance.
With these things in hand, however, customers can get behind the wheel of their rental car without any problems. They just need to be sure that they have everything they need before arriving at the counter so there are no delays when it comes time for them to rent a car.
#4 Know what type of car you are looking for before booking your reservation
Not all car types and models are available at every location. Sometimes it’s better to choose a pre-defined category, such as mid-size cars or SUVs, so that you can easily compare rates between different suppliers.
Knowing what type of car you’re interested in makes it easier to compare prices and figure out the best deal.
#5 If you have any special needs, speak with customer service about them beforehand so they can find out if it is possible to meet those needs
If there are any special needs you have, such as a car seat for your child or an accessible pick-up point, let them know before booking. Many places will be more than happy to try and accommodate these requests if at all possible!
You can also add additional drivers to the rental contract instead of paying extra fees. Just be sure that all of the people on the agreement are over 25 years old.
In terms of car insurance, you can get more information here:
- USAA: best overall car insurance company
- State Farm: best overall car insurance company
- Clearcover: best for digital presence
- Geico: best for high-risk drivers
- Travelers: best for budget drivers
- Erie: best for rubust coverage
- Auto-Owners: best for discounts
- Amica: best for claims satisfaction
- Nationwide: best for personalized coverage
- Progressive: best for digital policy management
- Allstate: best for high-value cars
#6 Check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.
When coming to rent the car, and because you’re renting with a temporary license, you’ll need to come at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time (or the start of rental time). This is because they’re going to need to take your temporary license and make sure it’s valid.
However, if for whatever reason (although highly unlikely) your license isn’t ready yet when you get there, but will be ready during the time you’re renting for, they’ll need to take a copy of it and your insurance card.
You can also rent with an International Driving Permit if you have one (and are not in North America). This is fine too.
If none of these things are possible, then they will ask that someone will rent the car for you.
When will I get my permanent driver’s license?
If you’re under the age of 18, most states require that before you can get a learner’s permit and hold it for at least 6 months (usually) as well as taking an exam on traffic laws. To be eligible to apply yourself in some cases you just need to show proof with I.D.; You must be at least 14 or 16 years old to get a learner’s permit in your state, depending on the rules and regulations set by that particular government agency.
Once you get a temporary license, you should get a permanent driver’s license mailed to your address within 15 to 45 days. If you haven’t got it past the 45th day, please contact your local DMV.
Can I rent a car without insurance?
Yes, you can rent a car without adding insurance. But, it’s a good idea to get some form of insurance because if you don’t have any and damage is done while renting a car, then it will be your responsibility and your cost. Luckily there are affordable policies offered by companies that cover damages on their end too!
You should consider getting coverage if possible when using Rental Cars due to the fact that most rentals come with comprehensive protection which protects against physical loss but not other types such as liability claims in case somebody trips over something while walking near where you parked the car and breaks their leg.
How do I get my temporary driver’s license online?
You can get a temporary driver’s license online by going to the DMV website and filling out an application. Once you submit it, they should be able to check your records for relevant information such as previous addresses which will determine if there are any outstanding fines or penalties that would keep you from having a valid license until those issues have been resolved.
What is considered proof of address when getting your California drivers’ license?
When applying for a new driver’s license, one of the first things you will need to do is prove your California address. This process varies depending on how long ago you moved and if other changes have been made, including a name change or new addition of a spouse or children to your family household.
Wrapping Up
Renting a car is an excellent way to travel when you need to get somewhere quickly and don’t have your own vehicle. However, it’s not always clear what documents are necessary when renting a car or if you can even rent one at all with just a temporary driver’s license. This article will help you
We hope that this article has helped answer some of these questions for you! If there is anything else we haven’t covered in the article or would like more information on, please feel free to comment here below. Thank You!
