Is It Possible to Rent a Car with a Temporary License? Everything You Need to Know

No driver can be insured against losing his driver’s license. And it does not matter whether it was stolen, lost or damaged. One way or another, while a new document is being made, the driver is issued a temporary license. Sometimes the situation happens at the most inopportune moment, when it is necessary to rent a vehicle. Conditions vary from company to company. But in practice, everything isn’t so scary — let’s delve into the details of this topic.

What Is a Temporary License?

A temporary driving license is a document that grants the right to drive a vehicle for a limited period of time. They are issued for the period of replacement, renewal or obtaining a new license. However, driving without a temporary license until the original is issued is punishable by fines.

Is Renting a Car with a Temporary License Allowed?

In general, rental companies provide the opportunity to rent a car with a temporary driver’s license. However, everything depends on the specific rental company and the type of document.

The main requirement is that the license mustn’t be expired. In addition, in most cases, a supplementary document with a photo certifying the identity will also be required. Some companies refuse to rent if only a paper temporary license without a photo is provided. Therefore, it is important to clarify the requirements with the selected lessor in advance.

Do Rental Car Companies Allow Temporary Driver’s Licenses?

As we mentioned above, the policies of large companies regarding the provision of services to drivers with a temporary driver’s license may differ. For instance:

• Enterprise. Only those with a valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience may rent a car.
• Hertz. The company allows rentals with a temporary driver’s license, but they must be issued in the United States, Canada, or another country that meets the company’s requirements.
• Avis. Digital and temporary licenses are not accepted. The driver is prohibited from driving without the appropriate license (permit) for driving the appropriate category of vehicle.
• National accepts from customers residing in the United States or Canada a valid, unexpired state-issued driver’s license with a photo. Digital licenses are not accepted.

Additionally, some car rental companies may charge extra fees or may only allow a specific type of vehicle to be rented with a temporary license. And some companies may even reject licenses issued only on paper.

What You Need to Rent a Car with a Temporary License

To rent a car with a temporary license, you will most often need to provide the following documents:

1. A valid temporary license. The document must not be expired and officially recognized as valid in the country of the car rental company.
2. An additional form of identification. Some companies require a second document with a photo, such as a passport or ID card.
3. Indication of the permanent license number. Some rental companies require that the temporary license be printed with the number of the future permanent driver’s license.

Helpful Tips for Renting a Car with a Temporary License

Before renting a vehicle, call the rental company and check their policies. Find out the full list of documents, whether a tourist can rent a car with a temporary license, what models are offered for this type of rental.

Bring additional documents, such as proof of residence and a spare ID (if you have one). Location also matters. Some states and countries have strict laws requiring a permanent license. For international rentals, temporary licenses are often rejected and the driver may need an International Driving Permit (IDP):

• USA and Canada: some states allow rentals with a temporary license; others require a permanent one.
• Europe: most rental agencies require a full permanent license.
• Asia and the Middle East: temporary licenses are generally not accepted.

We recommend using a main credit card and also insuring your vehicle with a temporary driver’s license for the entire duration of your rental. Make sure there is comprehensive coverage that guarantees insurance for temporary driver’s license holders.

Conclusion

Yes, you can rent a car with a temporary license, but the rules vary depending on the rental company and location. If your temporary license is accepted, you may need additional documentation such as a passport, credit card, or proof of insurance. Call the rental agency before booking to find out all the details about your car rental.