Is it possible to rent a car with a temporary licence? Everything you need to know

No driver can be insured against losing his driver’s licence. 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 licence. 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 licence?

A temporary driving licence 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 licence. However, driving without a temporary licence until the original is issued is punishable by fines.

Is renting a car with a temporary licence allowed?

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

The main requirement is that the licence 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 licence 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 licences?

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

• Enterprise. Only those with a valid driver’s licence and at least one year of driving experience may rent a car.
• Hertz. The company allows rentals with a temporary driver’s licence, but they must be issued in the United States, Canada, or another country that meets the company’s requirements.
• Avis. Digital and temporary licences are not accepted. The driver is prohibited from driving without the appropriate licence (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 licence with a photo. Digital licences 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 licence. And some companies may even reject licences issued only on paper.

What you need to rent a car with a temporary licence

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

1. A valid temporary licence. 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 licence number. Some rental companies require that the temporary licence be printed with the number of the future permanent driver’s licence.

Helpful tips for renting a car with a temporary licence

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 licence, 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 licence. For international rentals, temporary licences are often rejected and the driver may need an International Driving Permit (IDP):

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

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

Conclusion

Yes, you can rent a car with a temporary licence, but the rules vary depending on the rental company and location. If your temporary licence 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.