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7 September 2026 · SunnVio

Documents and Driving License for a Rental Car in Europe: What Should You Bring?

You've booked a rental car and your holiday is about to begin, but things can go wrong at the counter if you don't have the right paperwork with you. In this article, we outline which documents you need to pick up a rental car in Europe without any hassle.

Why checking documents matters

Car rental companies are strict about the documents you need to present when picking up your rental car. If something is missing, the counter staff may refuse to hand over the car, even if you've already paid. Since this can vary by country and rental company, it's wise to check well in advance of departure exactly what's required, so you don't end up with an unpleasant surprise at the desk.

A valid driving license

The most important document is, of course, your driving license. Make sure it's still valid on the day of pickup and throughout the entire rental period, as an expired license is almost always rejected. You usually also need to have held your license for at least one or two years before you're allowed to rent a car. If you're traveling with an old pink driving license, check whether it's still accepted in your destination country, as some rental companies require the newer European model.

International driving permit: when do you need one?

Within the European Union, your national driving license is usually sufficient. However, if you're traveling outside the EU, for example to certain Balkan countries or further afield, an international driving permit may be required or recommended. This document doesn't replace your regular license but is an official translation of it that you can easily apply for. Always check this in advance with your local authorities and with your rental company's terms, so you don't show up at the counter for nothing.

Valid ID or passport

In addition to your driving license, the rental company will ask for a valid form of identification, usually a passport or ID card. If you're traveling outside the Schengen area, a passport is often required instead of an ID card. Pay close attention to the expiry date: many countries require your passport to remain valid for several months after your return journey. Always carry this document separately from your driving license, so you don't lose everything at once if something goes missing.

Booking confirmation and payment details

Print out your booking confirmation or make sure you have it available digitally, including the booking number and the main driver's name. This name must exactly match the name on the driving license and the credit card used to pay the deposit. If these details don't match, it can lead to unpleasant discussions at the counter, so double-check this when booking.

Credit card in the driver's name

For the deposit, almost every rental company requires a credit card in the name of the main driver. A debit card or prepaid card is usually not accepted, even if it has sufficient funds. Make sure your available credit limit is high enough to cover the deposit, as this amount will be temporarily blocked on your card. If you're traveling with a second driver, it's smart to bring their complete documents as well.

Extra documents for special situations

In some cases, additional documents are required, such as proof of age for younger drivers or a separate declaration if you want to cross the border with the rental car. When renting a car for business use, the rental company may also ask for extra paperwork. If in doubt, always check with the rental company's customer service in advance, so you know exactly what to bring and avoid surprises when picking up the car.