Planning a road trip across America? Whether you’re dreaming of cruising down California’s Pacific Coast Highway or exploring the desert landscapes of Arizona, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule. The good news is that renting a car in the US as a foreigner is straightforward once you understand the requirements.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know – from documents and insurance to practical driving tips that will help you stay safe and avoid unexpected fees.
Quick Answer: Can Foreigners Rent a Car in the US?
Yes, most visitors over 21 years old with a valid foreign licence, passport, and credit card can rent a car in the US without major complications. The booking process is similar to what you’d experience in most developed countries, and major rental companies are well-equipped to serve international travelers.
Rules differ by state and rental company, but the process is generally straightforward for tourists staying up to three to six months. If your licence is not in English or uses non-Latin characters, or if you’re under 25 years old, you should check specific requirements before arrival to avoid surprises at the counter.
Who Can Rent a Car in the US as a Foreign Visitor?
Your eligibility to rent a car depends on three main factors: your age, your licence status, and your driving history. Rental companies verify these at the counter before handing over the keys.
Minimum age requirements:
- Most major rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old
- Some companies allow 18–20 year olds in states like New York and Michigan, but expect a daily young driver surcharge
- Certain vehicle categories require you to be 25 or older
Drivers under 25 typically pay an additional fee of $20 to $35 per day, depending on the company and location. These younger renters may also face restrictions on which vehicle types they can hire – luxury cars, sports cars, and large SUVs or minivans are often off-limits.
There’s typically no maximum age limit for renting, though some locations may request extra medical or insurance documentation for very senior drivers.
What can get you refused at the desk:
- Recent DUI or reckless driving convictions
- Major at-fault accidents in your recent driving history
- A suspended or revoked licence
- Presenting invalid or expired documents
If you plan to add extra drivers to your rental agreement, each additional driver must meet the same age and licence requirements. They’ll also need to be present at pickup with their own documents – you can’t simply add someone’s name without them being there.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for a US Trip
The “right” car depends entirely on your route, group size, and how much luggage you’re carrying. A compact sedan makes perfect sense for a city break in San Francisco, while a family road trip from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon calls for something with more space and comfort.
Common US rental categories:
- Economy/Compact: Best for city driving and fuel savings; limited trunk space
- Midsize/Full-size sedans: Ideal for highway comfort on longer drives; better for 2–4 passengers with luggage
- SUVs: Popular for families and groups; higher ground clearance useful for national parks and varied terrain
- Minivans: Maximum passenger and cargo space; great for large families or groups of 5+
One important thing to note: automatic transmission is standard in the US. If you’re used to driving manual gearboxes in your home country, you’ll almost certainly be driving automatic here. Manual transmission vehicles are scarce in the American rental market, so plan accordingly.
Practical add-ons to consider:
- Child seats (required by law for young children; age and height rules vary by state)
- GPS devices, though most travelers rely on smartphone navigation
- Ski racks or snow-capable vehicles for winter destinations like Colorado or Utah
Keep in mind that larger vehicles are easier to find in the US than in many other countries, but they cost more in fuel and parking. Balance comfort against your budget – a midsize sedan often hits the sweet spot for couples and small groups.
For example, if you’re planning to drive the famous Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you’ll want a comfortable car with decent trunk space for luggage. The route involves mountain curves and coastal stretches where a reliable midsize or full-size vehicle provides both safety and comfort for the journey.
Documents Foreigners Need to Rent a Car in the US
To rent a car as a foreign visitor, you typically need three things: a valid physical driver’s licence, a passport, and a major credit card in the main driver’s name.
Driver’s licence requirements:
Your licence must be valid for the entire rental period and display your full name and date of birth. It must be a hard plastic card – rental companies do not accept photos, screenshots, or app-only digital licences. This is perhaps the most important thing to remember when preparing your documents.
Many companies accept licences printed in English or Latin characters. If your licence is from Germany, France, Spain, or similar countries, you can usually present it without additional translation.
When you need an International Driving Permit:
An international driving permit (sometimes called an international driver’s license) becomes necessary or strongly recommended when:
- Your licence uses non-Latin alphabets (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, Korean, etc.)
- Specific states or rental companies require an official translation
- Your licence doesn’t include a photograph or key details in English
The IDP serves as an official translation of your licence – it’s not a standalone document. You must carry both your original licence and the IDP together. The permit must be obtained in your home country before traveling to the US; you cannot get one after arrival.
Example: A visitor from Japan would need to bring both their Japanese licence and an IDP. The Japanese licence alone, written in Japanese characters, wouldn’t be accepted by most rental companies.
Other documents:
- Your passport serves as primary identification and proof of legal entry
- Some locations request proof of return travel (like an airline ticket) for longer rentals
- Booking confirmation (printed or on your phone) helps expedite the process
What’s not accepted:
- Learner’s permits
- Temporary paper licences
- Photocopies of your licence
- Digital-only licences or photos of physical cards
Make sure all names match across your documents. If your passport spelling differs from your licence or credit card, bring additional documentation linking the names together to avoid delays.
How Long You Can Drive on a Foreign Licence in the US
The US operates under state-level rules, so the allowed period to drive legally on a foreign licence varies depending on where you are. Most states permit foreign visitors to drive for somewhere between three and six months.
For most visitors on tourist visas, you can drive for the length of your legal stay or up to the state’s specified limit – whichever is shorter. Your foreign licence and IDP (if required) must remain valid throughout this period.
If you’re staying longer:
Visitors on extended stays – students, workers, or those with longer-term visas – may need to apply for a state driver’s licence after a certain number of months. The requirements differ significantly between states:
- California generally allows tourists to drive on foreign licences for the duration of their visit
- Florida recognizes foreign licences for visitors but has specific rules for residents
- New York and Texas have their own timelines and requirements
An IDP typically lasts one year from the issue date, but this doesn’t extend your allowed driving period if a state requires you to obtain a local licence after a set time.
Before your trip, check the rules for your specific destinations. Official state DMV websites provide the most accurate and current information – avoid relying solely on third-party blogs or forums that may have outdated details. Don’t assume one state’s rules apply nationwide.
Insurance and Protections for Foreign Drivers
US auto insurance is complex, and relying only on your home country policy is usually not sufficient when renting a car. Understanding your available options before arriving can save you money and protect you from significant financial exposure if something goes wrong.
Main types of rental coverage:
- Liability coverage: Pays for damage to other driver vehicles, property damage, and medical expenses if you cause an accident
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers damage to or theft of your rental car; reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility for repairs
- Personal Accident Coverage: Covers medical costs for you and your passengers
The basic state-mandated liability included in most rentals is often quite low – sometimes just $15,000 to $25,000. In a serious car accident, medical expenses alone can easily exceed these amounts. Many foreign visitors choose additional liability protection to avoid potentially devastating insurance claim situations.
Credit card coverage:
Some credit cards offer collision damage coverage when you pay for the rental in full with that card. However, before relying on this:
- Confirm your card’s terms apply to rentals in the US
- Check if your country of residence affects eligibility
- Understand exclusions (certain vehicle types, rental durations, or destinations may not be covered)
- Know the claims process for reporting damage
Third-party insurance:
Supplemental insurance from specialized travel insurers can be purchased in advance, often at lower rates than buying everything at the rental counter. This best option allows you to compare coverage limits and deductibles carefully rather than making rushed decisions at pickup.
Consider your trip profile:
A two-week California road trip covering thousands of miles has different insurance needs than a weekend city visit to Chicago. Longer trips with more highway driving typically warrant more comprehensive coverage, while short urban rentals may need less.
When comparing policies, focus on coverage limits and excesses (deductibles), not just the headline price. A cheaper policy with a $5,000 excess could cost you more after a minor accident than a slightly pricier policy with a $500 excess.
What Happens at Pickup and Drop-off
Pickup and drop-off are where your documents, payments, and car condition are verified. Most extra charges can be avoided with proper preparation and attention to detail at these moments.
The pickup process:
- Present your licence, IDP (if required), passport, and credit card
- Sign the rental agreement – take extra time to review it carefully
- Confirm the fuel policy and mileage allowance
- Receive keys and parking location details
- Inspect the car thoroughly before driving away
During inspection, document any pre-existing damage with photos or video. Check for scratches, dents, windshield chips, and interior damage. Note anything you find on the rental agreement or report it immediately to staff. This protects you from being charged for damage you didn’t cause.
Deposits and holds:
The rental company will place a hold on your credit card for the deposit. These holds can be significant – often several hundred dollars – and may be higher for:
- Young drivers under 25
- Higher-category vehicles like SUVs or luxury cars
- Debit card rentals (when accepted, which varies by location)
If you’re using a debit card, expect additional requirements and potentially larger holds. Maintaining sufficient available credit is essential.
Fuel policy options:
- Return full: Pick up with a full tank, return with a full tank – usually the cheapest option for most visitors
- Prepay fuel: Pay upfront for a full tank; convenient but you lose money on unused fuel
- Pay on return: The rental company fills the tank and charges you – typically at premium rates
For most foreign visitors, the “return full” policy offers the best value. Just remember to fill up near the airport before returning.
Drop-off tips:
- Arrive with enough time before your flight (at least 90 minutes for international departures)
- Follow airport or city signage to the rental car return area
- Remove all personal belongings and collect any toll receipts or parking tickets
- Request a printed or emailed return receipt as proof of condition
Extra fees to avoid:
- Returning late can trigger additional day charges
- Excessive dirt may result in cleaning fees
- Returning with less fuel than agreed incurs fuel charges at inflated rates
- Dropping off at a different location than booked often adds significant one-way fees
Practical Tips for Foreigners Driving in the US
Driving in the US differs from many other countries. Expect long distances, mostly automatic cars, wide highways, and road rules that may surprise you if you’re coming from Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
Basic rules to remember:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road
- Obey posted speed limits – shown in miles per hour, not kilometers
- Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights
- Right turn on red is often permitted after stopping (unless signs say otherwise)
US-specific driving situations:
- Four-way stops: When multiple cars arrive at an intersection simultaneously, the car that arrived first goes first. If you arrive at the same time, the car on the right has priority.
- School buses: When a school bus displays its stop sign with flashing lights, all traffic in both directions must stop completely. This law is strictly enforced.
- Pedestrians: Pedestrians generally have right-of-way at crosswalks, even unmarked ones.
- Toll roads: Many highways use electronic toll systems like E-ZPass. Ask your rental company about toll payment options – some offer transponders or automatic toll billing.
Navigation and planning:
Use reliable navigation apps with offline maps and real-time traffic. Program your route before setting off to avoid distracted driving – using your phone while driving is illegal in many states and can result in significant fines. A police officer stopping you for phone use could also discover other violations.
Alcohol and driving:
Never drink any alcohol before driving. DUI laws are strict throughout the country, and consequences can be severe – including arrest, fines, and complications with your visa status. In many states, open alcohol containers anywhere in the passenger area are illegal, even if the driver hasn’t been drinking.
Long-distance driving:
Plan fuel stops carefully on interstate drives, particularly in rural areas. In states like Nevada, Utah, or West Texas, gas stations can be 50 to 100 miles apart. Don’t let your tank drop below a quarter full in these regions.
What to do in a car accident:
If you’re involved in an accident, even a minor accident:
- Stay at the scene – leaving can result in serious legal consequences
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention
- Exchange insurance information and contact details with the other driver
- Document the scene with photos if safe to do so
- Get a police report if there’s significant damage or injuries – the responding officer will provide guidance
- Contact your rental company promptly to report the incident
If the accident involves injuries or significant property damage, you may want to contact car accident lawyers for advice on navigating complex legal situations. Many offer free consultations and can help you understand your options for pursuing maximum possible compensation through the claims process.
Documents to carry:
Keep all your documents in the car while driving:
- Driver’s licence and IDP
- Passport or identification copy
- Rental agreement
- Insurance details and emergency contact numbers
Having organized documentation helps resolve issues quickly if you’re stopped by police or involved in an incident.
Key Takeaways
Renting a car in the US as a foreigner is simpler than many visitors expect. Here’s what to remember:
- Most visitors 21 and older with a valid foreign licence, passport, and credit card can rent without complications
- Get an international driving permit before traveling if your licence isn’t in English or uses non-Latin characters
- Drivers under 25 will pay young driver surcharges and may face vehicle restrictions
- Choose your rental car based on your route, group size, and luggage needs
- Don’t rely solely on home country insurance – understand US coverage options before arrival
- Inspect your vehicle thoroughly at pickup and document everything
- Familiarize yourself with US driving rules, especially four-way stops, school bus laws, and right-on-red permissions
- Know what to do in an accident: stay at the scene, exchange details, get a police report when appropriate, and contact your rental company
With proper preparation, your US road trip can be the adventure of a life time. Double-check requirements with your specific rental company before arriving, ensure your documents are in order, and hit the open road with confidence.
