No, you cannot legally hire a car in the UK without presenting a valid, physical driving licence. It is a mandatory requirement for all rental companies. The licence must be a full (not provisional) and valid one that you've held for a minimum period, typically at least one year. For non-UK licence holders, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not in English or does not conform to a specific format.
The primary reason is insurance. Rental companies are legally required to ensure the driver is properly insured. They cannot provide coverage without first verifying your driving credentials. When you pick up the car, the rental agent will physically inspect your licence to check its validity, any endorsements (like points), and the length of time you've held it. This process is non-negotiable.
If you have a new-style UK photocard licence, you should also be prepared to present the paper counterpart if it was issued before 2015, though most checks are now digital. Forgetting your licence is not considered a valid excuse, and you will be turned away without a refund. The only potential exception is if you are adding yourself as an additional driver to a rental booked by someone else who is present with their licence; even then, you must still present your own valid licence for verification.
| Rental Company | Licence Requirement | Minimum Holding Period | IDP Required (if applicable) |
|---|
| Enterprise | Full, valid physical licence | 1 year (for most car classes) | Yes, for non-EU/EEA licences not in English |
| Hertz | Full, valid physical licence | 1 year | Yes, for licences not in Roman alphabet |
| Avis | Full, valid physical licence | 1 year (2 years for young drivers) | Check based on country of issue |
| Budget | Full, valid physical licence | 1 year | Recommended for non-UK licences |
| Sixt | Full, valid physical licence | 1 year (2 years for premium cars) | Yes, for certain countries |
In short, your driving licence is as essential as your payment method. Always double-check you have it with you before heading to the rental counter.
