No, you cannot legally hire a car in the UK without presenting a valid, full driving licence. This is a non-negotiable requirement for all reputable rental companies. The licence must be for the correct vehicle category and have been held for a minimum period, typically one to two years. Companies need to verify your identity and your legal right to drive to mitigate their risk and comply with insurance policies.
The standard practice is to present the physical photocard part of your UK driving licence. If you have an older paper licence, you’ll also need to provide a valid passport as photographic ID. For renters from outside the UK, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required alongside your native licence, especially if it is not in English. The rental process involves a thorough check where the company will scan or photocopy your licence details.
Some common rental companies and their typical licence requirements are summarized below. Always confirm directly with the specific branch, as policies can vary.
| Rental Company | Minimum Licence Holding Period | Accepts Digital Licence? | International Driver Requirements |
|---|
| Enterprise | 1 year | No, physical card required | Non-EU licence often requires an IDP |
| Hertz | 1 year | No | IDP required for licences not in English |
| Avis | 1-2 years (varies by location) | No | IDP strongly recommended |
| Budget | 1 year | No | IDP required for certain countries |
| Sixt | 1 year | No | IDP needed if licence is not in Roman alphabet |
If you've forgotten your licence, your booking will likely be cancelled, and you may lose any prepaid fees. There is no workaround for this fundamental rule. Your best options are to have another licensed driver in your group act as the main renter or explore car-sharing services like Zipcar, which have their own stringent application and verification process that must be completed well in advance of your rental need.
