In most cases, no, you cannot hire a car without a physical driving licence. The standard requirement for all major rental companies in the U.S. is to present a valid, physical driver's license at the counter. However, a significant shift is occurring with the adoption of digital driver's licenses in certain states. If you are renting in a state that officially recognizes digital IDs and the specific rental location is equipped to verify them, this may serve as a valid substitute. The process is not yet universal, so relying solely on a digital license is risky without confirmed acceptance.
The primary reason for this strict policy is verification. Rental agents need to physically inspect your license to check its validity, expiration date, and ensure the photo matches your appearance. They also use it to verify your age, as most companies require renters to be at least 25 years old to avoid young renter fees. Presenting only a photograph, photocopy, or an expired license will result in a denied rental.
There are limited exceptions. In some international travel scenarios, if you present your passport and an official translation of your foreign license, a rental may be possible, but policies vary drastically by company. The safest approach is to always have your physical license with you. Before your trip, it's wise to contact the specific rental location directly to confirm their policy on digital licenses if you plan to use one.
The table below outlines the policies of major U.S. rental companies regarding license presentation, highlighting the current state of digital license acceptance.
| Rental Company | Physical License Required? | Digital License Acceptance | Notes & Exceptions |
|---|
| Enterprise | Standard Policy: Yes | In limited pilot programs in specific states (e.g., Arizona). | Highly variable by location. Always call the specific branch to confirm. |
| Hertz | Standard Policy: Yes | Accepted in Arizona for residents with the AZ Mobile ID app. | Verification technology is location-specific. International renters have different requirements. |
| Avis Budget Group | Standard Policy: Yes | Limited testing phases; not widely available. | The company advises renters to carry their physical license as a backup without exception. |
| Alamo | Standard Policy: Yes | Follows parent company (Enterprise) policy; limited and location-based. | Emphasizes that a valid, non-expired physical license is the only guaranteed form of ID. |
| National | Standard Policy: Yes | Similar to Enterprise and Alamo, acceptance is not standard. | The counter agent must be able to scan and verify the license, which typically requires the physical card. |
