can you rent a car if you've had a dui

[VanColton]

Yes, you can rent a car after a DUI, but it is often challenging and depends heavily on the rental company's policy and how recently the DUI occurred. Major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis typically run a motor vehicle record (MVR) check and may deny a rental to someone with a DUI conviction within the past 3 to 7 years. Your best chances are with smaller, independent rental agencies or peer-to-peer car-sharing services like Turo, where individual owner policies can vary.

The primary tool rental companies use is the MVR check. A DUI conviction will appear on your driving record, and companies have internal policies regarding what violations they consider acceptable. Most major companies have a zero-tolerance policy for recent major violations. The difficulty also increases if your license was suspended and you are currently using a restricted or probationary license.

If you need to rent a car post-DUI, preparation is key. You will need a valid, non-restricted driver's license. Be prepared to pay a higher security deposit, if you are approved at all. Some companies might require additional documentation, like an SR-22 form as proof of financial responsibility, though this is less common. Always call the rental location directly—not the national reservation line—to ask about their specific policy regarding DUIs. Being transparent can save you from a disappointing and potentially costly trip to the rental counter.

Factor	Details	Impact on Rental Approval
Major Rental Companies	Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget	Typically deny rentals for DUIs within the last 3-7 years.
Smaller/Independent Agencies	Local or regional rental companies	Policies vary; may be more lenient, but often charge higher fees.
Peer-to-Peer (Turo)	Individual car owners set policies.	Highly variable; depends entirely on the car owner's rules.
Time Since DUI Conviction	Less than 3 years vs. more than 5-7 years.	Recent DUIs (under 5 years) face the highest rate of denial.
License Status	Valid, unrestricted license vs. restricted/probationary license.	A restricted license will almost certainly lead to denial.
Required Documentation	Valid license, major credit card, potentially an SR-22 form.	Failure to provide required docs results in automatic denial.

[Eliza]

It's tough, but not impossible. The big names at the airport will almost always say no if your DUI is recent. I found success by skipping the majors and calling a few local, family-owned rental places. They were more willing to listen and one approved me, though I had to put down a much larger security deposit. Be ready for a lot of "no's" and always call ahead to ask point-blank about their DUI policy. Don't just show up.