Yes, you can often rent a car with a temporary license, but it is not guaranteed and is subject to strict policies that vary significantly by rental company and location. The primary requirement is that your temporary license must be valid, government-issued, and accompanied by an acceptable form of secondary photo ID. Major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis typically require the temporary license to be a valid, non-expired document that replaces a physical plastic card, often issued after a first-time application or a renewal. The main hurdle is the rental company's underwriting policy, which is designed to verify identity and mitigate risk. Many companies use automated systems that are programmed to scan for the presence of a standard, durable plastic driver's license. A paper temporary license can be flagged by these systems, leading to a denial at the counter even if corporate policy allows it. Therefore, the absolute best practice is to call the specific rental location you plan to use in advance to confirm their policy.
The table below outlines the general policies of major rental companies regarding temporary licenses, but these are subject to change and location-specific discretion.
| Rental Company | General Policy on Temporary Licenses | Common Secondary ID Requirements | Potential Additional Hurdles |
|---|
| Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise, National, Alamo) | Often accepted if accompanied by a secondary photo ID and the expired plastic license. | Passport, state-issued ID card. | Must verify that the temporary license is valid for the entire rental period. |
| Hertz (including Dollar, Thrifty) | Varies by location; corporate policy may allow, but individual franchises can refuse. | Passport, military ID. | Automated check-in kiosks will likely not accept a paper license. |
| Avis Budget Group (Avis, Budget) | Case-by-case basis; heavily dependent on the discretion of the counter agent. | Passport is the most universally accepted secondary ID. | Under-25 age renters may face more scrutiny. |
| Sixt | Generally requires a valid, physical, plastic driver's license. | Policies are strict; a temporary license is frequently not accepted. | High likelihood of denial, especially for international renters. |
| Local/Regional Rental Companies | Policies can be more flexible or more restrictive. | Varies widely. | Essential to confirm by phone before booking. |
Your best chance of success involves bringing multiple forms of identification, including your expired plastic license (if you have it) and a passport. Be prepared for the possibility of being denied and have a backup plan, such as using a rental company that allows for adding an additional driver who possesses a standard license.
