Is a Driver's License Required for Car Rental?
2 Answers
Renting a car requires a driver's license as well as an ID card. Without a driver's license, you cannot rent a car. During the rental period, the primary driver must hold the original driver's license that meets the driving qualifications and the corresponding auxiliary translation documents, and the original driver's license must be within the valid period. Below is additional information: 1. Most car rental companies require the driver to have held the license for at least one year, and for certain special vehicle models, the driver must have held the license for two or even three years or more. Please check the order terms for the selected vehicle group for details. 2. Some foreign car rental companies have age restrictions for drivers, such as those under 25 years old needing to pay a young driver risk fee. Specific regulations vary depending on the foreign car rental company.
Renting a car indeed requires a driver's license, which is a basic requirement in most places worldwide. As an automotive enthusiast, I often see people asking this question. In fact, a driver's license serves as proof of legal driving eligibility. Without it, rental companies cannot verify whether you are qualified to drive. In China, for example, traffic regulations clearly stipulate that a valid driver's license is mandatory for operating any motor vehicle. Therefore, when renting a car, staff will always check your original license to confirm the photo, validity period, and matching information. This is also a safety measure to prevent unlicensed driving and reduce accident risks. From my personal experience, preparing your license in advance saves a lot of hassle, especially when renting at popular tourist spots with long queues—forgetting documents means extra trips. Also, remember that the license type must match the vehicle category. For instance, a Class C license allows you to drive small cars but not large trucks. If your license is nearing expiration, be sure to renew it beforehand.