
To rent a car from CarJet, the main driver must present four original documents in their name at pickup: a valid passport or national ID card, a full driver's license held for at least one year, a card with embossed numbers for the security deposit, and the rental voucher. Failure to present any of these will result in the rental being denied.
The specific requirements for each document are strict and non-negotiable, based on standard global car rental industry policies designed to verify identity, driving eligibility, and financial responsibility.
1. Valid Passport or National ID Card This is the primary identity document. For international renters outside the rental country, a passport is mandatory. For domestic rentals within the EU/EEA, a national ID card is often acceptable. The name must exactly match the name on the driver's license and the booking confirmation.
2. Full Driver's License A valid, full driver's license (not a provisional or learner's permit) is required. The license must have been held for a minimum of 12 months. For licenses not in the country's official language (e.g., a Japanese license for a rental in Spain), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended alongside the original license. CarJet reserves the right to refuse rentals if the license is not easily verifiable.
3. Credit Card with Embossed Numbers A physical credit card in the main driver's name is essential. Debit cards, prepaid cards, or digital wallets are not accepted for the security deposit hold. The card must have embossed (raised) numbers, as this is a standard fraud prevention measure for imprinting. The available credit limit must cover the security deposit, which typically ranges from €500 to €3,000, depending on the car category and rental location.
4. Rental Voucher This is the confirmation document received via email after booking. Presenting it, either printed or digitally on a device, speeds up the collection process as it contains your reservation number and agreed terms.
| Document | Key Requirement | Purpose & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport/ID | Original, matching booking name | Primary identity verification. Non-EU renters always need a passport. |
| Driver's License | Original, full license held > 1 year | Proof of legal driving eligibility. An IDP is advised for non-Latin alphabet licenses. |
| Credit Card | Physical, embossed, in driver's name | Secures the deposit. The hold amount is released upon vehicle return, minus charges. |
| Rental Voucher | Printout or digital copy | Confirms reservation details and pre-paid amounts. |
Additional drivers must meet the same documentation requirements and be present at the counter. Always check your specific booking confirmation, as requirements for local licenses or minimum age (often 21-25 years) can vary by country. Contact CarJet directly if your license format is unusual to avoid issues at pickup.

Just rented from CarJet in Lisbon last month. Here’s what I physically had in my hand at the counter: my US passport, my California driver’s license, my Chase Sapphire card (the physical one with the raised numbers), and my printed booking confirmation. The agent checked each one meticulously. The biggest hiccup for people in line ahead of me was using a debit card—they were turned away. Don't forget, your license needs to be over a year old. It’s a hard rule.

As a frequent business renter across Europe, I see people get caught out by two things most often. First, the “ card in the main driver’s name” rule is absolute. Your company’s card or your spouse’s card won’t work, even if you have a letter of authorization. The deposit hold is placed on that specific card, and it must be presented.
Second, understand the license rule. If your license is from outside the EU and doesn’t use the Roman alphabet (like a Japanese or Arabic license), you must have an International Driving Permit. It’s a translation document. CarJet’s staff may not be authorized to accept your license without it, as per their liability insurance rules. It’s a ten-dollar formality that saves a huge headache.

We’re a family of five, and renting a larger car for our trip was essential. When we arrived at CarJet, we learned that my wife, as an additional driver, needed her own full set of documents: her passport, her license, and her own card. We hadn’t brought a second credit card, assuming mine would cover it. We almost had to leave her off the contract, which would have meant she couldn’t drive at all. Luckily, we resolved it, but it was stressful. The takeaway? Every person who plans to drive must bring their own original documents. The policy is very clear on this.

Let me break down the “why” behind each item. The passport proves you are who you say you are to a border-control standard. The license proves your home country says you can drive. The card requirement is about financial accountability; the embossed numbers allow for a manual imprint, which is a binding transaction record. If you incur parking fines or tolls months later, or if there’s damage discovered after you’ve left, that card agreement authorizes them to charge you. The voucher proves you’ve already paid for the base rental, so they’re not handing a €30,000 asset to a walk-in off the street. It’s a system designed to cover all risks. My advice? Call the specific rental location a day before. Ask: “I have a [Your Country] driver’s license. Do I need an International Permit for your branch?” Get the agent’s name. This confirms the rule for your case and creates a note on your reservation.


