What documents do you need to rent a car?

The rental provider will want to check some of your documents before you’re permitted to drive away. Read on to find out what they’ll most likely need to see.

In Australia, the most important documents you will need to pick up your rental car are your drivers licence and a credit card.

There are a few important requirements to be aware of regarding your licence — it will need to be printed in English, and generally suppliers require that it has been held for a minimum of one year. Provisional licences are mostly not accepted. If your licence isn’t in English, you will also require an International Driving Permit, which must be presented with your licence from your country of residence. Additional drivers will also need to present their licence subject to the same rules. Learn more about driver licence requriements to rent a hire car in Australia.

If you are not an Australian citizen, you may also be asked to present your passport — please check the Terms and Conditions of your rental, as specific requirements may differ between suppliers and locations.

Here is a summary of the items you will need to bring with you to the depot to collect your car:

Driving licence
International driving permit (if required)
Credit card
Passport (Please note that this only applies for renters that are not from the country of rental. If they are renting in Australia as an Australian resident then your passport is not required)

The car rental company will require a valid credit card in the renter’s name, and to cover the bond. In some cases, debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo will be accepted. Please consult the Terms and Conditions of your car rental company to see their specific policy for payment with debit cards. Learn more about accepted ways to pay for a hire car in Australia.

For example
When you pick up your rental car
Rayyan arrives in Melbourne to pick up his rental car. He will need to provide a credit card in his name which will be used to cover the bond. Because he holds a Malaysian driving licence, he must also provide an International Driving Permit, and present this along with his driver’s licence.