Driving Licenses - Florida and US Car Hire FAQ

I have a UK driving license. Do I need to take both the card and paper parts?

The new style UK driving licence consists of two parts - a photo card and a paper licence. The licence is not complete without BOTH parts. You are advised to take both parts when collecting your vehicle as you may be asked for them both.

Often the rental company will only ask to see the photo part, so in most cases you will be OK to drive, but in the event they do ask for the paper part (which lists any points and endorsements) and you don't have it with you, then you will not be allowed to drive, nor will you then be entitled to a refund on your rental.

If you do not have the paper part and the rental company do not ask for it, so you collect your car, then you also run the risk of problems in the event you are pulled over by Highway Patrol and asked to show your license, as they may insist on seeing both parts. As it is a legal requirement to carry your FULL license with you in the car at all times when driving, then you could face legal consequences

Does it matter if I have points on my license?

No, provided you have a current, full driving license then you will be permitted to drive regardless of how many points you have, and what for.

You might see a note on your voucher to say that points must be declared. Since the vouchers are used worldwide, this comment will often apply in other countries, but does not apply for North American rentals.

I have lost my driving license - can I still rent a car?

Unfortunately not. For legal reasons, the rental companies are very strict on this policy. If you do not have your original license, presented in person, then you may not drive. The rental companies will not even accept a written letter / fax from DVLA or other driving license authority confirming you hold a legitimate license.

I sent my license off to DVLA for replacement. Can I still drive a rental car?

If your license has not been returned to you by the time you travel, you will not be allowed to drive. For legal reasons, the rental companies are very strict on this policy. If you do not have your original license, presented in person, then you may not drive, regardless of the reason. The rental companies will not even accept a written letter / fax from DVLA or other driving license authority confirming you hold a legitimate license.

Do I need a special license to drive a mini-van?

No, all the vehicles offered on our site can be driven with a standard full driving license, including the 12 and 15 seaters.

Do I need an International Driving License to Drive in the USA or Canada?

If you hold a full UK license, there is no need to obtain an International license to drive in the US or Canada.

I have the old style pink / green UK driving license - is that acceptable?

Yes, the old style UK license is fine, but you will also need to show photo ID, so make sure you have your passport with you.

Can I hire a car through your site if I hold a US or Canadian license?

Holders of North American driving licenses can book with us for collection from Orlando International Airport (MCO) only, by selecting Budget as the supplier once you receive your quote. All other license holders can select any of our suppliers.

We are not permitted to take bookings from customers who hold a US or Canadian license when selecting Alamo, Dollar or U-Save. If you also hold a license from another country outside of North America then that will be accepted, even if you are a North American resident.

Does my driving license have to be written in English?

Strictly speaking, your license should be printed in the English language. If not, we recommend obtaining an International license from your licensing authority in the country that issued your license, to avoid any problems when collecting your car.

Does it matter what nationality I am, or which county my license is from?

Dollar, Thrifty and Alamo allow us to take bookings for drivers of any nationality except US or Canadian license holders. If your license is not printed in the English language, Dollar and Alamo ask that you obtain an International license in the English license which is readily available from your licensing authority.

Budget allow us to take bookings for drivers of any nationality although US and Canadian license holders from Orlando International Airport only. As with Dollar, Thrifty and Alamo, the license should be printed in the English language, and if not, they ask that you obtain an International license in the English language from your licensing authority.

What is the minimum time to have held my driving license?

With Alamo and Budget, you must have held your license for 1 year or longer. With Dollar there is no minimum time to have held your full license. Note, on the voucher for Dollar it will state your voucher must have been held for at least 1 year. This does not apply in the USA.

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