Yes, U-Haul requires a valid driver's license to rent any truck or trailer

U-Haul will not rent to you without a current, valid driver's license. This is a hard requirement — not a preference or a case-by-case decision. The license must be a government-issued ID that shows you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle in your state. A learner's permit, even a full learner's permit, does not count.

The reason is straightforward: U-Haul is a rental company, and rental companies are liable if an unlicensed driver causes an accident. Your insurance also will not cover damage or injury if you were driving without a valid license. U-Haul checks your license at the rental counter and again when you return the vehicle.

If you do not yet have a full driver's license — if you are still on a learner's permit or waiting for your road test — you cannot rent from U-Haul. You will need to wait until your license is issued and you have it in hand.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul requires a valid, government-issued driver's license; a learner's permit will not work, even if it is a full permit.
  • Your license must match the state where you are renting, or you must have a valid license from another state that U-Haul recognizes.
  • U-Haul will run a background check and driving record review when you rent, so traffic violations or suspensions may disqualify you.
  • If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, U-Haul will refuse the rental.

What happens when U-Haul checks your license

When you arrive at the U-Haul counter, the employee will scan or photograph your driver's license. U-Haul uses that information to pull your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They are looking for suspensions, revocations, major violations, or a pattern of accidents.

U-Haul also runs a background check that includes criminal history. A felony conviction, especially one involving vehicle operation or fraud, can result in a denial. The exact standards vary by location and by the size of the vehicle you want to rent, but the company has the right to refuse the rental if your record raises a safety concern.

This check happens in real time, so you will know the result before you leave the counter. If you are denied, U-Haul will tell you why — usually a suspension, a recent major violation, or a background issue. You cannot dispute the decision at that moment, but you can contact U-Haul's customer service to ask for details.

Out-of-state licenses and international licenses

If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, U-Haul will accept it. You do not need to have a license from the state where you are renting. U-Haul will still check your driving record in your home state, so any violations or suspensions there will show up.

If you hold an international driver's license or a license from outside the United States, U-Haul's policy varies. Some locations will accept an international license paired with a passport; others will not. Call the specific U-Haul location where you plan to rent and ask before you show up. Do not assume your international license will work.

Expired, suspended, or revoked licenses

An expired license will not work. U-Haul checks the expiration date on your license, and if it has passed, they will deny the rental. You must renew your license before you can rent. The renewal process depends on your state, but most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office.

A suspended or revoked license is grounds for when ready denial. U-Haul's system will flag it when they pull your driving record. A suspension is usually temporary — it lasts for a set period, often 30 days to a year, depending on the reason. A revocation is more serious and typically requires you to go through a reinstatement process with your state's DMV before you can drive legally again.

Age requirements and additional restrictions

U-Haul requires you to be at least 18 years old to rent a truck or trailer. If you are 18 to 24, U-Haul may charge an additional young driver fee, usually between $15 and $20 per day. This fee is separate from the rental cost and is not optional — it is part of U-Haul's policy to offset the higher insurance risk for younger drivers.

Some vehicle types have higher age minimums. For example, to rent a large moving truck or a specialty item like a car trailer, U-Haul may require you to be 25 or older. Always check the age policy for the specific vehicle you want to rent when you make your reservation.

What to bring to the rental counter

Bring your driver's license and at least one additional form of government-issued ID, such as a passport. U-Haul will ask for a credit card in your name to hold the rental and cover any damage or fuel charges. The card does not have to be the same name as your license, but U-Haul may ask for an explanation if the names do not match.

Bring proof of insurance if you have it. U-Haul offers damage waiver coverage, but if you have your own auto insurance that covers rental vehicles, showing that policy can sometimes lower your cost. Read the terms carefully — not all auto insurance covers rental trucks.

If you cannot rent from U-Haul

If U-Haul denies your rental because of your driving record or background, you have other options. Penske, Budget Truck Rental, and Home Depot (which rents U-Haul trucks through a partnership) have similar requirements, but their approval standards may differ slightly. Call ahead and explain your situation — some companies are more flexible than others.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive any rental vehicle, so renting from a different company will not solve the problem. Your focus should be on resolving the suspension or revocation with your state's DMV. Once that is cleared, you can rent from any company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul with a learner's permit?

No. U-Haul requires a full, valid driver's license. A learner's permit does not meet their requirement, even if your state allows you to drive alone on a learner's permit. You must have your full license issued and in hand before you can rent.

What if my license is suspended for a traffic ticket I paid?

A suspension stays on your record until your state's DMV officially lifts it. Paying the ticket does not automatically remove the suspension. Contact your state's DMV to find out when the suspension ends and whether you need to take any additional steps to reinstate your license. Once it is reinstated, U-Haul will be able to rent to you.

Will U-Haul rent to me if I have a DUI on my record?

It depends on how recent the DUI is and whether your license was suspended as a result. A DUI from many years ago may not disqualify you, but a recent one or an active suspension will. U-Haul's decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Call the location where you want to rent and ask before you explore.

Can someone else drive the U-Haul if I rent it?

U-Haul allows additional drivers, but each driver must have a valid license and must be listed on the rental agreement. The additional driver fee is usually $5 to $10 per day per driver. All drivers must be present at the counter to show their license and sign the agreement.

What if my license expired while I was moving?

U-Haul will not rent to you with an expired license. If your license expired during your move, you will need to renew it before you can rent. Many states offer emergency or temporary licenses that you can get quickly if you are in a time crunch — contact your local DMV to ask what options are available.