Getaround will not rent you a car if your license is suspended, and they check your status before you complete a booking

Getaround runs your name and license number against state DMV records during the rental process. If your license shows as suspended, revoked, or cancelled, the system will block you from finishing a reservation. You cannot work around this check by using a different name, address, or payment method — the verification is tied to your actual license number and state.

The company uses a third-party verification service to pull your current license status from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This happens after you enter your license information but before you pay and confirm the booking. If the check fails, Getaround will tell you your license status is invalid and will not let you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • Getaround checks your license status against your state DMV records before you can complete any car rental.
  • A suspended, revoked, or cancelled license will block your booking, and you cannot bypass this check with a different identity or payment method.
  • The verification happens automatically during the rental process, not after you pick up the car.
  • If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the suspension with your state DMV before Getaround will allow you to rent.

When the license check happens in the booking process

The verification occurs after you select a car and enter your license information, but before the payment screen. Getaround asks for your license number, state, and expiration date. Once you submit this information, the system contacts the DMV to confirm the license is valid and not under suspension.

If the check passes, you move forward to payment. If it fails, you see an error message stating that your license information could not be verified. At that point, the booking stops and you cannot rent from Getaround until the suspension is lifted.

What "suspended" means to Getaround's system

Getaround's verification system flags any license status other than "valid" or "active." This includes suspension, revocation, cancellation, and expiration. A suspended license is treated the same way as a revoked one — both block the rental.

The system does not distinguish between different types of suspension (administrative, medical, criminal, financial). It only sees that the license is not in good standing. Even if your suspension is temporary and will lift in a few weeks, you cannot rent until that date passes and your state updates the DMV record.

How to check your own license status before you try to book

You can look up your license status yourself through your state's DMV website before attempting a Getaround reservation. Most states offer an online license status check that takes a few minutes. Search "[your state] DMV license status check" or call your state's DMV directly and provide your license number.

Knowing your status ahead of time saves you the frustration of starting a booking and hitting a block. If your license is suspended, you will see the same information the DMV will report to Getaround, and you can take steps to resolve it before trying to rent again.

What to do if your suspension is recent or you think it's been lifted

If you recently paid a fine, completed a program, or otherwise resolved the reason for your suspension, your state DMV may not have updated its records yet. Updates can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and the type of suspension.

Contact your state DMV directly to confirm your license is now showing as valid. Ask them for the exact date the status changed in their system. Once you have confirmation, wait a day or two for the update to propagate to third-party verification services, then try booking with Getaround again.

Other car-sharing services with similar checks

Turo, Zipcar, and most other peer-to-peer or commercial car-sharing platforms run the same DMV verification. They all check your license status before you can complete a booking. If you are suspended, you will be blocked from all of these services, not just Getaround.

Traditional rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis also verify license status, though sometimes at the counter rather than online. The outcome is the same: a suspended license will prevent you from renting a car anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Getaround car with an expired license if I have a renewal process pending?

No. Getaround requires a valid, non-expired license. An process or renewal in progress does not count — the license must be currently active in the DMV system. You will need to wait until your renewed license arrives and is processed by the DMV before you can book.

What if Getaround's system says my license is suspended but my state DMV says it's valid?

This can happen if the DMV updated its records but the third-party verification service has not synced yet. Wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. If the problem persists, contact Getaround's support team with your DMV confirmation and ask them to manually review your account.

Will Getaround tell me why my license is suspended?

No. Getaround will only tell you that your license could not be verified. The reason for the suspension — unpaid fines, medical suspension, criminal conviction, or other cause — is information only your state DMV can provide. You will need to contact them directly.

Can I use someone else's car through Getaround if my license is suspended?

No. Getaround verifies the renter's license, not the car owner's. The person making the reservation must have a valid license. You cannot rent a car on someone else's license or have someone else book a car for you to drive.