Avis accepts an international driving permit (IDP) paired with your valid passport and home country license, but does not accept a foreign license alone

Avis rental locations worldwide require three documents together: your original passport, your valid driver's license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit issued in your home country before you travel. A foreign license by itself—even if it is valid, current, and in English—will not be enough to rent a car from Avis. The IDP is the document that bridges your home license and the rental agreement.

This rule applies at Avis locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and most other countries where Avis operates. Some regional offices may have slightly different requirements, but the three-document combination is the standard across the company. If you arrive without an IDP, Avis will not rent to you, regardless of how long your home license has been valid or whether you have driven internationally before.

Key Takeaways

  • Avis requires your home country driver's license, a valid passport, and an International Driving Permit all presented together—your foreign license alone will not work.
  • The International Driving Permit must be issued in your home country before you leave; you cannot obtain one after arrival in the rental country.
  • Your IDP is valid for one to three years depending on which country issued it, and it must not be expired at the time of rental.
  • Avis locations in different countries may ask for additional documents such as proof of insurance or a credit card in your name, so contact your specific rental location before arrival.

What Documents You Need to Present at the Avis Counter

Bring your original passport, your home country driver's license, and your International Driving Permit in that order. Do not bring copies or digital versions—Avis staff will examine the originals and may write down information from each one. The IDP should be the booklet or card issued by your home country's automobile association or government transport authority, not a translation service or third-party document.

Your passport must be valid for the entire rental period. Your home license must also be current and not suspended or revoked in your home country. The IDP must not be expired. If any of these three documents is missing or expired, Avis will refuse the rental. Some Avis locations also ask for a second form of identification (such as a national ID card) or proof of your home address, so check with your specific location before you arrive.

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit Before You Travel

You must explore for your IDP in your home country, through your national automobile association or government transport office. The process and timeline vary by country. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs; the process takes a few days to a week and costs between $15 and $20. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs in a similar timeframe. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and RAC both issue them.

Most countries require you to explore in person or by mail with your current home license, a passport photo, and a completed process form. Processing times range from same-day (at some AAA offices in the US) to two to three weeks by mail. Some countries issue IDPs valid for one year, others for three years. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel, because Avis will not accept an expired permit even if it was valid when you left home. If your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot renew it while abroad—you must have obtained a new one before departure.

Age Requirements and Additional Restrictions at Avis

Avis typically rents to drivers aged 21 and older in the United States and Canada, though some locations rent to drivers as young as 18 with a higher daily surcharge. In Europe and other regions, the minimum age is often 18 or 21 depending on the country and vehicle class. Your age is verified against your passport and home license at the counter, so bring both.

If you are under 25, Avis may charge a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day in the US) and may restrict you to certain vehicle classes. Some locations outside the US do not rent to drivers under 23 or 25 at all. These policies vary by location and change periodically, so contact your specific Avis branch before booking to confirm their age policy and any associated fees.

Credit Card and Insurance Requirements

Avis requires a valid credit card in your name at the time of rental. The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the estimated rental cost plus a security hold (typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle and location). Debit cards are usually not accepted, and prepaid cards are rarely accepted. The credit card must be issued in your name—a card belonging to a family member or friend will not work, even if they are traveling with you.

You must also have proof of insurance. In the United States and Canada, Avis accepts your home country's auto insurance if it covers rental cars and international travel; you will need to bring a copy of your policy or a letter from your insurer stating coverage. In Europe and other regions, Avis typically includes basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, but you may be required to purchase additional collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. Ask your rental location what insurance documents they need before you arrive.

What Happens If You Arrive Without an IDP

If you reach the Avis counter without an International Driving Permit, the rental agent will not issue you a vehicle. Avis does not make exceptions for missing IDPs, and they do not issue temporary permits or accept alternative documents. You will not be able to rent a car that day. Some travelers have attempted to rent under a companion's name or to use a translation of their home license, but Avis staff are trained to refuse both of these workarounds.

If you are already traveling and realize you do not have an IDP, your options are limited. You cannot obtain an IDP while abroad—it must be issued in your home country. You could ask a family member or friend to mail you an IDP if you have one at home, but this takes time and may not arrive before your rental date. Your best alternative is to use a different rental company that may accept a notarized translation of your home license, though this is rare and not may provide. Plan ahead and obtain your IDP before you leave home.

Regional Variations and Special Circumstances

Avis locations in some countries have additional requirements beyond the standard three documents. In Australia, for example, Avis may ask for an Australian International Driving Permit (which is different from the standard IDP) or may accept only certain types of foreign licenses. In some Middle Eastern countries, Avis requires an Arabic translation of your license in addition to the IDP. In South Africa and a few other nations, Avis may ask for proof of return travel or a local address.

If you are renting in a country other than your home country (for example, you are a US citizen renting in France), contact the specific Avis location before you book. Tell them your home country and ask what documents they require. Some locations are stricter than others, and policies can change. Getting confirmation in writing or via email before you arrive prevents surprises at the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a translation of my home license instead of an International Driving Permit?

No. Avis specifically requires an International Driving Permit, not a translation. A notarized or certified translation of your home license may be accepted by some other rental companies, but Avis does not accept translations in place of an IDP. You must have the actual IDP booklet or card issued by your home country's automobile association.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license translation?

No. An IDP is a separate document issued by your home country's automobile association or government transport office. It is not a translation of your license; it is a companion document that confirms your home license is valid and translates key information into multiple languages. A translation is a document created by a translator or notary that converts your license text into another language. Avis requires the IDP, not a translation.

What if my International Driving Permit expires during my rental?

Avis will not rent to you if your IDP is expired at the time you pick up the car. The permit must be valid on the rental start date. If your IDP expires during your trip, that is not a problem for the rental itself, but you should not plan to rent a second car after the expiration date. Obtain a new IDP before you travel if your current one will expire during your trip.

Can someone else pick up the rental car on my behalf if I have an IDP?

No. The person who picks up the car must be the person named on the reservation and must present their own valid driver's license, passport, and IDP. Avis does not allow a third party to rent a car using someone else's documents, even if that person has an IDP. The driver and the renter must be the same person.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Avis in my home country?

No. If you are renting in your home country, you only need your valid home country driver's license and a passport or national ID. The IDP is required only when you are renting outside your home country. However, some Avis locations in your home country may still ask for a second form of ID, so check before you arrive.