Enterprise's International Driver License Requirements

Enterprise Rent a Car accepts an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid passport and home country driver's license at most locations worldwide. You do not need an IDP to rent from Enterprise in the United States — your home country license is sufficient — but you will need one if you are renting outside the US, Canada, or Mexico. The IDP serves as a certified translation of your license and is recognized by rental companies, police, and insurance authorities in over 150 countries.

The specific documents Enterprise requires depend on where you are renting. In the US, bring your valid home country driver's license, passport, and proof of insurance or a credit card for the damage waiver. Outside North America, add your IDP to that stack. Enterprise staff will verify that your license is not suspended, expired, or restricted in ways that prevent you from driving the vehicle class you want to rent.

Your home country license must be valid for the entire rental period. If it expires during your trip, Enterprise will refuse to rent to you, even if you have an IDP. Check your license expiration date before booking, and renew it in your home country before you travel if necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise requires your valid home country driver's license and passport at all locations; an IDP is mandatory outside the US, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Your license must remain valid for the entire rental period — Enterprise will not rent to you if it expires during your trip.
  • An IDP is a certified translation issued by your home country's automobile association and costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country.
  • Enterprise accepts IDPs issued within the past three years; older permits may be rejected at the rental counter.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Enterprise in most countries, and drivers under 25 may face additional fees or vehicle restrictions.

Where You Need an IDP to Rent from Enterprise

Enterprise requires an IDP for rentals in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East. The company's policy treats the IDP as a mandatory document in any country outside the US, Canada, and Mexico, even if local law does not technically require one. This is a company-wide standard, not a country-by-country decision, so you should assume you need an IDP unless you are renting in North America.

Some countries have their own rules about whether an IDP is legally required to drive. For example, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid license from another EU country, but Enterprise will still ask for one. Bringing an IDP eliminates confusion at the rental counter and prevents delays or refusal of service.

If you are renting in a country where you are unsure whether an IDP is required, contact Enterprise customer service in that country before your trip. They can confirm their specific requirements and tell you whether your home country license alone will be accepted.

How to Obtain an IDP Before Your Trip

An IDP is issued by your home country's national automobile association or equivalent government body. You cannot obtain an IDP in the country where you plan to rent — you must get it before you leave home. The process typically takes one to two weeks by mail, though some associations offer in-person or expedited service.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs for US citizens and residents. You must explore in person at a local AAA office with your valid US driver's license, passport, and a completed process form. The fee is $20 for a three-year permit. Processing is when ready if you explore in person.

If you are a citizen of another country, contact your home country's automobile association. The process and cost vary: Canada's CAA charges around $20, the UK's AA charges £5.50, Australia's NRMA charges $20 AUD, and many other countries charge between €10 and €30. Most associations mail the IDP within five to ten business days of receiving your process.

Order your IDP at least three weeks before your trip to allow time for processing and delivery. If you are traveling sooner, check whether your association offers expedited or in-person service.

Age Requirements and Additional Restrictions at Enterprise

Enterprise requires renters to be at least 21 years old in most countries. Drivers aged 21 to 24 typically face a young driver surcharge — an additional daily fee that varies by location and vehicle type, usually between $15 and $30 per day. Some Enterprise locations restrict drivers under 25 to certain vehicle classes and may refuse to rent SUVs, luxury cars, or high-performance vehicles to younger drivers.

Drivers aged 70 and older may be asked to provide a medical certificate or proof of fitness to drive in some countries. This is not a universal Enterprise policy but depends on local rental regulations. If you are over 70, ask Enterprise when you book whether your location requires additional documentation.

Your home country license may carry restrictions that Enterprise will honor. For example, if your license is restricted to automatic transmission vehicles, Enterprise will not rent you a manual car. If your license is restricted to vehicles under a certain engine size, Enterprise will enforce that limit. Disclose any restrictions on your license when you book.

What to Bring to the Enterprise Counter

Arrive at the rental counter with these documents in hand:

  • Your valid home country driver's license (original, not a copy)
  • Your passport or national ID card
  • Your International Driving Permit (if renting outside the US, Canada, or Mexico)
  • A valid credit card in your name for the security deposit and damage waiver
  • Your booking confirmation or reservation number
  • Proof of insurance, if you are declining Enterprise's damage waiver

Enterprise staff will examine your license and IDP to confirm they are not expired, not suspended, and match your passport. They will also verify your age and check for any restrictions. If your documents do not match — for example, if your name on your license differs from your passport — you may be asked to provide additional proof of identity.

Do not bring a photocopy of your license or IDP. Enterprise requires originals. If your license or IDP is damaged, worn, or difficult to read, Enterprise may refuse to accept it. If you are concerned about the condition of your documents, contact Enterprise before your trip.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Prevent Rental

The most frequent problem is arriving without an IDP when renting outside North America. Many international drivers assume their home country license is sufficient everywhere, but Enterprise's policy is consistent: no IDP, no rental outside the US, Canada, and Mexico. If you show up without one, Enterprise will not rent to you, and you will have no way to obtain one quickly unless you are in a major city with an automobile association office.

The second common mistake is bringing an expired IDP. Enterprise checks the expiration date on the permit itself. An IDP issued more than three years ago is typically considered expired, even if your home country license is still valid. If your IDP is expired, you will need to renew it before your trip.

A third mistake is not verifying that your home country license will be valid for the entire rental period. If your license expires during your trip, Enterprise will refuse to rent to you at pickup. Check your license expiration date months in advance, not days before travel.

Finally, some renters bring only a photocopy or digital image of their license or IDP. Enterprise requires original documents. A photo on your phone is not acceptable, and neither is a certified copy. Bring the physical documents themselves.

Insurance and Liability When Renting Internationally

Enterprise offers a damage waiver and liability coverage at the rental counter, but your home country insurance may already cover you. Before you travel, contact your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental cars in the country where you plan to drive. Some policies do; others do not. If your policy does not cover rentals abroad, you will need to purchase Enterprise's coverage or a separate international rental insurance policy.

Your home country driver's license and IDP do not provide insurance. They only prove that you are legally permitted to drive. Insurance is a separate purchase. If you decline Enterprise's damage waiver and your policy does not cover the rental, you will be personally liable for any damage to the vehicle.

Some credit cards offer rental car coverage when you use them to pay for the rental. Check your credit card's terms before your trip. If your card covers international rentals, you may not need to purchase Enterprise's waiver, but you will still need to understand what your card covers and what it does not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to rent from Enterprise in the United States?

No. Enterprise accepts your valid home country driver's license and passport in the US. An IDP is not required for rentals in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. You only need an IDP if you are renting a car in any other country.

What if my IDP is expired but my home country license is still valid?

Enterprise will not rent to you with an expired IDP. The IDP itself must be current. If your IDP expired more than three years ago, you will need to renew it before your trip. Contact your home country's automobile association to order a replacement.

Can I get an IDP in the country where I am renting?

No. An IDP must be obtained from your home country's automobile association before you travel. You cannot obtain one after you arrive in another country. Plan ahead and order your IDP at least three weeks before your trip.

Will Enterprise rent to me if my license is written in a language other than English?

Yes, as long as you also have a valid IDP. The IDP is a certified translation of your license, so it serves as proof that Enterprise staff can verify your information. Without an IDP, Enterprise may have difficulty confirming the details on your license and may refuse to rent to you.

What happens if I am under 25 and rent from Enterprise internationally?

You will likely pay a young driver surcharge, usually $15 to $30 per day. Some Enterprise locations also restrict drivers under 25 to certain vehicle types. Ask about age-related fees and restrictions when you book your reservation.