Rental Requirements (2024)

What should I bring to pick up my rental car?

In most cases, you’ll need only your valid driver’s license and an Avis-honored credit card. The license acts as a form of ID and can be used to prove you have an acceptable driving record. The credit card acts as proof that you can pay for your rental after you return the car.

Curious what is needed to rent a car and get on the road? Stop wondering! We’ve made it easy for you with this convenient table. Find additional details with the links in the right column, or read the complete requirements below the table.

Requirements to Rent a Car

Must-Haves

Details

Learn More

Meet age requirement

25+

*Younger drivers pay additional surcharge and must be at least 21 in most states and provinces.

Avis rental age requirements

Valid driver's license

-Issued by US or Canada, or by another country that meets Avis requirements.

-Must be valid entire rental period.

-Cannot be suspended, expired, revoked, canceled, or surrendered.

* Temporary licenses are acceptable if they meet the criteria above.

Avis driver's license policy

Acceptable driving record

-No reckless driving convictions in past 36 months

-No DUI/DWI/DWAI convictions in past 48 months

-No record of failure to report accidents/leaving the scene of an accident in past 36 months

-No record of possession of a stolen vehicle

-No record of using a vehicle in a crime

-No more than 2 moving violations (including seat belt violations) in past 24 months

-No more than 2 accidents in past 36 months

Avis driving record policy

Avis-honored credit card

Accepted cards are:

-Avis Charge Card

-American Express

-AT&T Capital

-China Union Pay

-Diners Club International

-Discover

-JCB

-MasterCard

-Visa

Other Avis payment options

Might-Needs

Details

Learn More

Additional form of ID

Acceptable ID at airport locations:

-Round-trip plane ticket or travel itinerary with return date listed

-US passport (name must match driver's license)

-US military ID (name must match driver's license)

-Canadian passport (if flying to the US from Canada)

-Enhanced Canadian license

-Passport from another country (name must match driver's license)

Acceptable ID at non-airport locations:

-A bill from the last 60 days with the same name and address as your driver's license

-US passport (name must match driver's license)

-US military ID (name must match driver's license)

Acceptable forms of secondary ID

International Driver's Permit

For renters who are traveling outside their home country.

*Not required in all countries

Renting a car internationally

Pass an electronic DMV check OR

Sign a declaration declaring your driving record meets Avis requirements

This verifies that all rental car drivers meet the acceptable driving record standards listed above.

Varies by location.

Avis driving record verification policy

What is required to rent a car?

Avis requires that each customer and additional driver meet the Avis minimum age requirements, present a valid driver's license, have an acceptable driving record, and present an Avis-honored charge card or cash rental qualification. All requirements must be met at the time of rental.

Acceptable Driver’s Licenses

The driver's license must be valid at the time of rental and remain valid throughout the rental period. All drivers must meet Avis's requirements.

Driver's licenses accepted in the U.S. are:

  • Any license issued by a U.S. state, territory, or possession.

  • A license issued by a Canadian province.

  • A license issued by a country that participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic.

  • A license issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the U.S.

A temporary driver's license is acceptable only if it has no restrictions and is valid for the entire period of the rental. Individuals with learner's permits may not operate Avis vehicles.

Florida Only: Certain, limited out-of-state licenses are not, pursuant to state law, recognized by the State of Florida to drive a vehicle on public roads. These licenses are not valid for identification purposes and will have a statement similar to:

o Not For Federal Identification

o Driving Privilege Only

o Not Valid for Identification

This policy applies to any state that issues this type of driver’s license, including Connecticut & Delaware.

Driving Record Requirements

At the time of rental, the renter, authorized driver, or additional driver may be subject to an electronic DMV check from the state that issued the driver’s license or may be required to sign a declaration attesting to specific criteria:

  • The renter/authorized driver has a valid license that is not currently suspended, expired, revoked, canceled, or surrendered.

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months, had 1 or more convictions for reckless driving.

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 48 months, had 1 or more convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving while alcohol impaired (DWAI).

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months, failed to report an accident or left the scene of an accident.

  • The renter/authorized driver has never been in possession of a stolen vehicle or used a vehicle in a crime.

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 24 months, had 3 or more convictions for moving violations (including seat belt violations).

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months, had 3 or more accidents.

International Rentals

If you intend to rent outside your home country, you may also be required to present an International Driver's Permit. International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit it not acceptable by itself.

Avis may also require that renters outside of their home country and renters with a foreign driver’s license (other than a U.S. or Canadian driver’s license) present a valid passport or a secondary form of identification at the time of checkout. The name on the passport must match the name displayed on the driver’s license.

Acceptable Secondary Identification

When renting at an Avis airport location, commonly accepted forms of identification include:

  • A round-trip airline ticket, e-ticket, or travel itinerary to or from the airport of rental, disclosing a return date and showing the renter's name.

  • A valid U.S. passport or current U.S. military identification card. The name on the passport or military ID must match the name on the renter's U.S.-issued driver's license.

  • A current vehicle insurance card. The name and address must match the name and address on the renter's driver's license.

  • A current copy (within the last 60 days) of your cellphone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement, or utility bill that shows your name and current address. Your name and address must match the U.S.-issued driver's license in order to provide the renting location with proof of an accurate address.

When renting at an off-airport location, commonly accepted forms of identification include:

  • A current copy (within the last 60 days) of your cellular phone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement, or utility bill that shows your name and current address. Your name and address must match your U.S.-issued driver's license in order to provide the renting location with proof of an accurate address.

  • A valid US passport or current U.S. military identification card. The name on the passport or military ID must match the name on the U.S.-issued driver's license.

Forms of accepted identification may vary by rental location. Review the Terms and Conditions for your pickup location before you arrive to begin your rental period. You may also wish to contact your pickup location to confirm that the forms of ID listed above are accepted at that specific location.

Canadian Citizens Renting in the U.S.

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by air must present a valid driver’s license and passport.

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by car, train, bus, or ship may present an enhanced Canadian license instead of a passport. Enhanced licenses contain the words enhanced or permis de conduire plus.

What should I bring to pick up my rental car?

In most cases, you’ll need only your valid driver’s license and an Avis-honored credit card. The license acts as a form of ID and can be used to prove you have an acceptable driving record. The credit card acts as proof that you can pay for your rental after you return the car.

Curious what is needed to rent a car and get on the road? Stop wondering! We’ve made it easy for you with this convenient table. Find additional details with the links in the right column, or read the complete requirements below the table.

Requirements to Rent a Car

Must-Haves

Details

Learn More

Meet age requirement

25+

*Younger drivers pay additional surcharge and must be at least 21 in most states and provinces.

Avis rental age requirements

Valid driver's license

-Issued by US or Canada, or by another country that meets Avis requirements.

-Must be valid entire rental period.

-Cannot be suspended, expired, revoked, canceled, or surrendered.

* Temporary licenses are acceptable if they meet the criteria above.

Avis driver's license policy

Acceptable driving record

-No reckless driving convictions in past 36 months

-No DUI/DWI/DWAI convictions in past 48 months

-No record of failure to report accidents/leaving the scene of an accident in past 36 months

-No record of possession of a stolen vehicle

-No record of using a vehicle in a crime

-No more than 2 moving violations (including seat belt violations) in past 24 months

-No more than 2 accidents in past 36 months

Avis driving record policy

Avis-honored credit card

Accepted cards are:

-Avis Charge Card

-American Express

-AT&T Capital

-China Union Pay

-Diners Club International

-Discover

-JCB

-MasterCard

-Visa

Other Avis payment options

Might-Needs

Details

Learn More

Additional form of ID

Acceptable ID at airport locations:

-Round-trip plane ticket or travel itinerary with return date listed

-US passport (name must match driver's license)

-US military ID (name must match driver's license)

-Canadian passport (if flying to the US from Canada)

-Enhanced Canadian license

-Passport from another country (name must match driver's license)

Acceptable ID at non-airport locations:

-A bill from the last 60 days with the same name and address as your driver's license

-US passport (name must match driver's license)

-US military ID (name must match driver's license)

Acceptable forms of secondary ID

International Driver's Permit

For renters who are traveling outside their home country.

*Not required in all countries

Renting a car internationally

Pass an electronic DMV check OR

Sign a declaration declaring your driving record meets Avis requirements

This verifies that all rental car drivers meet the acceptable driving record standards listed above.

Varies by location.

Avis driving record verification policy

What is required to rent a car?

Avis requires that each customer and additional driver meet the Avis minimum age requirements, present a valid driver's license, have an acceptable driving record, and present an Avis-honored charge card or cash rental qualification. All requirements must be met at the time of rental.

Acceptable Driver’s Licenses

The driver's license must be valid at the time of rental and remain valid throughout the rental period. All drivers must meet Avis's requirements.

Driver's licenses accepted in the U.S. are:

  • Any license issued by a U.S. state, territory, or possession.

  • A license issued by a Canadian province.

  • A license issued by a country that participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic.

  • A license issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the U.S.

A temporary driver's license is acceptable only if it has no restrictions and is valid for the entire period of the rental. Individuals with learner's permits may not operate Avis vehicles.

Florida Only: Certain, limited out-of-state licenses are not, pursuant to state law, recognized by the State of Florida to drive a vehicle on public roads. These licenses are not valid for identification purposes and will have a statement similar to:

o Not For Federal Identification

o Driving Privilege Only

o Not Valid for Identification

This policy applies to any state that issues this type of driver’s license, including Connecticut & Delaware.

Driving Record Requirements

At the time of rental, the renter, authorized driver, or additional driver may be subject to an electronic DMV check from the state that issued the driver’s license or may be required to sign a declaration attesting to specific criteria:

  • The renter/authorized driver has a valid license that is not currently suspended, expired, revoked, canceled, or surrendered.

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months, had 1 or more convictions for reckless driving.

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 48 months, had 1 or more convictions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving while alcohol impaired (DWAI).

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months, failed to report an accident or left the scene of an accident.

  • The renter/authorized driver has never been in possession of a stolen vehicle or used a vehicle in a crime.

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 24 months, had 3 or more convictions for moving violations (including seat belt violations).

  • The renter/authorized driver has not, within the last 36 months, had 3 or more accidents.

International Rentals

If you intend to rent outside your home country, you may also be required to present an International Driver's Permit. International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit it not acceptable by itself.

Avis may also require that renters outside of their home country and renters with a foreign driver’s license (other than a U.S. or Canadian driver’s license) present a valid passport or a secondary form of identification at the time of checkout. The name on the passport must match the name displayed on the driver’s license.

Acceptable Secondary Identification

When renting at an Avis airport location, commonly accepted forms of identification include:

  • A round-trip airline ticket, e-ticket, or travel itinerary to or from the airport of rental, disclosing a return date and showing the renter's name.

  • A valid U.S. passport or current U.S. military identification card. The name on the passport or military ID must match the name on the renter's U.S.-issued driver's license.

  • A current vehicle insurance card. The name and address must match the name and address on the renter's driver's license.

  • A current copy (within the last 60 days) of your cellphone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement, or utility bill that shows your name and current address. Your name and address must match the U.S.-issued driver's license in order to provide the renting location with proof of an accurate address.

When renting at an off-airport location, commonly accepted forms of identification include:

  • A current copy (within the last 60 days) of your cellular phone bill, home telephone bill, bank statement, or utility bill that shows your name and current address. Your name and address must match your U.S.-issued driver's license in order to provide the renting location with proof of an accurate address.

  • A valid US passport or current U.S. military identification card. The name on the passport or military ID must match the name on the U.S.-issued driver's license.

Forms of accepted identification may vary by rental location. Review the Terms and Conditions for your pickup location before you arrive to begin your rental period. You may also wish to contact your pickup location to confirm that the forms of ID listed above are accepted at that specific location.

Canadian Citizens Renting in the U.S.

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by air must present a valid driver’s license and passport.

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by car, train, bus, or ship may present an enhanced Canadian license instead of a passport. Enhanced licenses contain the words enhanced or permis de conduire plus.

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Rental Requirements (2024)

FAQs

What makes me a great tenant answer? ›

The ability and willingness to: pay rent, care for the rental property, avoid creating disturbances, and avoid drama. Good tenants care enough to at least try to make a good impression. They are friendly, show up on time, display some level of excitement for the rental property, and are respectful to the landlord.

What do you say to convince a landlord to rent to you? ›

Emphasize your financial stability by including details about your steady income source, whether from employment, investments, or other reliable means. If applicable, include references from previous landlords to vouch for your responsible financial behavior and timely rent payments.

What makes you stand out on a rental application? ›

Solid References

Most rental applications require at least three references. These references should come from people who know you well, and can attest to you being a solid tenant for the landlord. Most applications want to see previous or current landlords, as well as employers to vouch for your behavior.

How do you respond to a rental rejection? ›

It is not recommended to complain or criticize the landlord's decision. Simply state your case and ask them to reconsider. In the event that your application is ultimately denied it is best to understand why it was denied so that you can address it for the next property.

How to answer why should we rent to you? ›

What to Include in a Rental Cover Letter
  1. Summarize Your Employment History. A landlord is far more likely to rent to someone with steady employment – they need the tenant to be able to pay rent every month. ...
  2. Share Your Hobbies. ...
  3. Discuss Your Thoughts on What Makes a Good Neighbor. ...
  4. Explain Why You Want To Live in This House.

What to say when interested in an apartment sample? ›

My name is and I am very interested in renting the apartment you have available at . I currently live at and have lived there for years. I am looking for a new place to live because . I really like your apartment because .

How to make your rental stand out? ›

How to Make Your Rental Property Stand Out: A Comprehensive Guide
  1. First Impressions Matter: Enhance Your Curb Appeal. ...
  2. The Value of Natural Light: Upgrade Your Windows. ...
  3. The Heart of the Home: Enhance Your Kitchen and Bathroom. ...
  4. A Fresh Look: Repaint the Property. ...
  5. Emphasize Unique Features. ...
  6. Cleanliness is Key.
Oct 10, 2023

What are two things you can do to be an ideal candidate for a rental application and tenant? ›

If you're wondering what types of qualities landlords look for in an ideal tenant, here are some of the basics.
  • Good Credit.
  • Sufficient Income.
  • Positive Rental History.
  • Clear Criminal Background Check.
  • Professionalism.
Jul 19, 2022

What questions Cannot be asked on a rental application? ›

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, skin color, nationality, religious preference, gender, age, family status, or disability. NOTE: In the state of California, landlords are also restricted from asking questions regarding immigration or citizenship status on the rental application.

Why do rental applications get rejected? ›

Issues that raise red flags with properties include evictions, broken leases, and unpaid rental debt. Also, most apps require you to list contact info for former landlords — so if you left your last place on rocky terms, they may be inclined to give the next property you're applying for a heads up.

Do landlords have to tell you why they rejected you? ›

While these kinds of rejections are perfectly legal, here's the kicker—the landlord or rental agency must by law tell you why they are rejecting your application and give you a copy of the report that provided the negative information.

Does getting denied for an apartment hurt your credit? ›

Does Denied Credit Show Up on Your Credit Report? No, denied credit applications won't appear on your credit report. Lenders don't report whether your applications were approved or denied because even approved applications don't necessarily result in a new account.

How do you say you are a good tenant? ›

Nine Qualities that Make a Good and Dependable Tenant
  1. Provides a Good Detailed Application. ...
  2. Has a Good Record. ...
  3. Easy to Communicate with and are Respectful. ...
  4. Pay Rent Timely. ...
  5. Accommodating. ...
  6. Cares for the Property. ...
  7. Maintenance Issues are Communicated. ...
  8. Adheres to legislation and terms of the Tenancy Agreement.

What makes you a great tenant on Zillow? ›

You should dress well and strike up a conversation. Tell the landlord or property manager what you like about the place and share a bit about yourself. That will help make an impression that you're a serious renter, as will a quick follow-up email or hand-written note after the open house.

How to tell if someone will be a good tenant? ›

12 Signs an Applicant Will Be a Good Tenant
  1. They can give you a good reason for why they're moving. ...
  2. They are courteous, respectful, and professional when you meet them. ...
  3. They don't move too often. ...
  4. They have good references. ...
  5. They have a good credit score. ...
  6. They have a stable job. ...
  7. They have no criminal history.
Feb 21, 2020

How would you describe a good landlord? ›

Six Qualities of a Great Landlord
  • Trustworthy. Establish trust between you and your tenants by making sure you are readily available in case of emergencies and act quickly to resolve any issues raised. ...
  • Transparent. ...
  • Compliant. ...
  • Respectful. ...
  • Knowledgeable. ...
  • Organised.

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