Traveling to Brazil? Check below which documents you need to pick up your rental car:
Documents foreigners must present
Foreigners must have the following documents with them when picking up the vehicle at the rental company's counter:
1 - Printed reservation confirmation voucher sent by email shortly after the reservation is confirmed or changed;
2 - Physical, valid driver's license issued more than 2 years ago;
3 - Passport from the country of origin, with the same nationality as the driver's license;
4 - Physical credit card meeting the following requirements:
In your own name;
Name and number printed and clearly legible;
Enabled for purchases abroad;
Within the validity period;
Issued by a bank;
Sufficient available credit for the security deposit hold.
5 - IDP (International Driving Permit), in accordance with the regulations of the country where the vehicle is picked up.
6 - Proof of entry into the country: presentation of an airline/ferry/bus ticket or an immigration stamp from the Federal Police proving the date of legal entry into Brazil is mandatory (a requirement of rental companies such as Localiza and Unidas).
Documents Brazilian citizens must present
For your safety and convenience, make sure you have the following documents with you when picking up the vehicle at the rental company's counter:
1 - Reservation confirmation voucher (sent by email shortly after the reservation is confirmed or changed);
2 - Valid, physical driver's license issued more than 2 years ago (acceptance of a digital driver's license depends exclusively on the rental company);
3 - Physical credit card meeting the following requirements:
In your own name;
Name and number printed and clearly legible;
Within the validity period;
Issued by a bank;
Sufficient available credit for the security deposit hold. Want to learn more about the security deposit hold? Check out our article on the subject.
If the driver does not have a card, some rental companies in Brazil offer the option of a Financially Responsible Person.
Are you traveling through Mercosur?
In that case, you will also need to present the Green Card, mandatory insurance for vehicles registered and/or licensed in Brazil that travel within Mercosur territory. Remember to check directly with the rental company for any applicable fees and permission to cross borders.