Yes, you can add additional drivers to your car rental booking. This allows other people to share the driving responsibilities with the main driver legally and safely.
This service is offered by rental companies for a daily fee. If it is not purchased and an unauthorized person drives the vehicle, all insurance coverage will be fully void in the event of an accident or claim.
How can I add additional drivers to my car rental booking?
During your online booking
Not all rental companies allow additional drivers to be added during the online booking process. When available, this option will appear among the vehicle add-ons. If your selected rate already includes this benefit, it will be shown on your confirmation voucher.
At vehicle pick-up
If it is not possible to add the driver online, or if you decide to do so at the last minute, the process must be completed directly at the rental company's counter before picking up the vehicle. To do this:
The additional driver must be present when the rental agreement is created: both the main driver and the additional driver must be physically present at the counter.
Rental agreement update: the rental agreement will be updated with the additional driver's personal information and required documents.
Can I add an additional driver after the rental has started?
In general, rental companies do not allow additional drivers to be added after the vehicle has been picked up and the rental agreement has been issued. If an urgent need arises during your trip, you should contact the rental company's customer service channels or visit the nearest rental location with the new driver to check whether the rental agreement can be amended.
What are the requirements for additional drivers?
To be accepted, an additional driver must meet the same eligibility requirements as the main driver:
Minimum age: for bookings made within Brazil, the minimum age is generally 21 years. For international bookings, the minimum age is generally 25 years. Some rental companies accept drivers aged 18 to 24 upon payment of a "young driver fee".
Driver's licence: a valid physical driver's licence issued at least 2 years ago is required. For Brazilian drivers renting within Brazil, the Digital CNH is accepted as long as it is presented through the official Gov.br/Detran app. Please note that screenshots or printed copies are not accepted.
International Driving Permit (IDP): for international bookings, an International Driving Permit may be recommended or even mandatory. It must always be presented together with the original driver's licence.
Supporting documentation: for rentals abroad or for foreign nationals renting in Brazil, you may be required to present a passport with the same nationality as your driver's licence, as well as proof of entry into the country (such as a visa or immigration stamp).
How much does it cost to add an additional driver to my booking?
If the additional driver option is available for your reservation, you will be able to view the price directly during the booking process. If you did not add this service in advance, or if the selected rate does not offer this option online, it can be added at the rental counter for an additional fee.
In these cases, based on the most common market practices, you may consider the following price ranges:
Rentals in Brazil: between R$ 21.90 and R$ 28.00 per day
Rentals in the United States: between US$ 15.00 and US$ 18.38 per day
Rentals in Europe: between € 12.99 and € 15.00 per day
If you have already added this service at the time of booking, it will be indicated on your confirmation voucher, and you will not need to purchase it again at the counter.
Please note: these amounts are only estimates. The final fee may vary depending on the rental company, destination, and booking conditions, and will always be confirmed at the time of vehicle pick-up.
What does the additional driver fee cover?
The additional driver fee extends all vehicle protection plans and insurance coverage (such as protection against theft, vehicle theft, and collision damage) to the additional driver.
If an accident or other covered incident occurs while the additional driver is driving (provided they are properly listed on the rental agreement), the insurance coverage will apply as normal.
However, if the vehicle is driven by an unauthorized person, this constitutes a breach of the rental agreement and will void all insurance coverage. In such cases, the rental company will charge the lead booker for the full cost of the damages.
Frequently asked questions, limitations, and additional rules
Can I add more than one additional driver?
Yes. Most rental companies allow multiple additional drivers. However, each additional driver must be present at the rental counter with their original documents, and a separate daily fee will be charged for each one.
With Rentcars, you can add only one additional driver during the online booking process. If you wish to add more drivers, this must be done directly at the rental company's counter when picking up the vehicle.
The maximum number of additional drivers is usually limited by the number of seats available in the rented vehicle.
Do additional drivers need a credit card?
No. The credit card used for the security deposit and rental payment must belong exclusively to the lead booker. Additional drivers only need to present their identification documents and driver's licence.
Does the lead booker need to be present at vehicle pick-up?
Yes. Even if the additional driver will be driving most of the time, the lead booker remains financially and contractually responsible and must be physically present to sign the rental agreement at the time of vehicle pick-up.
Can the additional driver return the vehicle?
Some rental companies allow the additional driver to return the vehicle without the lead booker being present, provided this authorization is agreed upon and recorded when the rental agreement is created. It is recommended that you confirm this with the rental counter agent, as some companies require the lead booker to sign the vehicle return documentation.
Can I hire an additional driver for only part of the rental period?
No. It is not possible to hire an additional driver for only specific days or part of the rental period. The additional driver service must cover the entire duration of the vehicle booking.