Knowing the requirements to rent a vehicle is fundamental when planning a trip. However, some countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Spain may have variations in their requirements, which calls for extra attention to local criteria.
What are the general requirements for renting a car in international destinations?
In general, most international rental agencies require:
Minimum age: 25 years old. Some agencies accept drivers under 25 with the payment of a Young Driver Fee. In these cases, there might be restrictions on vehicle categories.
A valid physical passport of the same nationality as the driver’s license;
A physical driver's license: valid for at least 2 years.
A credit card in the name of the reservation holder: must be issued by a physical bank and enabled for international use.
Virtual, prepaid, or contactless cards are not accepted.
The security deposit (card block) is never accepted in cash.
International Driving Permit (IDP): required for driving in countries like Italy, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Switzerland, and Austria, where non-Roman alphabets are used.
A printed reservation voucher.
Country-Specific Details
Certain countries require specific documents due to regional rules and policies, so pay attention to the destination where you will be renting, as follows.
What are the requirements for renting a car in Mexico?
In addition to the general requirements mentioned above:
Driver's License: Must be registered at the same address as the INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral).
Credit Card: The credit card must have been issued at least 1 year ago, be personalized with the name of the reservation holder, and be issued by a physical bank. Rental agencies do not accept credit cards issued by virtual banks or prepaid cards. Most agencies accept American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Banamex, BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, Santander, HSBC, and Scotiabank. Be sure to check with the rental agency which credit cards are accepted if the chosen payment method for your reservation requires a payment at the counter.
Note: The amount of the security deposit on your credit card can vary depending on whether or not you purchase full protection offered by the rental agency, the vehicle category, and the type of credit card. Therefore, we recommend having a available limit of at least USD 400 on your card. It's also important to know that cash security deposits are not accepted.
Proof of residence for rentals outside the city of residence: Some rental companies may require proof of residence or travel evidence, such as a plane ticket or another document that confirms the trip to the destination. This applies mostly to border states with the United States, such as Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
What are the requirements for renting in Spain?
In the case of Spain, it's important to note that:
Need to present two credit cards for the security deposit: Some rental agencies may require two credit cards to make the security deposit block. This is the case, for example, for companies like Alamo, Enterprise, National, Europcar, and Keddy, especially for higher vehicle categories or in specific situations. Other rental agencies besides those mentioned may also adopt this requirement.
What are the requirements for renting a car in Colombia?
For Colombians, the requirements are generally the same. However, some scenarios should be evaluated before renting a vehicle in the country.
If you are a Colombian and live outside the country, pay attention to the documents needed to rent a car during your stay in Colombia. Rental companies, such as Localiza, follow specific rules regarding the documentation presented:
Required documents:
Colombian identity document: citizenship card or Colombian passport.
Physical, valid Colombian driver's license issued at least 2 years ago.
Possible situations:
With a valid, physical Colombian driver's license: The rental can proceed normally.
With a foreign driver's license: In general, rental agencies do not allow rentals with only a foreign license.
Attention: Always carry the correct documentation with you when driving in Colombia. The lack of valid documents can result in fines or vehicle impoundment by traffic authorities.
General Guidelines for a Smooth Vehicle Pickup
To ensure a smooth experience when picking up your vehicle, follow the guidelines below:
Check and print your voucher: Be sure to read carefully and print your voucher, as it contains important information about the entire rental. You can find it in the reservation confirmation email, as well as in the logged-in area of the website or app, under My Reservations.
Pay attention to the grace period: Rental agencies generally offer a grace period for late pickups. Check your voucher for the specific deadline for the chosen agency. Important: this period is not valid during closing hours.
Plan for changes and delays: Whenever possible, contact our service center in advance to inform us of itinerary changes or flight delays to avoid complications.
Have your documents in hand: Bring the physical versions of the required documents (driver's license, credit card, and voucher) ready for presentation.
Check local requirements: Some locations require extra documents, such as the International Driving Permit (IDP). Confirm if this is necessary for your case.
Vehicle inspection: Check the fuel tank level and the condition of the car both at pickup and drop-off, recording any irregularities to avoid undue charges.
Extra Tip: Provide Your Flight Details
Providing your flight details (airline name and flight number) allows the rental agency to:
Organize the meet & greet service at the airport.
Prepare for the shuttle boarding (transfer to the store, when applicable).
Monitor for any delays, ensuring that the service proceeds smoothly and on time.
Where can I enter my flight details when making my reservation?
To enter your flight details, just check the images below, depending on the channel used to make your reservation. See how easy it is!
Via the website:
Via the App:
