Before you go

Documents, age and deposit

The most common reason a booking fails at the desk is paperwork. Check these points before you fly.

Updated By the DUS Car Hire editorial team How we research

The short answer

Bring a valid driving licence held for at least one year, your passport or national ID card, a credit card in the main driver’s name with enough limit for the deposit, and your voucher. Licences not in the Latin alphabet need an International Driving Permit. Minimum age is 18–21 depending on the supplier, with a young-driver fee under 25.

Desk checklist

  • Original driving licence (no photo or copy)
  • Passport or national ID card
  • Credit card in the main driver’s name (Visa/Mastercard; Amex not everywhere)
  • International Driving Permit for non-Latin-script licences
  • Booking voucher (digital is usually fine)
  • For additional drivers: their licence and ID

Driving licence and IDP

EU/EEA licences are fully valid. Visitors from other countries may drive for up to six months on their national licence. If it is not in the Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese), you also need an International Driving Permit or an official translation. Many suppliers ask for an IDP with other non-EU licences too. Check with our licence tool.

Minimum age and young drivers

Minimum age is 18 to 21 depending on the supplier, higher for premium and sports cars (often 25–30). Drivers under 25 usually pay a daily young-driver fee with a cap. A few suppliers also have an upper age limit or ask for extra documents from around 75.

Deposit and payment

The deposit is blocked as a pre-authorisation on your credit card and released after the return – this can take a few days depending on your bank. The amount depends on the car class and the cover you choose. Debit cards are often not accepted for the deposit; where they are, restrictions apply. Check the payment terms in your offer.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

8 answers

You can often pay online with a debit card, but most suppliers need a credit card for the deposit at the desk. Some offers state explicitly that debit cards are accepted.

No – bring the physical card. Digital licences and photos are not accepted at rental desks.

Usually 18 to 21 depending on supplier and car group, with a young-driver fee for drivers under 25. Premium groups often require 25+.

Usually at least one year, and two to three years for premium cars. The requirement is shown in each offer’s terms.

It depends on supplier, car group and insurance – typically a few hundred euros for small cars and more for premium cars. The amount is in the rental terms.

Yes, the card for the deposit must be in the main driver’s name. Cards of passengers or companions are usually not accepted.

Yes, or a national ID card for EU citizens. The name must match the licence and credit card.

Almost never. Prepaid and virtual cards are generally not accepted for the deposit.

Still have a question? Contact our support team.

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