Quick Summary:
- Bring a valid driving licence, plus ID that matches your booking.
- Most drivers need a credit card for deposit and security checks.
- Check age rules, young driver fees, and any extra driver requirements.
- Understand insurance options, excess, and what your policy already covers.
Hiring a car in Los Angeles is usually straightforward, but US rules can feel unfamiliar if you are visiting from abroad. Requirements vary slightly by provider and vehicle group, yet most follow the same core checks at collection. This guide explains what you typically need for car hire in Los Angeles, what to expect at the counter, and how to avoid common issues that can delay pickup.
1) A valid driving licence, and how long you must have held it
The single most important requirement is a full, valid driving licence. For most travellers, this means a photocard licence that is current, legible, and not expired. Rental staff will check the licence carefully, including your name, date of birth, and any restrictions.
Many companies also require you to have held your licence for a minimum period, often at least 12 months. Some vehicle categories, such as large SUVs, premium cars, or people carriers, may require a longer holding period. If you have recently passed your test, check the specific terms for the supplier and vehicle group you plan to rent.
If your licence is not in English, you may be asked for an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation. Rules can depend on your country of issue, and the rental agent will use the IDP to verify the licence details. Even when an IDP is accepted, it is usually only valid when presented alongside your original licence, not as a replacement.
2) Passport or acceptable photo ID
In the US, identity verification is routine for car hire. If you are flying into Los Angeles, a passport is the most universally accepted form of identification, particularly for international visitors. US residents may use other forms of government-issued photo ID, depending on the company’s policy, but a passport remains the simplest option when travelling.
Your ID should match the name on the booking and on the payment card. If you use a shortened name, different surname order, or a different middle name on one document, it can trigger extra checks. To keep pickup smooth, align your booking details with what appears on your passport and driving licence.
3) Payment method: why credit cards are usually required
A common stumbling block for visitors is payment. In Los Angeles, most car hire companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name to cover the security deposit. This deposit is typically a pre-authorisation, which temporarily reduces your available credit rather than taking money outright, but it can still affect your spending limit during the trip.
Debit cards may be accepted by some suppliers, but often with additional requirements. These can include a higher deposit, proof of return travel, additional identification, or limiting the vehicle categories available. Because policies vary, it is wise to plan on using a credit card unless you have confirmed debit acceptance in advance.
Even if you prepay online, the counter may still require a card for deposit and incidentals. Ensure your card is valid for the full rental period, has sufficient available credit, and is not a prepaid travel card unless the terms explicitly permit it.
4) Age requirements, and young driver surcharges
Age rules are a defining part of US car hire. In Los Angeles, many providers set the standard minimum age at 21, with additional restrictions for drivers under 25. If you are 20 or younger, your options may be limited, or you may not be able to rent at all with certain companies.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 often pay a daily young driver surcharge. Some vehicle groups may be off-limits to younger drivers, such as luxury cars, larger SUVs, or specialty vehicles. If you are under 25, check which categories you can access before arriving at the rental desk to avoid last-minute changes.
There is usually no maximum age cap, but older drivers may be asked to confirm licence validity and provide additional information in some cases. Requirements are set by the supplier, not the state, so read the rental conditions closely.
5) Insurance in the US: what it means, and what you might need
Insurance is the area that causes the most confusion, because US terminology differs from the UK and Europe. At the counter, you may be offered several products. Understanding the basics helps you decide what you need, and what you may already have through a personal policy or payment card.
Liability coverage is essential in the US, because it covers injury and damage to other people and property. Some rentals include a minimum level required by law, but the limits can be low. Travellers often prefer higher liability protection for peace of mind, especially in a busy city like Los Angeles.
Collision coverage relates to damage to the hire car itself. In US wording, you may hear Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). These are not always described as “insurance” at the desk, but they can reduce what you pay if the car is damaged or stolen, subject to terms and exclusions.
Excess and deposits are connected. Even when collision cover is included, you may still have an excess, and the supplier may still pre-authorise a deposit on your card.
Before travelling, check whether your travel insurance includes car hire excess cover, and whether your credit card offers any collision benefits. If relying on card benefits, confirm the country, vehicle type, and claim process, because exclusions are common.
For travellers comparing different US locations and providers, you can browse rental options on Hola Car Rentals pages such as car hire at Boston BOS, National car hire at Seattle SEA, Payless car hire at Fort Lauderdale FLL, or Budget car rental in Colorado DEN, then compare what is included for different trip styles.
6) Address and contact details: what you may be asked to provide
Rental counters often request a home address and a mobile number. International visitors can use their permanent home address, plus a working phone number. If you will not have US mobile service, provide a number that can still receive calls or messages while you travel, such as a roaming-enabled number. Some companies may also ask for an email address to send the rental agreement and receipt.
If you are using a debit card, additional proof of address may be required by certain providers. This could involve presenting a recent statement or utility bill, although requirements vary widely.
7) Additional drivers, and who must be present
If you plan to share driving in Los Angeles, add the additional driver at the counter (or in advance if possible) and expect the extra driver to present their own driving licence and identification. In most cases, additional drivers must be present when the agreement is signed. Some suppliers offer reduced fees for spouses or domestic partners, but rules differ.
Do not assume someone can drive the car just because they are insured elsewhere. If a driver is not listed on the agreement and has an incident, you can face significant complications, including denied coverage.
8) Choosing the right car for Los Angeles conditions
Los Angeles driving can involve long distances, multi-lane motorways, steep streets in some neighbourhoods, and heavy traffic at peak times. Your paperwork may be in order, but choosing a sensible vehicle group also matters for a smooth trip.
For city-only plans and easier parking, a compact or intermediate car is often practical. For families, beaches, or day trips to hiking areas, you might prefer an SUV for luggage space and comfort. If you are visiting with a group, confirm seating and luggage capacity carefully, because US category names can differ from what you expect.
Automatic transmission is the norm in the US. If you can only drive a manual, confirm availability early, as manuals can be limited.
9) Tolls, parking, and fuel: what to know before you drive away
Although not “documents”, these are common collection-desk topics that can affect what you need and what you pay.
Tolls: Southern California has toll roads and express lanes in some areas. Many rental companies offer a toll programme that bills you automatically if you use toll routes. Alternatively, you may need to pay tolls yourself, depending on the vehicle’s transponder setup and the supplier’s policy. Ask how tolls are handled, and whether there are daily admin fees.
Parking: Parking rules vary by neighbourhood. Read street signs carefully, and be cautious with red kerbs, street-cleaning schedules, and permit zones.
Fuel: Most rentals are “full-to-full”, meaning you collect with a full tank and return full. Keep fuel receipts if you fill up near the return location, as they can help resolve disputes. If you accept a pre-purchase fuel option, understand whether any unused fuel is refunded.
10) Common reasons car hire pickup gets delayed, and how to avoid them
Many Los Angeles collection issues are preventable. The most frequent causes include a mismatch between the driver name and the payment card, insufficient available credit for the deposit, an expired licence, or arriving without an IDP when one is required. Another common issue is expecting a debit card to be accepted without meeting extra conditions.
To reduce the risk, check your documents a week before travel, confirm the name on your booking matches your passport, and allow time at the airport for the shuttle or walk to the rental facility. If you are landing after a long-haul flight, it is also sensible to plan for queues, especially at busy times.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Los Angeles? It depends on your licence. If your driving licence is not in English, many companies may ask for an IDP or official translation, alongside your original licence.
Can I use a debit card for car hire in Los Angeles? Sometimes, but many suppliers prefer a credit card for the deposit. Debit card acceptance can involve extra requirements such as higher deposits or limited vehicle categories.
What is the typical minimum age for car hire in Los Angeles? Commonly 21, but drivers under 25 often pay a young driver surcharge and may face restrictions on certain vehicle types.
How much is the deposit for hiring a car in the US? Deposits vary by supplier, vehicle group, and insurance selection. Expect a pre-authorisation on a credit card, which reduces available credit temporarily.
What insurance should I consider for driving around Los Angeles? Ensure you have adequate liability cover, and understand collision cover terms like CDW or LDW, any excess, and exclusions such as windscreens, tyres, or underbody damage.
