Quick Summary:
- Bring your UK photocard driving licence, valid and matching the lead driver.
- Carry your passport and ESTA details, as identity checks are common.
- Use a credit card in the lead driver’s name for deposits.
- Keep booking confirmation, vouchers, and insurer documents ready to show.
Picking up car hire at Orlando Airport in Orlando is usually straightforward, but most desk delays come down to missing or mismatched documents. UK visitors can avoid queues and rework by preparing a small pack of essentials that prove identity, driving entitlement, and payment ability. This guide explains what to bring, what to screenshot, and what must match exactly between your passport, licence, and booking.
If you are collecting at MCO, it helps to review practical pick-up details for the location you are using, such as Orlando Airport car rental options and the typical check-in steps for car hire at Orlando MCO. The paperwork requirements are similar across major brands, but individual suppliers can be strict on names, cards, and age rules.
The core documents most Orlando Airport desks will ask for
For UK visitors, there are four core items that cover nearly every car hire pick-up scenario at Orlando Airport: a valid driving licence, a passport, a suitable payment card, and proof of your booking. If any of these are missing, expired, or inconsistent, you may be refused at the counter or asked to change the contract, which often adds cost and time.
Think of the counter agent as needing to confirm three things. First, that you are the person on the booking. Second, that you are legally allowed to drive the vehicle category you reserved. Third, that you can meet the financial requirements, usually a refundable security deposit plus any payable charges. The documents below map to those checks.
1) UK driving licence, what to bring and what must match
Bring your UK photocard driving licence. It must be physical, valid, and in date on the day you collect and return the car. A photo on your phone is not normally accepted as a substitute because the desk needs to verify security features and the exact licence number.
Make sure the name on the licence matches the lead driver name on the booking. Differences in middle names, double-barrelled surnames, and spacing can sometimes cause delays. If your passport includes a middle name but your booking does not, it is usually fine, but it is safer to ensure the lead driver name on the reservation reflects your passport and licence as closely as possible.
Check your entitlement for the vehicle type. Standard UK category B licences cover typical cars and most SUVs, but if you plan a larger people carrier, check weight and category restrictions before you travel. If you are choosing a bigger vehicle for family luggage and theme park trips, it can help to review a category-specific page like SUV hire near Disney from Orlando MCO so you know what you are collecting and whether you will be driving it confidently.
What about the UK licence “counterpart”? The DVLA no longer issues a paper counterpart for photocard licences, and Florida rental desks typically do not require it. If the supplier wants to verify endorsements or points, they may ask questions, but they cannot rely on a paper counterpart that no longer exists. Keep your licence clean and readable, and do not travel with a damaged card.
2) Passport and immigration documents, what they check
Bring your passport and ensure it is valid for the full duration of your trip. Many desks will check it, even if you have already shown it at the airline check-in and US border. The rental agreement is a legal contract, so the supplier often uses your passport as the primary identity document, especially for non-US residents.
UK visitors generally travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. You are not usually asked to present the ESTA at the desk, but it is sensible to keep the confirmation email or a screenshot accessible. If your flight is delayed or you are tired after a long journey, having the key details to hand reduces stress if any question comes up.
Also keep your return flight details accessible. Again, it is not always requested, but some suppliers may ask for additional proof of travel plans for non-residents, especially if the booking looks unusual or the rental is long.
3) Payment card rules, deposits, and why UK debit cards can be tricky
The biggest cause of pick-up problems is payment. Many Orlando Airport suppliers require a credit card for the security deposit, and it usually must be in the lead driver’s name. A debit card may be accepted by some suppliers, but acceptance rules vary and can involve extra checks, higher deposits, or restrictions on vehicle categories.
To minimise the risk of refusal at the counter, plan to use a mainstream credit card (Visa or Mastercard) belonging to the lead driver. The desk will typically pre-authorise a deposit amount on that card. This is not a charge, but it reduces your available credit until the vehicle is returned and the authorisation is released. The release time can vary by bank, so avoid travelling with a card near its limit.
Bring the physical card, not just a digital wallet. Some desks will not accept Apple Pay or Google Pay for the deposit. Also, ensure the card has embossed or printed details that match your identification, and that it is not expired during the rental period.
If you are travelling as a couple or family, do not assume another traveller’s credit card can be used while you drive. If you want someone else to pay, you may need to make them the lead driver, or add them in a way the supplier allows. Each supplier has its own rules, so check the terms before you fly.
4) Booking confirmation, vouchers, and proof of inclusions
Carry your booking confirmation and any voucher paperwork, ideally both printed and saved offline on your phone. Orlando Airport has good connectivity, but you do not want to rely on email access at the counter. The desk agent may need the reservation number to find your booking quickly, especially during peak arrival waves.
Keep clear evidence of what is included in your rate, such as mileage, taxes, additional driver options, and any cover you arranged. This is important because the desk will offer optional extras, and it helps to know what you already have so you can make a calm decision. If your package includes specific inclusions, having them on one page prevents misunderstandings.
If you are hiring from a specific supplier desk, it can help to read supplier-focused guidance before you arrive. For example, these pages can be useful references for typical pick-up expectations at MCO: Alamo at Orlando MCO and Hertz at Orlando MCO. Policies can still change, but knowing the general flow and what the counter usually requests is helpful.
Supporting documents that can prevent delays
Beyond the essentials, a few supporting documents can reduce the chance of a desk hold-up.
Proof of address: Not commonly required, but occasionally requested if you are paying with a debit card or if your ID details do not clearly show an address. A UK driving licence typically shows an address, but if it is outdated, update it before travel. If you recently moved and have not updated your licence, bring a recent utility bill or bank statement. A digital PDF can help, but a printed copy is safer.
Additional driver documents: Every additional driver should have their own physical driving licence and passport available at pick-up if they need to be added to the contract. If the second driver is not present, most desks will not add them.
Child seat documentation: If you are bringing your own car seat, it is not a desk document, but it can affect your pick-up speed. Ensure you can fit it quickly and correctly, and confirm it is suitable for US seat belts and tether points. If you are renting seats, ask at the counter and allow extra time, as stock and fitting guidance can slow the process.
Medical or name-change evidence: If your surname differs between passport and licence due to marriage or other changes, bring the relevant certificate. A mismatch can trigger a manual review, and the desk may refuse if they cannot confirm identity confidently.
Common desk issues for UK visitors, and how to avoid them
Issue: lead driver not present. The lead driver must be at the counter with their documents and payment card. If the person who booked online is not the lead driver, that is fine, but the lead driver still needs to match the contract.
Issue: using a prepaid or virtual card. Many suppliers will not accept prepaid cards for deposits. If your card is app-based and does not have a physical version, bring an alternative.
Issue: licence or passport close to expiry. If the document expires during the rental, it can be rejected. Renew in advance.
Issue: confusion over insurance and cover. UK travellers are often used to different terminology. Your booking paperwork should clearly show what is included. If you have separate travel insurance, remember it may not satisfy the supplier’s requirements for vehicle cover at the desk. Keeping the documents visible helps you compare like for like.
Issue: tiredness after arrival. Orlando Airport arrivals can be intense, and small mistakes happen when you are jet-lagged. Put all documents in one folder, and keep a second copy of key numbers in your phone notes, such as reservation number and emergency contact.
Practical pre-flight checklist for a smooth MCO pick-up
In the week before travel, do a quick document audit. Confirm the lead driver’s name spelling on the booking, passport, and driving licence match. Check card expiry dates and available credit. Save your booking confirmation as a PDF and take a printed copy. Ensure all drivers travelling have their physical licences packed in hand luggage, not checked baggage.
On arrival, keep your documents accessible while you move through the airport. At the counter, hand over your licence and passport first, then the payment card, then the booking confirmation. That order mirrors how most desk systems open the contract and can speed up the interaction.
FAQ
Do UK visitors need an International Driving Permit for car hire in Orlando? Usually no. Most Orlando Airport suppliers accept a UK photocard licence for short visits, but always check your supplier’s terms if your licence is older, damaged, or non-photocard.
Can I collect car hire at Orlando Airport with a UK debit card? Sometimes, but it depends on the supplier and can come with extra requirements such as larger deposits, extra identity checks, or vehicle restrictions. A credit card in the lead driver’s name is the safest option.
Will the desk accept a digital driving licence or a photo of my licence? Typically no. You should bring the original physical UK photocard licence, as the desk needs to verify it and record details accurately.
What if my passport name and driving licence name do not match? Bring supporting evidence such as a marriage certificate or deed poll documents. Name mismatches can cause delays or refusal if the agent cannot confirm identity.
Do I need to print my booking confirmation for pick-up at MCO? It is not always required, but printing it helps if your phone has no signal, low battery, or email access issues. Keeping an offline PDF is also a good backup.
