Quick Summary
- US rental companies still expect the physical plastic driving licence at the counter, even if your state offers a mobile ID.
- A digital copy or phone photo is useful as backup if the card is lost or damaged, but it will not usually be enough on its own to release a vehicle.
- Hola Car Rentals helps you spot documentation rules before you travel so you can carry the right mix of physical ID and digital backups.
Why a digital licence alone is not enough
Mobile IDs and digital driving licences are rolling out across several US states, and the TSA has begun to accept them at some security checkpoints. Rental desks have not caught up. Policies from major brands make it clear that they expect to see the original physical card, not an app or a screenshot. Enterprise, Avis, Budget and Sixt all state that digital licences and photocopies are not accepted as the main form of ID, so you should assume you must hand over the plastic card whenever you collect a vehicle.
How a phone photo can still help you
That does not mean a photo of your licence is useless. Imagine landing at Miami International and walking to the desk to collect your car hire only to realise your wallet is missing. A clear photo stored in your phone or cloud service will not magically unlock a car, but it gives the agent something to work with if they need to confirm your identity while you arrange a replacement ID or alternative driver.
Digital copies are particularly handy for longer trips where you might need the licence details for insurance forms, online toll accounts or replacing the card back home. They let you quote the number, expiry date and issuing state accurately even if the original is in a hotel safe, locked suitcase or lost somewhere on the road.
Best practice for storing digital backups
If you do keep copies of your licence, treat them like any other sensitive document. Avoid sending images through unsecured messaging apps and consider storing them in a password protected cloud folder instead. Taking a fresh photo just before you travel ensures any new endorsements or renewals are visible, which can be useful if the physical card is damaged or smudged.
For a typical fly drive, for example a week split between Orlando theme parks and the hills around San Francisco, a quick snapshot of your licence on your phone is simple insurance. Whether you are collecting an SUV near the attractions after visiting friends or picking up a compact near the bay using a Hertz Orlando desk or the flexible options at San Francisco Airport, it is still the original card that unlocks the keys.
How Hola Car Rentals fits into your document plan
Hola Car Rentals focuses on clear, practical information rather than small print surprises. When you filter offers you can see which suppliers include an All Inclusive style rate with maximum liability cover, which include cashback on tolls and which include free travel insurance up to around US$150,000. Many deals also come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up, so if you realise you have forgotten essential ID you can safely cancel or move the booking.
If you want a deeper dive into how rental brands treat mobile IDs now and how that may change, read the dedicated Hola Car Rentals guide on digital driver licences for US rentals. It explains which states are trialling mobile IDs, how the TSA treats them and why the rental counter still expects the familiar plastic card.
Simple checklist before you fly
Before leaving home, take a moment to check your documentation. Confirm that your physical licence is valid for the full trip, store a clear photo of it in a secure folder on your phone and, if you are renting with a debit card, gather any extra documents your supplier may require such as proof of address or a return flight. With those basics covered, your digital backup becomes a useful safety net rather than a fragile single point of failure.
Once everything is ready you can focus on planning routes and stops rather than paperwork. Use Hola Car Rentals to compare trusted US suppliers, secure the cover you want and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having both physical and digital ID ready at the counter.
FAQs
- Will a rental company accept only a phone photo of my licence? For mainstream US suppliers the answer is almost always no. A photo can support identity checks, but they still need the original, physical card before they can hand over keys.
- Can I email a licence scan to the branch in advance? Some locations may add it to your file, but it does not replace the need to show the card when you arrive. Treat scans and photos as helpful extras rather than the main document.
- Does a digital wallet licence count as official ID for car rentals? A few states and the TSA treat mobile IDs as valid for certain checks, yet rental brands have been slower to adapt. Until their terms change, assume they will insist on the plastic card as the primary licence.
- What if my licence is lost or stolen during the trip? Report the loss to the police and your licensing authority, then contact the rental company. They may allow a second driver with a valid licence to take over or ask you to visit a branch with fresh ID before continuing.
