Quick Summary:
- Bring your UK passport, it is the most widely accepted second ID.
- Carry a second payment card and proof of address for verification.
- Use digital travel documents only as backup, not your sole ID.
- Prepare your licence details and booking confirmation to match exactly.
Picking up a rental car at a Los Angeles counter is usually straightforward for UK travellers, but some desk agents may request a second form of ID, especially if anything about the booking needs extra verification. This can happen with international licences, one-way rentals, late-night pick-ups, certain payment methods, or when the name on documents does not perfectly match. The best approach is to treat “second ID” as a small pack of supporting documents rather than one magic item, so you can answer whatever the desk needs to confirm quickly.
This guide focuses on realistic, commonly accepted back-up IDs and documents that UK visitors can present at Los Angeles pick-up if asked. Policies vary by supplier and sometimes by location, so the aim is to arrive with options that work across most car hire desks.
If you are collecting at the main airport, the practicalities are slightly different because counters deal with many international arrivals and often follow stricter fraud checks. For location-specific information about the pick-up environment, see Los Angeles Airport (LAX) car rental. If your booking is with a particular supplier, you can also review dedicated pages such as National car hire at Los Angeles LAX or Dollar car hire in California at LAX.
What “second ID” usually means at Los Angeles pick-up
When a desk asks for a second form of ID, they are typically trying to verify one or more of the following: that you are the licence holder, that you are the person who made the booking, that the payment card belongs to you, and that you have a stable address. In the US, “ID” can mean photo identity, but it can also mean supporting documentation that reduces risk, such as proof of address or an additional card in the same name.
In most Los Angeles car hire scenarios for UK visitors, your UK photocard driving licence is the primary requirement, and your passport is the strongest secondary document. Beyond that, different desks may accept different combinations, so it helps to bring several items that reinforce the same story: same name, same address, and a working payment method.
Best second IDs for UK visitors, ranked by usefulness
1) UK passport (recommended)
For a UK traveller, a valid passport is generally the most universally recognised secondary photo ID. If the desk asks for additional verification, showing your passport alongside your driving licence typically resolves most questions quickly. If you are travelling without a passport because you are not flying, bring another official photo ID, but understand it may carry less weight.
2) Additional payment card in the same name
Many “second ID” requests are really payment verification. Having a second physical card, such as a second credit card or a debit card in the same name, can help if the primary card is declined, flagged, or cannot support the required deposit. Even when it is not formally called “ID”, it can serve the same function by confirming identity and financial responsibility.
3) Proof of address, recent and consistent
Some desks will accept proof of address as the second document, especially if the booking or payment information needs confirmation. A recent utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement, or UK driving licence counterpart information (if applicable) can support your identity, but it should clearly show your name and address and be recent. Paper is safest, but a clear PDF on your phone can still be useful as backup.
4) Travel itinerary that matches your booking
A flight confirmation, return flight details, or hotel booking that aligns with your rental dates can help satisfy a desk’s need to confirm you are a genuine traveller rather than a high-risk local rental. While not always labelled as “second ID”, it is a common supporting document that can reduce friction.
5) International Driving Permit (IDP), if you already have one
For a UK photocard licence, an IDP is often not required in California, but it can be helpful as a translation-style companion document and may reassure a desk agent unfamiliar with UK licence formats. Treat it as a supporting document, not as your main licence.
Documents that can help, but should not be your only backup
Digital-only documents
App screenshots, digital bank cards, and email confirmations can help in a pinch, but they may not satisfy a strict counter check if they need to see an original document. Use digital versions as additional support, not as your sole second ID.
Student cards, workplace badges, or railcards
These can sometimes help reinforce your identity, but they are not typically considered robust verification for car hire. Bring them only as minor supporting evidence.
Photocopies of passport or licence
A photocopy can help if you lose an item, but counters usually want originals. If you do bring copies, keep them separate from the originals for resilience.
Matching details, the quickest way to avoid extra checks
A second ID request often starts with a small mismatch. Before you reach the counter, double-check these items match across your booking confirmation, driving licence, passport, and payment card:
Name format
Ensure the booking uses your full legal name as shown on your passport. If your booking is missing a middle name that appears on the passport, it is usually fine, but any spelling difference or swapped surname can trigger questions.
Address consistency
If asked for proof of address, the desk is looking for consistency. If your card statement address differs from your current address, bring a recent document that explains your current address clearly.
Payment card ownership
The safest scenario is a card in the main driver’s name. If you intend to use a card in another traveller’s name, that can complicate verification and may not be accepted depending on the supplier’s rules.
Licence validity and condition
Make sure your photocard licence is valid and legible. If your licence is damaged or the photo is very old, bring extra supporting documents such as your passport and proof of address to reduce doubt.
What to keep in your hand luggage for Los Angeles pick-up
Because the counter may ask for documents before you can access checked baggage, keep a small “pick-up pack” in your hand luggage. For UK visitors arriving into Los Angeles, a sensible pack includes your passport, UK driving licence, the payment card you plan to use, a second payment card, and either printed or offline-accessible booking confirmation details. If you have a proof-of-address document as a PDF, save it locally on your phone in case airport Wi‑Fi is unreliable.
When Los Angeles desks are more likely to request a second ID
These are common situations where a desk may ask for additional verification, even for experienced travellers:
First-time renter with limited card history
If the card used cannot be validated smoothly, an agent may ask for another document or card.
Last-minute bookings and high-value vehicles
Premium categories, vans, or speciality vehicles can involve stricter checks.
One-way rentals or cross-state travel plans
Plans that look unusual can trigger additional questions. Having a clear itinerary helps.
Multiple drivers and different surnames
If a second driver is added and there are mixed documents at the desk, it can slow verification. Keep the main driver’s documents together and consistent.
Debit card scenarios
Some suppliers apply extra conditions when a debit card is used, which can include extra verification or proof of return travel. If you are unsure how your supplier approaches payment methods, you may find it helpful to review supplier-focused information such as Avis car hire in California at LAX.
A practical “Plan B” checklist for UK travellers
If a Los Angeles agent asks, “Do you have a second form of ID?”, the aim is to respond confidently and offer the strongest option first. A good order is: passport, second payment card, proof of address, then itinerary. If you have an IDP, keep it with your licence as supporting evidence.
Also consider the logistics of your trip. If you are landing after a long flight, tiredness can cause small mistakes, such as presenting a different card than the one you intended to use. Keep the card you want to use accessible and ensure it matches the name on your driving licence and booking.
If your travel includes collecting outside Los Angeles, keep the same document pack ready. Procedures can be similar across Southern California counters, including at Santa Ana. For comparison on nearby pick-up points, you can view Santa Ana (SNA) car rental.
What not to do if asked for additional verification
Do not rely on one item alone
A single extra document may not satisfy every scenario. Bring a few supporting options.
Do not present conflicting information
If you hand over a bank statement with a different address than your booking, be ready to explain it calmly and provide a more current document.
Do not assume a photo on your phone will be accepted
It may help, but a counter can refuse it. Originals are best for core documents.
Do not split documents across travellers
Keep the main driver’s documents together. If your partner holds your passport “for safekeeping”, retrieve it before you reach the desk.
FAQ
What is the best second form of ID for UK visitors picking up in Los Angeles?
Your UK passport is usually the strongest and most widely accepted second ID, alongside your UK photocard driving licence.
Can I use a proof of address as a second ID for car hire in Los Angeles?
Often yes, especially as supporting verification. Bring a recent document showing your name and address, and keep it consistent with your booking details.
Will a digital bank statement or screenshot be accepted at the counter?
It can help, but counters may prefer originals or official documents. Save a clear PDF offline and also carry another backup, such as your passport.
Is an International Driving Permit required for UK drivers in Los Angeles?
It is not always required for UK photocard licences, but it can be a useful supporting document if the desk requests extra verification.
What if the payment card is not in the main driver’s name?
This can cause issues and lead to extra checks or refusal, depending on the supplier. The safest option is a card in the main driver’s name, plus a second card as backup.
