Quick Summary
- Digital driving licences stored in apps or wallets are becoming more common in the USA, but rental desks still almost always ask to see the physical plastic card.
- Most suppliers treat a digital version as a helpful backup, not as a full replacement, and they may refuse the rental if you cannot show an original licence.
- Hola Car Rentals recommends travelling with your physical licence and using the digital copy as an extra layer of convenience rather than your only document.
What counts as a digital driving licence?
A true digital driving licence is an official version of your licence issued or approved by a state authority, usually stored in a secure app or in a wallet such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. This is different from simply taking a photo of your card, which is handy for reference but does not prove that the licence is genuine or current.
Several US states are rolling out their own digital ID apps, and some allow these to be used at airport security. However, that does not automatically mean that every rental counter in the terminal will accept them as the only proof of your right to drive.
Why most rental desks still want the plastic card
When you book car hire through Hola Car Rentals, your voucher always reminds you to bring your physical licence from home. That is because the supplier needs to take a close look at the card to confirm that it is valid, matches your passport and has been held for the required minimum period.
Many rental locations still rely on simple card readers or manual checks rather than digital scanning. They may not be equipped to read every type of state app, and staff are trained to follow written procedures that still refer to physical documents. If the person at the desk is not fully confident that your digital licence meets those procedures, they are likely to ask for the plastic card anyway.
In major gateways such as California and Florida, staff see many international licences every day, but procedures are still based around the plastic document. Whether you are starting in California with San Francisco airport collections or flying into Florida for Miami airport desk line ups, expect to present the card each time you hire.
Using digital ID alongside your physical licence
Used well, digital ID can make your trip smoother rather than more complicated. Keeping a secure photo of the front and back of your licence in an encrypted folder is useful if the card is lost or stolen, as it makes it easier to report and replace. A detailed practical guide to what you need at the desk from Hola Car Rentals sets out the key documents, including credit card and passport, so you can double check before you travel.
You can also save time by using mobile payment methods for the refundable deposit. Our guide to paying with digital wallets explains where Apple Pay, Google Pay and similar services are accepted. Just remember that a convenient way to pay does not replace the need to show the original driving licence itself.
What Hola Car Rentals recommends
Hola Car Rentals advises every driver to travel with their physical licence, plus a spare photo stored securely on their phone or in cloud storage. If your licence is digital only because your state no longer issues a card, check your booking conditions carefully and contact the supplier before travelling to confirm that they will accept it. It is better to adjust your pick up location or timings at home than to risk being turned away after a long flight.
Booking through Hola Car Rentals also brings extras that matter if something goes wrong on the road. Many All Inclusive plus packages include maximum liability coverage, free travel insurance up to US$150,000 and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up. Those benefits give you more flexibility if your documents are delayed or you need to switch the lead driver before the trip.
FAQs
- Is a photo of my licence enough to rent a car? No, a simple photo on your phone is not considered an official licence. You should always carry the original card and treat the photo as a helpful backup.
- What if my physical licence is lost just before I travel? Contact your licensing authority immediately to report the loss and request a replacement, and speak to the rental company to see whether any temporary proof will be accepted. In many cases you may need to change the booking to another driver.
- Do I need to show my digital licence as well as the card? In most locations the physical licence on its own is enough. A digital version may help with identity checks, but you should be prepared to show whichever form the desk staff request.
For a smooth collection experience, combine your physical licence with clear instructions and cover from Hola Car Rentals, so you can focus on the journey ahead rather than paperwork at the counter.
