Quick Summary:
- You usually do not need a US address, but be prepared.
- Hotels, friends’ homes, and workplaces can be acceptable local addresses.
- Use your first-night New York accommodation address if staying in a hotel.
- If asked at the counter, explain your travel plans and provide details.
When picking up a car hire vehicle in New York, some travellers are surprised by one particular question at the rental counter, “What’s your local address?” It can feel like a trick question if you have just flown in, do not live in the US, and are only visiting for a few days. The good news is that, in most cases, you do not need to be a US resident or have a permanent US address to hire a car. What you do need is a credible address where you can be contacted during the rental period, and a consistent set of details that match your documents and travel plan.
This guide explains why a local address might be requested, what usually counts as acceptable in New York, and how to handle the question smoothly if it comes up at JFK, Newark, or another pick-up location.
Why car hire desks ask for a “local” address
Address questions are typically part of basic due diligence. Car rental companies need a way to identify the renter, reduce fraud, and know where the vehicle is expected to be during the rental. A local address can also be used for administrative follow-up, for example if there is a toll or parking charge processed after return, or if they need to contact you about a lost item.
In practice, international visitors often provide a temporary address. The key is that it is truthful, reachable, and aligns with the rest of your rental profile. If your driving licence shows a home address overseas, that is fine. The local address you provide is simply where you are staying or can be contacted while in New York.
Do you actually need a US address to pick up in New York?
For most visitors, the answer is no, you do not need a permanent US address. Many renters arriving through major airports pick up without issue using a hotel address or similar. However, policies vary by supplier and sometimes by location, and counter staff may ask questions to confirm the details.
If you are collecting at an airport, it can help to know the typical flow. Pick-ups at JFK are very used to international documents and itineraries, so a temporary New York address is normal. If you are comparing options around JFK, Hola Car Rentals has location pages that can help you understand the general set-up for car hire at New York JFK and, for larger groups or luggage, van hire at New York JFK.
If you are collecting at Newark, the experience is similarly international because EWR serves the wider New York area. You can also review pick-up information for car hire at Newark EWR before you travel.
What counts as an acceptable local address in New York?
Think of the “local address” as a contact point during your trip, not proof of US residence. The most commonly accepted options are below.
1) Your hotel or serviced apartment address
This is usually the simplest choice for visitors. Use the full street address of where you are staying, including postcode, and keep it consistent across your travel documents where possible. If you are staying in Manhattan but collecting at JFK or Newark, that is normal. Staff are typically just checking you have a real place to stay.
Helpful tip, if you have multiple stays, give the address for the first night, and be ready to mention where you are going next. If you already know you are changing hotels, keep a note of the dates and the next address, in case you are asked.
2) A friend or family member’s New York address
If you are visiting friends or family, their address can work well. Make sure you have the correct apartment number and postcode. Only use an address where you can genuinely be contacted. In rare cases, a desk agent might ask for a local phone number, but many international renters proceed using an overseas number if it is active and can receive calls or messages.
3) A workplace address for a business trip
If you are in New York for work and your accommodation is not finalised, a local office address can be acceptable, especially if you can provide a business card, a meeting confirmation, or an email itinerary that supports your reason for travel. The goal is not to “pass a test”, it is to show consistent, credible information.
4) Your accommodation outside New York, if that’s where you’re staying
Some travellers pick up around New York but stay in New Jersey or elsewhere. In that case, it is fine to provide the address where you are actually staying, even if it is not in New York State. If you are collecting at Newark and staying nearby, you might also find it useful to understand the general options for car rental at New Jersey EWR airport.
What usually does not count as a “local address”
Most issues happen when the address looks incomplete, inconsistent, or unverifiable. While rules vary, the following can trigger follow-up questions:
A vague location such as “Manhattan” without a street and number. It may be accepted, but it is more likely to slow things down.
A PO box only. Many rental desks prefer a physical address where you are staying.
An address that conflicts with your story. For example, stating you are staying with a friend but having no details, or listing a business address with no connection to your trip.
Made-up details. Giving false information can lead to refusal at the counter, and it can complicate insurance or claims later.
What to do if the counter asks for a US address
If you are asked for a US address, stay calm and answer plainly. Staff generally want clarity, not perfection. Here is a practical approach that works well.
1) Provide your temporary address first. Give the full hotel or accommodation address, including the postcode. If you are staying with someone, give their full address.
2) Explain your travel status in one sentence. For example, “I’m visiting New York for five days and staying at this hotel.” The more straightforward you are, the less likely it becomes a long conversation.
3) Offer supporting details if needed. If your accommodation is booked, having the confirmation available on your phone helps. If you are on a business trip, an email itinerary or meeting address can help.
4) Keep your details consistent. The name on the reservation should match your driving licence and passport. Any mismatch can create more friction than the address itself.
5) If you genuinely do not have a fixed address yet, share what you do know. Provide the first confirmed night, or the company office you are visiting, and your reachable phone number and email. It is better to be honest than to guess.
How this relates to payment cards, deposits, and identification
Sometimes “address questions” are really about verifying identity and payment security. While each supplier has its own policies, in New York you should expect the desk to check a few core items:
Driving licence, valid and in date. Some visitors may also need an International Driving Permit depending on the issuing country, and the supplier’s rules.
Passport for international visitors.
Payment card in the main driver’s name. The billing address on your card may be your home address overseas, and that is usually fine. The local address request is separate, it is about where you can be reached during the trip.
Deposit and security checks. A desk may be stricter about details if there is a large deposit or if fraud prevention rules flag anything unusual. This is another reason to use a real, complete address and keep the narrative simple.
Common New York scenarios and the best address to use
You’re landing at JFK and staying in Manhattan. Use your Manhattan hotel address. If asked, mention you are visiting and staying there during the rental period.
You’re landing at Newark and staying in New Jersey. Use your New Jersey accommodation address. It is normal for New York area travel to cross state lines.
You’re doing a road trip and have different hotels each night. Use the first-night address and be ready to explain the route. Keep confirmations handy.
You are visiting friends, but might also book a hotel. If you are definitely staying with friends at first, use that. If it is uncertain, use the confirmed booking. Uncertainty is what typically prompts extra questions.
Tips to avoid delays at pick-up
Save your accommodation details offline. If your phone signal is poor after landing, you can still show the address.
Write the address in US format. Street number, street name, apartment, city, state, postcode. Clarity helps.
Use a reachable phone number. If you have an overseas number, ensure roaming is enabled or you can take calls over Wi-Fi.
Arrive with time. New York airport counters can be busy, and small checks can take longer at peak times.
Ask what they need, not what they allow. If you are unsure, you can say, “I’m visiting, I can provide my hotel address. Is that what you need?” This keeps the conversation practical and avoids misunderstandings.
When the desk refuses a temporary address
This is uncommon, but it can happen if a supplier’s policy requires specific documentation or the agent cannot verify details. If you run into this:
Request a clear explanation. Ask whether they need a full street address, a local phone number, or additional ID.
Offer alternative valid addresses. If you have both a hotel and a friend’s address, provide the most verifiable option.
Check your reservation details. Some issues arise from a mismatch in the booking name, licence name, or payment card.
Consider switching pick-up location or supplier. Availability differs across the New York area. Newark and JFK both have multiple counters and often different on-the-day flexibility.
FAQ
Do I need a US address to pick up car hire in New York? Usually no. Most international visitors can use a temporary local address such as a hotel, friend’s home, or workplace during the trip.
Can I use my hotel address even if I booked the hotel after the car? Yes, as long as it is your genuine accommodation and you can provide the full address. Having the booking confirmation ready can help if asked.
What if I’m staying in New Jersey but picking up near New York? Use the address where you are actually staying. Cross-state travel is common in the New York area, and it is generally acceptable.
Will they ask for proof of address at the counter? Often they will not, but they may ask follow-up questions. Keeping your accommodation confirmation accessible reduces delays.
What happens if I give the wrong address? It can lead to extra checks or refusal, and it may complicate contact after the rental. It is best to provide a truthful, complete address you can be reached at.
