Quick Summary
- A full, valid driving licence in your own name is usually enough to rent premium vehicles, though age and payment rules can be stricter.
- Luxury and sports models often come with higher security deposits, tighter mileage rules and a requirement for a major credit card.
- Hola Car Rentals lets you compare premium categories at key hubs like Miami, Los Angeles and Las Vegas so you know what to expect before you travel.
Few travel treats feel as special as collecting a powerful coupé or a sleek convertible for a weekend away. In the United States it is possible to book high end vehicles with a normal driving licence, but suppliers apply extra conditions to protect expensive fleets. Knowing those conditions in advance stops you being surprised at the desk.
Licence requirements for luxury and sports rentals
For most premium categories you need a full driving licence that has been held for at least one or two years, depending on the supplier. The licence must be valid for the entire rental period and match the name on your booking and payment card. Visitors from abroad usually need a licence written in Roman letters, and in some cases an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence.
If you are planning to enjoy scenic routes along the Pacific Coast Highway or around the Nevada desert, check that your licence meets both your home country rules and those of the state where you will drive. Some suppliers will not release certain vehicle groups to drivers who have recent serious traffic offences or a history of insurance write offs on their record.
Age limits, payment rules and driving history
Premium vehicles nearly always have higher minimum age limits than economy models. While many standard categories are open from 21 or 23, sports and luxury cars are often restricted to drivers aged 25 or 30 and above. Younger drivers may be limited to smaller engines or less powerful models even if they can afford the extra fee.
Suppliers prefer the main driver to present a major credit card, not a debit card, particularly for high value vehicles. A large pre authorisation is held on the card to cover the deposit. If you arrive with a card that is close to its limit, or a card that the supplier does not accept for deposits, you may be asked to choose a different category.
Driving history also matters more at the premium end. Some providers run additional checks and may refuse certain categories if you have multiple recent speeding tickets or serious convictions such as drink driving. It is better to be honest at booking stage than to risk being turned away at the counter.
Deposits and security holds on expensive cars
The security deposit for a luxury saloon or performance convertible can be noticeably higher than for a compact runabout. It is common to see larger holds placed on your card, sometimes running into four figures in US dollars. Understanding these amounts in advance helps you plan your card limit and wider holiday budget.
Hola Car Rentals publishes deposit information for each offer whenever it is provided by the supplier, and our articles such as the detailed deposit expectations guide explain how holds work at different airports. Reading this kind of information before you travel means fewer surprises when the card machine prints the slip.
Because premium cars attract more attention, some suppliers also set rules about where you can drive and where you may park. Long unpaved tracks, certain border crossings or high risk neighbourhoods may be restricted. Mileage limits are more common too, so a long desert loop from Las Vegas to Arizona and back may incur extra kilometres if you do not choose the right package.
Finding the right premium option with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals works with major brands to offer a range of premium saloons, convertibles and SUVs in popular destinations. For example, you might decide to collect a stylish vehicle near the Strip before taking in the desert scenery around Nevada, or pick up a premium model at Los Angeles International for a drive along the Californian coast.
Our partner locations in Florida and California make it easy to compare several premium categories side by side. You could begin by reviewing the premium range near the beaches of Miami, then look at the selection in San Francisco for a later city break. Many offers display which cards are accepted, the approximate deposit and any extra requirements so you can decide whether a particular car matches your comfort level.
On selected itineraries, Hola Car Rentals can combine premium vehicles with our All Inclusive+ rate with maximum coverage, helping to protect both the car and your wallet if something unexpected happens. You still need to meet the supplier’s licence and age rules, but the financial side of the hire becomes much more predictable.
FAQs
Is a normal driving licence enough for a luxury or sports car?
In many cases a standard full driving licence is enough, provided it has been held for the required period and is valid during the rental. Some suppliers also ask overseas visitors to carry an International Driving Permit, so it is worth checking the entry for your chosen location before you book.
Do I always need to be at least 25 to rent a premium car?
Age rules differ, but premium models almost always have higher minimum ages than basic cars. Some suppliers may allow drivers from 25 with extra fees, while others restrict certain categories to drivers aged 30 or more. Always look at the age section of the conditions for the specific vehicle group you want.
Why is the deposit so high for luxury models?
More expensive cars cost more to repair and replace, so suppliers protect themselves with larger security holds. The good news is that, as long as the car is returned in line with the agreement, these holds are released. Guides like our one day luxury rental guide give a feel for the kinds of amounts you might see.
Can I use someone else’s card for the deposit?
Most suppliers insist that the main driver’s name appears on the card used for the deposit. A second driver’s card or a friend’s card is rarely accepted for security holds, especially on premium vehicles. Checking the payment rules in advance avoids awkward conversations at the desk.
If you are ready to treat yourself on your next trip, search for car hire and premium categories with Hola Car Rentals, then choose the combination of licence rules, deposit and cover that feels right for your journey.
