Quick Summary:
- Bring your driving licence, plus IDP if your licence is not Roman alphabet.
- Use a credit card in the main driver’s name for deposits.
- Check minimum age, under-25 fees, and any extra driver requirements.
- Choose insurance carefully, understand CDW, liability, and excess responsibilities.
If you are planning car hire in Miami, the process is straightforward once you know what US rental desks typically require. The most common issues are not having the right payment card, misunderstanding insurance, or arriving without the right supporting documents. This guide explains what you need, why you need it, and how to avoid surprises at the counter.
Essential documents for car hire in Miami
At pick-up, rental companies in the US generally need to confirm three things, who you are, that you can legally drive, and that they can take a security deposit. In Miami, you should expect to present the items below.
1) Your driving licence
Bring your full, valid driving licence. Learner permits are not accepted. If your licence is close to expiry, renew it before you travel, because some suppliers require the licence to remain valid for the full rental period.
2) A passport or government photo ID
International visitors are usually asked for a passport. US residents may use a state ID, but a passport is still a strong backup for identity checks.
3) International Driving Permit (IDP), sometimes
An IDP is not always mandatory, but it can be required if your licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. Even when not required, it can speed up check-in and reduce misunderstandings. If you are unsure, arrange an IDP before leaving home, you cannot usually obtain one once abroad.
4) Rental confirmation details
Have your confirmation email accessible. Desk agents may ask for the booking number and the main driver’s details to match your reservation.
If you are comparing providers across the US, Hola Car Rentals also has pages that show how requirements can vary by location and supplier, such as Hertz car hire in the United States.
Payment method and deposits, what most Miami rentals require
The single biggest practical requirement for car hire in Miami is the payment card. Many travellers have a debit card and assume it will work, but US rentals frequently prefer a credit card for the security deposit.
Credit card in the main driver’s name
In most cases, the deposit must be taken on a credit card belonging to the main driver. The card should have enough available credit to cover the deposit plus any estimated charges. If the card name does not match the driver, you may be refused at the desk.
How deposits work
The deposit is typically a pre-authorisation, not an immediate charge, but it still reduces your available balance. It is released after the car is returned, subject to any charges such as tolls, fuel differences, damage, or extra days. Release time depends on your bank and can take several business days.
Debit cards and alternatives
Some suppliers accept debit cards, but may require additional checks, larger deposits, return flight details, or proof of address. Because policies vary widely, confirm in the specific rental terms for your chosen vehicle category.
Currency considerations
Even if you pay in advance in pounds, the deposit is often held in US dollars. Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and ensure your card is enabled for international use.
For a sense of how payment and deposit requirements can differ between providers and cities, you can compare supplier pages like Dollar car rental in Seattle SEA and Thrifty car hire in Los Angeles LAX.
Age requirements and extra driver rules
Age rules are a key part of what you need to hire a car in the US, and Miami is no exception.
Minimum age
Many rentals set a minimum age of 21, and some categories may require 25. If you are under 25, you will often see a young driver surcharge. This is normal in the US market and can significantly change the total cost.
Under-25 restrictions
Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be restricted to certain car groups. High-performance cars, larger SUVs, and premium models are often limited.
Additional drivers
If you want someone else to drive, they usually must be added at the counter and meet the same licence and age rules. Unlisted drivers can invalidate coverage. Some rentals allow spouses or domestic partners to be added at reduced cost, depending on the state and the supplier, but you should not assume this applies.
Driving experience
Some suppliers expect the main driver to have held a full licence for a minimum period, often one year. If you have a newly issued licence, check the terms carefully.
Insurance in the US, the part most people misunderstand
Insurance terminology in US car hire can feel unfamiliar, especially if you are used to UK policies. You need to know what is included, what is optional, and what your financial responsibility could be if something goes wrong.
Liability coverage
Liability relates to injury or damage you cause to other people or their property. In the US, minimum state liability requirements exist, but they can be low. Many travellers prefer higher liability limits for peace of mind, particularly in busy areas like Miami and South Florida.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
These products reduce or remove your responsibility for damage to the rental car. They are not always called “insurance”, but they affect what you may owe if the car is damaged or stolen. Pay attention to exclusions, common ones include tyres, glass, underbody, roof, and negligence.
Excess and security deposit relationship
When you have limited cover, deposits are often higher because your potential responsibility is higher. With broader cover, deposits may be lower. Always confirm the maximum you could pay out of pocket.
Using your own cover
Some travellers rely on a credit card benefit or a standalone policy. If you plan to do this, check eligibility, countries covered, vehicle classes excluded, and what documentation is needed to make a claim. If the desk requires proof of coverage and you cannot provide it, you may end up buying local cover anyway.
Roadside assistance
Breakdowns, flat tyres, lockouts, or towing might not be included. Consider whether you want a roadside product, especially if you will be driving beyond Miami into the Everglades, the Keys, or longer interstate routes.
Vehicle pick-up checks in Miami, what to inspect and confirm
Knowing what you need also means knowing what to check before you drive away. Miami has heavy traffic, frequent airport rentals, and lots of short-stay visitors, so vehicles can turn around quickly.
Inspect the exterior and interior
Walk around the car and look for scratches, dents, cracked lights, and wheel scuffs. Check the windscreen for chips. Inside, look for stains, tears, and dashboard warning lights.
Photograph everything
Take time-stamped photos or a short video, including the fuel gauge, mileage, and any existing damage. This is helpful if there is a dispute later.
Confirm fuel policy
Common options are “full to full” or “prepaid”. Full to full is usually simplest, but you must refuel close to return. Prepaid can be convenient, but may cost more if you return with fuel left.
Understand tolls in Florida
Miami driving often involves toll roads. Ask how tolls are handled, some suppliers offer a toll pass product, others charge pay-by-plate administration fees, and some expect you to pay tolls directly. Clarify this before leaving the car park.
Ask about SunPass and all-electronic tolling
Florida uses electronic tolling widely. If you do not have the right arrangement, you could face extra fees. Ensure you understand what is provided with your rental and what will be billed later.
Driving in Miami, practical requirements beyond the paperwork
Once you have the documents and payment sorted, a few practical points make your Miami car hire smoother.
Navigation and phone use
Bring a phone mount and a charging cable. US road layouts can be unfamiliar, and Miami’s multi-lane junctions come up quickly. Hands-free laws and safe driving rules still apply, so set routes before moving off.
Parking expectations
Beach areas and downtown have paid parking, garages, and time-limited street bays. Read signs carefully, and keep some payment options available as some meters are app-based.
Child seats
If you need child seats, request them in advance where possible. Florida has child restraint laws, and you should use a seat appropriate to the child’s age and size.
Plan for international arrivals
If you are arriving on a long-haul flight, factor in time for immigration and baggage. Late arrivals can affect pick-up if the counter hours are limited, so check your rental’s opening times.
If your trip includes other US destinations, it can help to review location-specific information on Hola Car Rentals pages such as car hire in Orlando MCO or van hire in Doral DRL, as requirements and vehicle availability can differ.
Common reasons people are refused at the rental desk
Most refusals come down to a mismatch between the booking details and what is presented at pick-up. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Name mismatches
Your booking name, driving licence, and payment card should align. Middle names and abbreviations can matter, so keep them consistent where possible.
Insufficient credit available for the deposit
Even with a valid credit card, a low available limit can prevent the deposit from being authorised.
Not meeting age or licence rules
If the main driver is under the minimum age for the chosen vehicle category, the counter may not be able to release that car.
Arriving without required supporting documents
This includes an IDP where needed, or documentation required for debit card acceptance.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Miami?
You may need an IDP if your licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. Even when not required, it can help at pick-up.
Can I hire a car in Miami with a debit card?
Sometimes, but many suppliers prefer a credit card for the deposit. Debit acceptance can involve extra conditions, higher deposits, or additional checks.
What age do I need to be for car hire in Miami?
Common minimum ages are 21 or 25 depending on the supplier and vehicle category. Drivers under 25 often pay a young driver surcharge.
What insurance do I need for US car hire?
You need to understand liability coverage and CDW or LDW for the rental car. Check what is included, your excess responsibility, and any exclusions.
How do tolls work when driving a hire car around Miami?
Florida uses electronic tolling widely. Ask your supplier how tolls are billed, whether a toll pass is included, and what administration fees may apply.
