Quick Summary
- US residents can usually collect a vehicle with a valid state driving licence and a payment card, without showing a passport.
- International visitors almost always need a passport as well as a licence, so travelling without it can prevent collection.
- Hola Car Rentals makes identification rules visible on every offer so you can plan ahead and avoid airport surprises.
Licence only for US and Canadian residents
If you live in the United States and are travelling domestically, your state issued driving licence is normally your primary identification at the counter. The agent uses it to confirm your name, address and date of birth, then links those details to the payment card used for the deposit.
Many permanent residents and frequent visitors also travel without a passport on internal flights. At popular locations the staff are used to this and may not ask for anything beyond your licence and card. Always make sure the plastic is in good condition and that the name and photograph match your current appearance.
Why international visitors need more than a licence
For guests who are visiting from overseas the rules are stricter. A foreign licence does not always show your nationality or immigration status, so suppliers rely on a passport to confirm who you are and how long you are permitted to stay in the country. If you arrive on a long haul flight but leave your passport in a hotel safe, the desk may refuse to release the vehicle.
When you arrange car rental through Hola Car Rentals, the terms and conditions explain clearly whether a passport is required at the branch. For international visitors the answer is usually yes, while domestic renters at the same counter may only need their licence.
Different rules by location and payment method
Some branches run stricter checks than others. Busy city and downtown locations are more likely to ask for extra identification, because they serve more walk in customers who have not flown in. Airport desks that mostly greet arriving passengers with boarding passes might simply ask for the same documents you used to board the plane.
Guests starting coastal drives from San Francisco airport desks or long interstate journeys from Atlanta locations will normally move smoothly from arrivals to the parking lot if they show the identification listed in the Hola Car Rentals confirmation email.
Payment type also matters. Credit card rentals tend to involve fewer checks, because the card issuer has already verified much of your information. When you book with a debit card, the supplier may ask for extra evidence that you live at the address shown on your licence, for example a utility bill or bank statement. This is especially true for city branches that serve many local customers.
How to decide whether to carry your passport
If you are a US citizen travelling domestically and you prefer to leave your passport at home, read the identification section of the Hola Car Rentals booking carefully. If the conditions only mention a valid driving licence and payment card in the same name, that is usually enough for a straightforward trip.
International visitors should always carry a passport to the desk even if the flight was domestic. A traveller who starts a journey in Europe, lands first on the East Coast and then connects to Las Vegas has still entered the country as an international guest. Agents in Nevada will expect to see the same passport that was used at border control.
Travellers who are uncomfortable carrying a passport everywhere can keep it in a hotel safe after collecting the vehicle, as long as local law permits. Before that point, the safest approach is to bring it along with your licence, booking confirmation and payment card.
Hola Car Rentals helps you prepare by displaying country specific rules, the exact deposit amount and details of the included protection before you confirm. Many offers include an All Inclusive plus rate with maximum coverage, free cancellation up to forty eight hours before pick up and no additional fees, so you can book now and adjust later if your travel documents or plans change. Selected deals also bundle free travel insurance up to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which adds another layer of reassurance for longer trips.
FAQs
Can I rent with only a licence if I am a US citizen?
In many cases yes. For domestic trips a valid state licence and payment card in the same name are usually sufficient. Some locations may still request extra identification, so always check the conditions shown in your Hola Car Rentals booking.
What if I forget my passport but I am visiting from overseas?
If a passport is listed as a requirement, the branch can refuse to release a vehicle without it. In that situation contact Hola Car Rentals support as soon as possible. They can help you review options, but you may need to return to your accommodation to collect the document.
Do I need a passport for one way rentals across state lines?
Travelling between states does not usually change the identification you need. The same licence and additional documents listed in your reservation will apply at both pick up and drop off, whether you are driving from Chicago pick up points to another part of Illinois or across the country.
Is a digital copy of my passport enough?
A scan on your phone is helpful as backup but it is not usually accepted as primary identification. Always bring the original passport if the supplier terms say it is required. Keeping photos or copies in a separate place is still a good idea in case you lose the original during the trip.
By checking your Hola Car Rentals confirmation before you fly and choosing a branch that matches the documents you prefer to carry, you can step away from the counter confident that your paperwork is in order and your journey across the United States can begin smoothly.
