Quick Summary
- US rental desks expect a physical, valid driving licence, and paper or temporary replacement documents are treated with extra caution.
- Some suppliers will accept a temporary licence if it is original, in date and backed up with strong identification, but this is never guaranteed.
- Hola Car Rentals recommends travelling with your full photocard wherever possible and checking licence rules carefully before you book.
What counts as a valid licence at US desks
Across the United States, rental companies base their rules on state law and insurance conditions. That usually means every driver must present a full, unexpired, physical licence that is easy to read and valid for the whole rental period. Digital licences on phones and photocopies are widely rejected because staff have no reliable way to check their authenticity.
Paper or temporary licences sit in a grey area. Some states issue temporary paper documents while new cards are printed, and major brands may accept these at busy locations such as New York licence checks or Orlando theme park trips if you also show additional ID. Others will only rent once the final plastic card has arrived.
Using a UK paper or temporary replacement licence
If your UK photocard has been lost, stolen or is being renewed, the DVLA may issue a paper or electronic replacement document. From a US rental company’s perspective, that piece of paper is harder to verify than a plastic card. Staff at the desk must balance customer service with risk, and many will simply decline to rent if they cannot be certain the document is genuine.
Even where a policy mentions temporary licences, it may require you to bring the expired card alongside the paper document, or to show an additional passport or national ID card. For a smooth start to downtown Miami desk staff interactions or late night arrivals, it is safer to assume a plastic photocard is expected unless your conditions say otherwise.
Temporary licences issued in the US
Travellers who have recently moved to the United States or obtained a local licence may also receive a temporary paper document while waiting for the final card. Some rental desks will accept this if it is issued by the same state where you are renting and you provide a second form of ID. Others will only accept the finished card, particularly at high demand locations such as Los Angeles rental queues and San Francisco road trip plans.
This is why it is essential to read the driver’s licence section of your conditions carefully before travelling. If the wording is unclear, contact Hola Car Rentals support with your booking details so the team can double check the policy with the supplier in advance.
Planning ahead with Hola Car Rentals
When you arrange your car hire through Hola Car Rentals, you can see age limits, licence rules and deposit requirements before you confirm. Choosing a deal that clearly lists temporary licences as acceptable, or waiting until your full card arrives, avoids stressful conversations at a busy counter.
Hola Car Rentals also offers strong protection options, including All Inclusive+ rates with maximum coverage, plus flexible deals with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick up on many routes. That flexibility is invaluable if a licence delivery is delayed and you need to shift your booking by a few days.
Practical tips if you must travel with a temporary licence
If travelling with a temporary or paper licence is unavoidable, carry as much supporting identification as you can. Combine the document with your passport, any expired photocard, proof of address and, if relevant, an International Driving Permit. Allow extra time at the desk so staff can make checks, especially at popular gateways such as New York JFK and Orlando.
Have a backup plan in case the desk refuses the licence. That might mean adjusting your itinerary to rely on shuttles or public transport for the first day, or asking a fully licensed friend to act as main driver. With Hola Car Rentals you can often amend your booking online, making it easier to adapt if the situation changes at the last minute.
FAQs
Will US rental companies accept a UK paper counterpart on its own?
Generally no. Paper counterparts or confirmation letters are not viewed as full licences in their own right. Desks expect to see the plastic photocard as proof that you hold a valid driving entitlement.
Can I rent a car with a temporary licence if I bring extra ID?
Some suppliers will consider a temporary licence if you also show a passport and, where possible, the expired card, but this is never guaranteed. You should confirm the policy before travelling and be prepared for the desk to say no.
Are digital driving licences accepted in the US?
Many US rental brands do not yet accept digital only driving licences. Until that changes, you should plan to present a physical document whenever you pick up a vehicle.
Why arrange my booking with Hola Car Rentals when my licence is changing?
Hola Car Rentals gives you clear licence information, strong protection options and flexible deals with free cancellation on many routes, so you can adjust plans if your card renewal or replacement takes longer than expected.
