Quick Summary:
- Bring a second ID, often a passport plus another name-matching document.
- Carry proof of address, such as a utility bill, if requested.
- Have extra payment verification ready, especially with debit card pickups.
- Ensure all documents match your reservation name to avoid counter delays.
Picking up a car hire at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is usually straightforward, but travellers are sometimes surprised by a request for a second form of ID at the rental counter. The reason is simple: rental companies must confirm identity, reduce fraud risk, and verify that the person collecting the vehicle is the authorised renter. Requirements can vary by supplier, payment method, and even the details of your reservation, so it helps to arrive prepared.
This guide explains what “second ID” often means in practice for tourists arriving in San Francisco, which documents are commonly accepted, when they are most likely to be requested, and how to avoid delays so you can get on the road quickly.
Why SFO car rental desks sometimes ask for a second ID
At SFO, most customers present a driving licence and a payment card, and that is enough. A second form of identification may be requested when the agent needs extra confidence that your identity and residency details are correct. This is most common with international visitors, one way rentals, last minute reservations, debit card use, or when the licence does not show a current address.
Another trigger is a mismatch, for example your reservation is under one name but your payment card or driving licence shows a different version of it. Even small differences, such as missing middle names or swapped surnames, can prompt extra checks. If you are arranging car hire in advance, it is worth reviewing your documentation against the reservation details before you fly.
If you are comparing airport options, Hola Car Rentals provides clear landing pages for car rental at SFO and car hire at SFO, which helps you review pick-up expectations before arrival.
The most common “second form of ID” for tourists at SFO
There is no single universal list used by every rental company, but several document types are repeatedly requested because they are hard to fake and easy to cross-check.
1) Passport (often the easiest secondary ID for international travellers)
For tourists visiting San Francisco from abroad, a passport is frequently the most useful extra ID. Many renters already present it at the counter, especially if the driving licence is from another country. Even when it is not required, it can help resolve questions quickly, such as spelling of names, date of birth, or nationality.
If you are a visitor using a non US licence, keep your passport accessible in your hand luggage, not in a checked bag. If your flight arrives late and you are tired, searching for it can slow everything down at the desk.
2) A second government issued photo ID
Some travellers have more than one official photo ID, such as a national identity card or another country issued driving licence. Where accepted, a second government ID with a photo can serve as the additional document when the rental desk asks for “another ID”.
The key detail is that it should match the name on the reservation and show the same date of birth as your driving licence. If it does not, it may create more questions than it solves.
3) Proof of address (useful when your licence does not show it)
Many driving licences do not display an address, or they show an old one. In those cases, a rental desk may ask for proof of address, particularly when a debit card is used or when local residency needs verification. Commonly accepted items can include a recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill, or similar document showing your name and address.
For international visitors, a proof of address from your home country can still be helpful, even if the rental is in San Francisco. When possible, bring a digital copy and a printed copy. A printed copy can be faster to review than asking the desk agent to read a document on your phone.
4) Payment card matching the renter’s name
Although a payment card is not always described as “ID”, it often functions like one, because the name on the card should match the renter. If the primary renter’s name is not on the card used for the security deposit, the agent may request extra documentation, may require an alternative card, or may refuse to release the vehicle.
To avoid issues, ensure the person named on the reservation is also the person presenting the main payment card. If you are travelling as a couple or a group, this is one of the most common sources of pickup delays.
5) Travel documents that support your identity story
Sometimes the desk agent is trying to confirm that your trip details make sense, especially after an overnight flight into San Francisco. Supporting travel documents can help, such as your flight itinerary or hotel confirmation, if the agent needs reassurance about address details or a contact point. These are not always accepted as formal ID, but they can reduce friction if the counter staff are unsure.
When second ID requests are most likely at SFO
Most tourists will never be asked for more than a driving licence and a payment card. Still, some scenarios make a second ID request more likely.
Debit card pickups
Debit card policies are often stricter than credit card policies. Some rental companies require additional identification or proof of return travel, and some require proof of address. If you plan to pay with a debit card for your car hire in San Francisco, bring extra documents and allow more time at the counter.
Last minute or same day reservations
Fraud risk is higher with same day bookings, and desks may apply more rigorous checks. A second ID is one of the simplest ways to confirm identity quickly.
One way rentals or unusual return locations
If you pick up at SFO and drop off elsewhere, the agent may confirm additional details. This does not mean a problem, but it can lead to more questions and occasional ID requests.
Name mismatches and formatting issues
If your driving licence includes diacritics or special characters, but your reservation system does not, the name may look different. Likewise, some cards show first initial and surname only. Try to make the reservation name match your driving licence as closely as possible, and bring a passport to confirm the full legal name.
How to avoid delays at SFO pick-up
Delays are rarely caused by one missing item, they are more often caused by uncertainty at the counter. Your goal is to remove uncertainty.
Check your reservation name before you travel
Ensure the first and last name on the reservation matches the driving licence exactly. If you have multiple surnames, use the same format as on your licence. If you have a middle name on your passport but not on your licence, that is usually fine, but avoid swapping name order.
Bring at least one extra document even if not required
For international tourists, the simplest set is driving licence, passport, and a payment card in the renter’s name. If your licence does not show your address, add a proof of address document to your travel folder.
Keep digital backups, but do not rely on them exclusively
Having photos of your passport, driving licence, and proof of address can help if something is lost. However, rental companies may not accept screenshots as official documents. Carry the originals, and use digital copies as a backup.
Allow extra time if you need a larger vehicle class
Minivans and larger vehicles can have different deposit rules or verification steps. If you are arriving as a family and collecting a larger vehicle at SFO, plan a little extra time and ensure the primary renter has all documents ready. If you are planning ahead, Hola also provides information relevant to minivan hire at SFO.
Know where you are going after SFO
Counter staff may ask where you are staying, particularly if they need to confirm contact details. Having your first night’s hotel address in San Francisco written down can speed things up, especially if your phone has no signal or battery.
What counts as “secondary ID” for US residents visiting San Francisco
If you are a US resident flying into San Francisco, you will usually present a state driving licence. A second ID may be requested if the licence is temporary, recently issued, or does not scan properly. In these cases, a passport card, passport, military ID, or other government photo ID can help. Some renters also use a secondary card with their name on it plus a document showing address, depending on the supplier’s rules.
Special cases for international driving licences and IDPs
Some visitors assume an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a second form of ID. In reality, an IDP is typically a translation aid for your driving licence rather than an identity document on its own. If you need an IDP to drive in California based on your country of licence, bring it, but still plan to present a passport as your strongest secondary identification.
If you are road-tripping beyond San Francisco, you may also compare nearby airports for vehicle availability. Options around the Bay Area include car rental at San Jose (SJC) and, for larger groups, minivan rental at San Jose.
Practical checklist for smooth car hire collection at SFO
Use this as a final check the night before you fly to San Francisco.
1) Driving licence: Valid, physical card, not expired, and in the primary renter’s name.
2) Passport: Bring the original, ensure the name matches your booking.
3) Payment card: In the primary renter’s name, with enough available funds for deposit.
4) Proof of address: Especially if using a debit card or your licence lacks address.
5) Reservation details: Confirmation number, supplier name, and pick-up time accessible offline.
6) Extra time: Build in a buffer if arriving late, with children, or in peak periods.
FAQ
What second form of ID do tourists most commonly need at SFO? The most common is a passport, used alongside your driving licence and matching payment card, because it quickly confirms your full legal identity.
Is a credit card considered a second ID for car hire at SFO? It is not usually labelled as ID, but it often acts like verification. Many desks want the main card to match the renter’s name, and may ask for more documents if it does not.
Can I use an International Driving Permit as my second ID? An IDP is generally a translation of your licence, not a standalone identity document. Bring it if required for driving, but rely on your passport for secondary identification.
What if my driving licence address is outdated or missing? Bring proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name. This can prevent delays if the desk needs to verify your residency details.
Will I always be asked for a second form of ID at SFO? No. Many renters are not asked, but having an extra document ready is a practical way to avoid delays if your reservation or payment method triggers additional checks.
