Flying into Boston with a passport and a valid home‑country license? Many visitors wonder whether they also need an International Driving Permit to get on the road. Here’s a traveler‑friendly overview for stays in the city and road trips across New England.
The essentials: a valid, readable driver’s license from your country is the foundation for renting. If your license is printed in English, most providers will accept it on its own. If your license uses another language or non‑Latin script, carrying an IDP (an official translation of your license) is strongly recommended for clarity during traffic stops or incident reports.
Before you leave the BOS Rental Car Center, confirm your pick‑up details and insurance in one place by booking your car rental in advance. Staying in town first? Central pick‑ups are easy to browse on our Boston car hire page.
Documents to carry: passport, home license, and the IDP if you have one. Keep digital copies in a secure cloud folder and bring the physical originals when you drive. If you plan to cross state lines—say, to Vermont or Maine—an IDP can simplify communication with local authorities.
Vehicle choice & weather: for winter months or mountain routes, consider AWD classes. For families with luggage, compare a roomy minivan for downtown hotel loading or step up to an SUV for snow‑day flexibility. Brand‑specific counters are available too; if you prefer them, check the Enterprise desks at BOS for broad availability.
FAQs
- Is an IDP a license? No; it’s a translation you carry alongside your home license.
- Can I use a digital license? Carry the physical card; a photo helps for backups, but originals are essential.
- Is insurance included? Hola Car Rentals offers all‑inclusive rates with maximum coverage options; check your agreement for specifics.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals: transparent pricing, no hidden fees, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, and perks like cashback on tolls. We make paperwork simple so you can focus on clam chowder in the North End today and covered bridges tomorrow.
Ready to drive Boston and beyond with confidence? Reserve now and let Hola Car Rentals help you start your trip on the right note.
