Global IDP Team · 2026-08-01 · 8 min read
If your permanent driving license is being renewed, lost, or hasn't arrived yet, you may be holding a temporary or interim driver's license. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: can you rent a car with a temporary license? The short answer is usually no — but policies vary by country and rental company. Here's what you need to know before you book, plus how to check your destination's IDP eligibility and apply for your International Driving Permit once your permanent license arrives.
What is a temporary driver's license?
A temporary driver's license (also called an interim license, paper license, or temporary permit) is an official document issued by your licensing authority while your permanent plastic card is being processed. It confirms that you hold a valid driving entitlement, but it is normally:
- A paper printout or digital PDF
- Valid for a short period, often 30 to 90 days
- Missing a photo or security features in some jurisdictions
- Accepted for domestic driving but rarely recognized abroad
Can you rent a car with a temporary license?
Most major international rental agencies — including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget, and Alamo — require a full, valid, photo driving license held for at least one to three years. Their standard counter policies explicitly exclude temporary, provisional, learner's, or paper licenses for international and often domestic rentals.
Why rental desks are cautious:
- Temporary licenses are harder to verify as genuine outside the issuing country
- They may expire during your rental period
- They usually lack the photo and security features staff are trained to check
- Insurance underwriters often refuse to cover rentals based on interim documents
That said, some local or independent agencies in certain countries may accept a temporary license when it is accompanied by your passport, proof of permanent license application, and sometimes a notarized translation. You must confirm this in writing before you travel.
Which countries or agencies typically accept temporary licenses?
There is no universal rule, but here are general patterns:
Country / Region · Typical policy for temporary licenses ·
--- · --- ·
United States · Major brands usually reject; some local agencies may accept with passport ·
United Kingdom · DVLA interim licenses are generally not accepted by rental firms ·
European Union · Most large rental companies require a permanent EU/EEA photo card ·
Australia · Major chains require a full license; interim documents rarely accepted ·
Canada · Provincial interim licenses are usually not accepted for car rentals ·
UAE · Strict policy — a full license and IDP are normally required ·
Thailand · Local scooter and car renters are more flexible, but insurance may be void ·
South Africa · Large agencies require a permanent license; smaller operators vary ·
Always check directly with the rental company in your destination country, not just the booking platform. Counter staff have the final say.
What is the difference between an interim and a permanent license for international rentals?
Feature · Interim / temporary license · Permanent license ·
--- · --- · --- ·
Format · Paper or PDF · Plastic photo card ·
Validity · 30–90 days usually · Several years ·
Photo · Often absent · Required ·
Accepted abroad · Rarely · Yes ·
Car rental acceptance · Low · High ·
Eligible for IDP · Usually no · Yes ·
For international car rentals, the permanent photo license is the gold standard. An interim document is best treated as a domestic-only backup.
Can an International Driving Permit help if I only have a temporary license?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your existing valid license — it is not a standalone document. Most IDP issuers, including Global IDP, require the underlying license to be a full, valid, photo-bearing permanent license. If your temporary license lacks a photo or expires soon, it typically cannot be used to obtain an IDP.
However, if your temporary license is photo-bearing, contains a license number, categories, and expiry date, and your destination accepts it, pairing it with an IDP may help rental staff understand your credentials. Always verify eligibility before ordering.
What should you do if you need to rent a car but only have a temporary license?
- Check your destination's IDP eligibility first — find out whether your target country requires an International Driving Permit and which plan fits your trip.
- Contact the rental company directly and ask whether they accept your interim document — get written confirmation.
- Request expedited processing of your permanent license from the issuing authority.
- Carry extra documentation: passport, interim license, proof of application, and any online driving record.
- Consider a named driver who holds a full permanent license.
- Plan alternative transport such as airport transfers, taxis, or ride-hailing until your card arrives.
- Order your IDP as soon as the permanent license arrives — with fast digital delivery, you can still make last-minute trips. See how to get an International Driving Permit, then apply here.
Can major rental agencies accept a temporary license?
Usually no — most major rental agencies require a full, permanent, photo license held for at least one to three years.
Can you rent a car abroad with an interim license?
Very rarely. Always confirm in writing with the rental company in your destination country before you travel.
Does Hertz accept temporary licenses?
Hertz generally requires a valid permanent license held for at least one year; interim or paper licenses are not accepted.
Can I get an IDP with a temporary license?
Normally no — the underlying license must be a permanent, valid, photo-bearing card. A temporary license cannot be used to apply for an International Driving Permit.
What is the best way to rent a car if my license hasn't arrived yet?
Delay the rental until your permanent card arrives, or use a named driver who holds a full, valid license.
Renter-Focused FAQ
Can I rent a car with a paper temporary license if I also show my passport?
A passport helps prove your identity, but it does not replace a full driving license. Most rental agencies still require a permanent photo card even when you present a valid passport. Always check the rental terms before booking.
Will rental insurance cover me if I only have a temporary license?
Most rental insurance policies require a valid permanent license. If you rent with a temporary license and an accident occurs, the coverage may be void, leaving you personally responsible for damage or liability.
Can I use a digital temporary license on my phone at the rental counter?
Digital temporary licenses are rarely accepted abroad. Rental staff need a document they can verify, and most corporate policies require a physical permanent license.
What if my temporary license expires during my rental period?
Most agencies will refuse the rental if your license expires during the trip. Make sure your license is valid for the entire rental period plus a few extra days as a safety buffer.
Can a family member rent the car for me if I only have a temporary license?
Yes, as long as that person is listed as the main or additional driver and holds a full, valid, permanent license accepted in your destination country. Do not let an unlisted driver operate the vehicle.
Do airport rental locations have stricter rules for temporary licenses?
Airport locations usually follow the same corporate policies as city branches. Because they are high-volume, staff are often less flexible with exceptions, so do not rely on last-minute discretion.
Can I pay a higher deposit to rent with a temporary license?
Most large agencies will not override their license policy with a larger deposit. Some smaller local operators may be more flexible, but insurance risks remain and coverage may still be invalid.
What documents should I bring if I only have an interim license?
Bring your interim license, passport, proof of permanent license application, driving record, and any written confirmation from the rental company. Even with all of these, acceptance is not guaranteed.
Are there countries where temporary licenses are more accepted for rentals?
Some regions with smaller local operators may be more flexible, but major tourist destinations and developed countries generally require a permanent license. Never assume acceptance; confirm in writing.
How can I avoid being stranded at the rental counter with a temporary license?
The safest approach is to delay travel until your permanent license arrives, add a fully licensed named driver, or use alternative transport such as transfers, taxis, or ride-hailing until your card is ready.
Related articles:
- Interim Driver's License Guide
- Rental Agency IDP Requirements
- International Driving Permit: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
- How to Get Your International Permit Online in 5 Minutes
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*Ready to drive abroad once your permanent license arrives? Check your destination eligibility, then apply for your International Driving Permit here and get your digital translation fast.*
Disclaimer: *Global IDP is a private translation service. We are not affiliated with any government agency. The documents we provide are translations of your existing driving license and do not replace your valid domestic license.*
Can you rent a car with a temporary license?
Usually no. Most major rental agencies require a full, permanent, photo license held for at least one to three years.
Can you rent a car abroad with an interim license?
Very rarely. Always confirm in writing with the rental company in your destination country before you travel.
Does Hertz accept temporary licenses?
Hertz generally requires a valid permanent license held for at least one year; interim or paper licenses are not accepted.
Can I get an IDP with a temporary license?
Normally no. The underlying license must be a permanent, valid, photo-bearing card. A temporary license cannot be used to apply for an International Driving Permit.
What is the best way to rent a car if my license hasn't arrived yet?
Delay the rental until your permanent card arrives, or use a named driver who holds a full, valid license.
Can I rent a car with a paper temporary license if I also show my passport?
A passport helps prove your identity, but it does not replace a full driving license. Most rental agencies still require a permanent photo card even with a passport.
Will rental insurance cover me if I only have a temporary license?
Most rental insurance policies require a valid permanent license. If you rent with a temporary license and an accident occurs, coverage may be void.
Can I use a digital temporary license on my phone at the rental counter?
Digital temporary licenses are rarely accepted abroad. Rental staff need a document they can verify, and most policies require a physical permanent license.
What if my temporary license expires during my rental period?
Most agencies will refuse the rental if your license expires during the trip. Ensure your license is valid for the entire rental period plus a buffer.
Can a family member rent the car for me if I only have a temporary license?
Yes, as long as that person is listed as the main or additional driver and holds a full, valid, permanent license accepted in your destination.
Do airport rental locations have stricter rules for temporary licenses?
Airport locations usually follow the same corporate policies as city branches, but they are often busier and less flexible with exceptions.
Can I pay a higher deposit to rent with a temporary license?
Most large agencies will not override their license policy with a larger deposit. Smaller local operators may be more flexible, but insurance risks remain.
What documents should I bring if I only have an interim license?
Bring your interim license, passport, proof of permanent license application, driving record, and any written confirmation from the rental company. Even with all of these, acceptance is not guaranteed.
Are there countries where temporary licenses are more accepted for rentals?
Some regions with smaller local operators may be more flexible, but major tourist destinations and developed countries generally require a permanent license. Never assume acceptance; confirm in writing.
How can I avoid being stranded at the rental counter with a temporary license?
The safest approach is to delay travel until your permanent license arrives, add a fully licensed named driver, or use alternative transport such as transfers, taxis, or ride-hailing until your card is ready.