Renting a car is often the easiest way to stay flexible – whether for a weekend trip, a business journey, or a move. But delays at pick-up are common when important documents are missing or booking details are unclear. To help you avoid unnecessary stress, here’s a checklist of everything you need to bring when picking up your rental car – and why each item matters.
A valid driver’s licence is mandatory for all rentals. Make sure to bring the original document – copies or photos aren’t accepted. If you’re visiting from another country, an international driving permit may be required in addition to your national licence.
An official photo ID is needed to confirm your identity when collecting the vehicle. This can be an ID card or a passport. The details must match your booking information, and the document must be valid.
Most rental companies require a credit card to hold the security deposit. It must be issued in the same name as the booking. Debit or prepaid cards are often not accepted because they can’t be used for deposit holds. Check your credit limit in advance, especially if you’ve booked a larger vehicle category.
Your booking confirmation contains key details about your rental – booking number, vehicle class, pick-up location, and contact information. A digital version is perfectly fine; simply show it on your smartphone or tablet.
If you’re renting on behalf of your company, you may need extra documents such as a corporate credit card, written authorisation, or a cost approval form. It’s best to confirm these requirements beforehand to avoid delays at pick-up.
Being well prepared saves time and stress. If you bring all the required documents, your car pick-up will go smoothly – allowing you to focus on what really matters: getting on the road safely and confidently.