Can You Rent a Car Without a Physical License?
Renting cars has become very popular, from everyday cars to sports and luxury cars. Some people want a car to tour around a new country, while others want to feel the power and excitement of a sports car. Obviously, you need a driver’s license to drive a car, but can you rent a car without a physical license?
Here, we will answer your question and give more information on renting cars, so read on!
Can You Rent a Car Without a Physical License?
There are a few requirements that you have to fulfill to rent a car. For instance, there is an age requirement, a valid driver’s license, and additional paperwork that a renting agency may require, like insurance. In the U.S., most rental agencies will always ask for a driver’s license, even if you have previously rented a car from them.
As for having a physical driver’s license, every agency may have a different policy; some may accept soft copies, while others may accept only the physical driver’s license. So, it depends on whether you can rent a car. However, these are some of the ways that you might be able to rent a car without a physical driver’s license:
- Having a picture or copy of your driver’s license. There is a slight chance that you might be able to rent a car this way. If you have previously rented cars from the same agency, you may have a higher chance of them renting you a car without a physical driver’s license. However, it is probably not worth risking it.
- If you have lost your physical driver’s license, some may require you to provide a police report of the stolen or lost driver’s license.
- Having an international license can allow you to rent cars outside the country and use your international license in the U.S. as a substitute.
- A driver’s permit in some cases and some agencies might be allowed, but this differs from one rental agency to another, of course.
What Are the Main Reasons for Renting a Car?
When traveling, bringing your car is either impossible or too expensive. Renting a car is the solution that comes to the rescue in such situations. Usually, you can get a reasonable car to get you from point A to point B or to help you traverse through a country for a reasonable price. Car rentals are usually near airports, busy places, or densely packed tourist destinations.
Some people rent cars in their hometown; maybe your car is at the mechanic’s, and you need a replacement for a few days of commuting. In the U.S., you can expect a low-end car to cost around $100 daily. Of course, this price is subject to change and depends on the rented car’s specifications.
Main reasons for renting a sports or luxury car
Distinct from commuter cars, renting a sports or luxury car serves varied purposes due to their high-performance and lavish nature, which makes them both desirable and costly. People opt for sports car rentals for reasons such as:
- Satisfying curiosity
- Leaving a lasting impression at events
- Experiencing high-end performance
- Enjoying luxurious interiors
- Fulfilling a bucket list item
- Contemplating a potential purchase
The uniqueness of supercars lies in their rarity and attention-grabbing allure. Rental prices for luxurious cars can range widely, from $400 to over $2,000 per day, with options for chauffeur services offering a more affordable and less intimidating alternative to self-driving these high-performance vehicles.
How to choose the luxury car for you
When budget is not a problem, choosing the right luxury car becomes almost impossible. All supercars are amazing at what they do and usually share similar performance numbers. So how do you choose one?
Explore our premium car selection at Fisher Luxury Rental:
- BMW B7 Alpina – Experience comfort and luxury with a 600-hp sedan.
- Mercedes G-Wagon – Opt for a luxurious SUV for your journey.
- Lamborghini Huracan Performante Convertible – Unleash power with 631 hp.
- Ferrari 488 Spider – Feel the thrill with a 661 hp convertible.
- McLaren 720s – Elevate your driving experience with 1100 hp.
These top-notch choices ensure a remarkable experience. Your satisfaction is guaranteed, no matter the luxury car you choose!
Can a Foreigner Rent a Car in the U.S.?
Non-U.S. residents can rent cars in the U.S., but it’s essential to note that additional documentation must be completed in advance. A driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are mandatory, which translates your driver’s license into multiple languages. An IDP may not be required if the renting agency can understand the language on the driver’s license, but just to be safe, it is recommended to have one.
General policies regarding foreigners renting cars may depend on the country that you are in and the country that you come from. There is no generally universal rule for all countries. Be sure to research beforehand to familiarize yourself with the necessary documents, such as a passport and additional fees for foreigners.
Conclusion
Can you rent a car without a physical license? The short answer is: it depends. Some agencies may accept a soft copy, an image of a driver’s license, but some may require a physical one.
For foreigners, we recommend having physical documents just to be sure. Even if you do somehow rent a car without a driver’s license, you will not be legally allowed to drive it.