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Guides5 min read

Documents you need to rent a car in Europe

Licence, ID, payment card, and a few country quirks. The exact paperwork to bring so pick-up takes minutes, not arguments.

Renting in Europe is straightforward when you arrive with the right documents. Here’s the short, reliable list — plus the few exceptions worth knowing.

What every agency asks for

  • A valid driving licence held for the minimum period the agency states.
  • A government ID or passport matching the main driver.
  • A payment card in the main driver’s name for the deposit.

When you may need more

  • An International Driving Permit if your licence isn’t in the Latin alphabet.
  • Proof of the booking — DRIVO emails this instantly on confirmation.
  • For some categories, evidence the licence has been held 1–3 years.

On DRIVO, each listing states the minimum driver age and any licence-held requirement up front, so there are no surprises at the desk. Bring the three essentials, show your confirmation, and you’re driving.

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