Driver’s License Requirements

Essential ID for Budget Car Rental Pickup

When you are ready to pick up your rental vehicle, you’ll need to have your valid driver’s license on hand. 

To rent a car in the U.S. with a Canadian license, you’ll also need to present a valid passport in your name. Canadian renters in the U.S. can also present an Enhanced Driver’s License instead of a Canadian license and a passport. 

If you don’t live in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to have a valid license in your name from your country of residence in addition to a passport. Your driver’s license needs to be written in the Roman alphabet. If not, you should have an International Driving Permit as well. Finally, we’ll also need proof that you’re returning to your resident country upon returning your rental. 

Florida Only:  Certain, limited out-of-state licenses are not, pursuant to state law, recognized by the State of Florida to drive a vehicle on public roads.  These licenses are not valid for identification purposes and will have a statement similar to:

o             Not For Federal Identification

o             Driving Privilege Only

o             Not Valid for Identification

This policy applies to any state that issues this type of driver’s license, including Connecticut & Delaware.

Mexican Residents: As a result of suspicious activity arising from the fraudulent usage of driver’s licenses, effective immediately, when a customer presents a Mexico-issued driver’s license, a secondary form of identification in the same name as the facially valid driver’s license and credit card is required.

Acceptable secondary forms of ID: valid government issued passport, a valid travel visa. 

Will Budget Check My Driving Record?

Corporate-owned Budget locations can verify the driving records of primary renters and additional drivers. If they do so, they will reach out to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that issued the license. We reserve the right to deny rental if any of the following are found: 

• Invalid, suspended, expired, or revoked license

• One or more convictions for reckless driving within 48 months

• One DUI, DWI or DWAI conviction within 48 months  

• Failure to report an accident/leaving the scene of accident within 36 months

• Possession of a stolen vehicle or use of a vehicle in a crime

• Three or more convictions for moving violations within 24 months (excluding seatbelt violations)

• Two or more accidents within 36 months

• Other activities that suggest an unsatisfactory driving record

Trying to rent a car with an expired license just isn’t the way to go. At Budget, we are very careful about everything, from making sure we don’t rent a car to someone without a license to make sure their driving history is sound. Eligible renters can start their reservations online today.