All people who will be driving the rental car will definitely need to bring a valid, unexpired driver’s license - issued from the state, province or country in which they live. For international renters, some companies may also require a valid, unexpired international driver’s license in addition to their “local” driver’s license if the driver’s license is not in English and they may also require you to present a passport (you probably just got off an airplane, so this should not be difficult to produce). Check the “Policies” section of the company’s web site for details. If you do not see the policy listed, call them to be on the safe side.
You will need your method of payment, of course. Almost every company requires that the credit card be in the name of the primary driver listed on the rental contract. Most companies either put a “hold” on your credit card for the entire estimated amount of the rental plus an additional amount held as a security deposit. Others charge your card for the entire estimated amount of the rental and put a “hold” on any additional amounts that they require as a security deposit. If you are not renting with a credit card and are lucky enough to have found a company that will rent you a car without one, you will need to pay cash for the car up front, in addition to any security deposit held by that company. Again, check the “Policies” section of the company’s web site for details. If you do not see the policy listed, call them to be on the safe side.
Bring proof of insurance if you have opted not to take advantage of the rental car company’s damage waiver (see Do I need to purchase the car rental company’s insurance?). Although many companies do not require you to present this, you may be asked for the make, model, year, deductible amount and type of coverage that exists on your personal automobile policy. If you do not know the answers to these questions or don’t have documentation of your current insurance, some car rental companies will not feel comfortable renting a car to you and may turn you away from their rental counters. It is; therefore, always a good idea to just bring a photocopy of your insurance policy’s “declaration page,” which summarizes your coverage details. Once again, check the “Policies” section of the company’s web site for details. If you do not see the policy listed, or have any questions, call them to be on the safe side.
Although certainly not required, it is always a good idea to bring something with the name, address and (preferably) the phone number of the place that you will be staying. A good, service-oriented company should always offer to assist you by providing directions to where you will be going.