Can You Rent a Car with an Expired Driving License?

An expired license is one surefire way of putting the brakes on your vacation fun

You may think there are many other things to consider when renting a vehicle before checking the expiration date on your driving license. But, an expired license is one surefire way of putting the brakes on your vacation fun. Throughout this article, you’ll learn more about the repercussions of driving without a license, as well as the actions to take if your license has expired or is soon to expire.

Renting a car with an expired driving license

By law, all drivers must possess a valid, in-date, government-issued driving license to rent or drive a vehicle. This includes any additional listed drivers that may be included in the rental agreement. Driving without or with an expired license is a criminal offense that will result in a significant penalty charge and/or penalty points added to your license. In some states, you may be offered a grace period to renew your license, while in others, your car may be impounded.

Additionally, if you’re involved in a crash or collision while driving a vehicle with an invalid license, your insurance will automatically be deemed void. This may result in you paying significant financial expenditure to pay for any associated costs.

Factors to consider when renting a vehicle

During the rental process, it’s highly unlikely a rental company will allow an expired license to slip through their grasp. But, they take a number of factors related to your driver's license into account when considering renting you a vehicle. This may include.

Navigating an expired driving license during a rental

If you’ve realized your license has expired or is about to expire, you should contact the rental company and set about renewing your license immediately. Here are a few different scenarios that may occur if your license has expired:

• Expired license before pickup: If your license has expired before booking, you should renew it and wait until you receive it before booking a rental. If you’ve booked a rental and realized your license has expired, you should be able to cancel your booking without additional expense. But, be aware that some rental companies may charge a cancellation fee for cancellations within three days of a rental, so make sure to check the terms and conditions in advance.

• Expired license at pickup: If you arrive at the rental desk and discover your license has expired or will expire during the rental period, you won’t be able to rent the car. If free cancellation isn’t possible, you’ll be required to pay a cancellation fee and won’t legally be able to drive any vehicle, whether rented or personal, until you’re in possession of a new license. Keep in mind that digital licenses aren’t valid.
• Expired license after pickup: In the unlikely scenario that you’ve rented a vehicle and realize your license has expired, you should stop driving immediately and contact the rental company. Don’t attempt to return the vehicle to the rental company and await further assistance. Driving a vehicle without a license may result in criminal prosecution, while you’ll still be required to pay the total cost of the rental.

International Driver’s Permits and car rental

If you’re a driver who requires an International Driver’s Permit to drive in a specific country, the permit must be valid to rent a vehicle. On some occasions, additional photo identification and proof of address may also be required. You should also be mindful of any changing laws that may mean you're required to acquire an International Driver’s Permit. For example, in the UK, regulations surrounding Brexit and the European Union may mean you require an IDP in countries where you haven’t previously.