Are you planning a trip to Los Angeles and need to rent a car? If so, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get a rental car without having an American driver’s license. The good news is that it is indeed possible! In this blog post, we will walk through the process of getting a LAX rental car without needing a US driver’s license. We will cover topics such as international driving permits, rental company requirements, insurance coverage options, age restrictions and more.
Have A Driver’s License From Your Home Country
If you’re an international visitor planning to drive in the U.S., it’s important that your driver’s license is up-to-date and valid. Be sure to obtain a current, legitimate license from the motor vehicle authority in your home country prior to arriving. A driver’s license will be necessary for renting cars as well as identifying yourself during any traffic stops by police officers. If you are unable to obtain a license in your home country, you will be unable to rent a car in the USA.
Get An International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
With an international driver’s permit, you can have peace of mind that your identification is recognized in countries around the world. This document translates it into 10 languages and qualifies you to legally drive overseas – making sure your trip goes smoothly. Keep in mind: if you need an IDP, make sure to get one ahead of time as they are not available for foreign visitors within the United States.
Not every state requires an IDP to legally drive on US roads. Visitors 18 and over with a valid license from their home state or country may cruise the California’s roads without obtaining an additional driver’s license as long as theirs is still current. However, the rules are different in other states. If you plan on driving across multiple states, it’s important to check the rules in each area and consult with your rental agency. While it’s legal to drive in California without an IDP, the car rental company may require it to get a LAX car rental without a US license.
Make Sure You Have Insurance
You’ll need more than just a valid license in order to legally operate a vehicle on US roads. The vehicle that you operate must have a valid registration, a current inspection sticker, and up-to-date car insurance. Your rental agency will take care of the registration and inspection, but it will be important for you to make sure the vehicle is insured.
It’s unlikely that your car insurance from your home country will cover vehicles rented in the internationally, so travelers should opt in to the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). The CDW covers any expenses that arise from damages incurred during your use of the vehicle – like repair costs and even administrative fees! It can be pricey compared with daily charges but will provide an extra layer of protection if something unexpected occurs while on-the-road.
Other Requirements For Renting A Car
Renting a car without a US driver’s license can be tricky, but with the right preparation it is possible. Corporate rental chains typically require renters to book their LAX car rental using a credit card, as well as provide proof of insurance and an international driving permit (IDP). This ensures that all drivers have the necessary documents required for renting and operating vehicles in the United States. Although the legal age for foreign drivers to operate on California roads is 18, you may have to be 25 to rent a car. This policy is common among corporate rental chains in the United States, and is especially true for LAX car rental without a US license.
Smart travelers rent a car near the airport instead of inside the airport. Independent car rental companies help you save money, and have more lenient rules than traditional car rental companies or rideshare apps.
Common Car Rental Policies
When renting a car, it’s essential to be aware of all aspects involved in order to get the most out of your rental. Be sure that fees are clear and you fully understand any additional costs such as insurance, fuel charges or mileages. Check if the company runs background checks on drivers so there will not be any issues when picking up your vehicle. Carefully inspect the car for scratches and other damages upon pick-up. This way you can avoid being charged extra at handover time! Don’t forget about refueling either. Otherwise you can expect a hefty invoice from the agency for their refueling policy!
Review The Rules of the Road
Driving in the United States can be an exciting and liberating experience for international travelers, but it’s important to remember that driving laws here may be different from those in your home country. Foreign drivers should familiarize themselves with the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel.
Having Trouble Finding a LAX Car Rental Without a US License?
Get your wheels rolling and head on a journey with Value Rental Car. We put convenience first, offering fast pickup and drop off services for clean, affordable rental cars in LA and Pasadena – all within seven miles from our two locations! Want to take the wheel but you’re under 21? Don’t worry about it – we also rent to college students without any hassle or haggling over payment types: cash or debit card will do just fine! Ready for an adventure? Check out our articles now to learn more about car rentals that won’t break the bank.