Renting in the USA as an international traveller: licence, deposit, insurance

For driving itself: no. California explicitly allows visitors over 18 to drive on a valid licence from their home country. For renting: yes. The rental companies set the stricter rule, not the police – Hertz and Avis require an IDP whenever the licence is not issued in English. We do not insist on one, but we strongly recommend it, and individual vehicle providers may ask for it at handover. In short: you may drive and book without an IDP – €16 still saves you every conversation at the counter.

Because there is no shared licence-recognition treaty between Germany and the USA: the United States is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, Germany to the 1968 Vienna Convention. The IDP bridges that gap – it is the certified translation a rental agent, or a police officer in another state, can read without ambiguity. Licensing is also state law in the USA, and a road trip crosses several states. At roughly €16 it is the cheapest way to never have the conversation.

From the licensing authority where you live. In Germany that is the Führerscheinstelle, and the fee is roughly €15–20. The permit is valid for three years and cannot be extended. It is a certified translation, not a replacement – you must carry it together with your national licence at all times.

Twenty-five, and you must have held your licence for at least two years. There are no young-driver surcharges with us, because we do not rent below 25.

$250, refunded after the vehicle is returned in proper condition. We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and debit cards. A cleaning fee of $50–150 applies only in cases of excessive dirt.

Comprehensive vehicle insurance covering damage and liability is included in the rental price, with a maximum deductible of $500. Not covered: intentional damage, driving under the influence, and use on non-public roads – except the designated gravel roads included with the Cybertruck Off-Grid package. Our terms and conditions are authoritative.

Required: your national driving licence (held at least two years), your passport, and a credit card for the deposit. Strongly recommended: your International Driving Permit – individual vehicle providers may ask for it.