Driving Documents For U.s Car Hire

DPH1230

i've been told that you need to take the counterpart section of your driving licence to be able to hire a car in the usa. can anyone tell me if this is so as i've misplaced mine and going in three weeks and wont have time to get a replacement

dzug

It depends on the degree of knowledge of the hire car clerk (and any US cop who stops you whilst driving) as to whether you can get away with it.

Legally it's no-no - here as well as there. But it may not be enforced - the people involved may not know the finer details of UK licences, and if they do, they may not care.

Not a solid basis on which to hire, or attempt to hire, a car.

Craig_A

I have always handed over both portions and, as dzug suggests, they never really know what to do with them and I have to explain how it works. Having said that, I'd personally be apprehensive trying to get a car on that basis. I'd look to get in contact with them to seek their advice prior to travelling. I know it's possible for companies here to contact the DVLA for confirmation of a drivers entitlement so it may be possible for these guys overseas also?

Bennifred

Last time we were in the US with friends, the husband had only taken the card part of his licence, and the car hire clerk specifically asked for the paper counterpart and thenrefused to let him be a driver on their hire car when he couldn't produce it - seemed very conversant with the two-part licence, etc. This was in Florida, I guess they are used to English drivers there. The wife (friend) was not best pleased, as it meant she had to do all the driving, and she hadn't planned on having to do it all (we were doing a lot of miles). They weren't prepared to risk being stopped with him driving, though.

PBA

You will definitely need both parts of the licence, even if the clerk on the counter doesn't realise, you will still need to carry both parts at all times in case you're pulled over.

All is not lost, a few years back I realised I couldn't find my licence with a week to go before a trip. I called DVLA, explained the situation, and the guy on the phone gave me a special address to write to and reference to put on the front of the envelope. New licence came back 2 days later, so it must have been dealt with and put in the post the same day. Incredibly efficient service for a Government department, and no extra fee for speedy processing!

steveo3002

yep its deffo required

steve_r123

Yes it is required, however, I did not offer up my paper part, and it was not asked for when I got a car from Orlando in October, but it is not worth risking at all!

Are you going with anyone else who has got both their licenses, or as you say you have 'misplaced' yours, as it's not 'lost' I'd be turning the house upside down just once more;)

Nobjocki

I've always just used the plastic credit card sized driving licence in the US and it's never been a problem which is just as well because I've got a list of speeding convictions as long as your arm.