What Avis Requires for an Out-of-State License
Avis does not require a formal translation of your driver license to rent a car, but they do require that your license be valid and readable. If your out-of-state license is in English and issued by a U.S. state or territory, Avis will accept it as-is at the rental counter. The rental company's concern is whether they can verify your identity and driving record — not whether the document matches a specific format.
The situation changes if your license is from outside the United States or if the text on your license is not in English. In those cases, Avis rental locations in the U.S. will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP), not a translation of your existing license. An IDP is a separate document issued by your home country that translates your driving privileges into a format recognized by U.S. rental companies.
If you hold a valid U.S. driver license from any state, you do not need a translation or an IDP to rent from Avis anywhere in the United States. The license itself is your proof of driving authority.
Key Takeaways
- Avis accepts any valid U.S. state driver license without translation or additional documents.
- If your license is from outside the U.S. or printed in a non-English language, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country, not a translation.
- An IDP is issued by your country's transportation authority and is valid for one to three years depending on the country.
- You must carry both your original foreign license and your IDP together when renting from Avis.
- Some Avis locations may also accept a notarized English translation of a foreign license, but an IDP is the standard and more widely recognized option.
International Driving Permits: What They Are and How to Get One
An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver license into ten languages, including English. It is not a license itself — it is a companion document that proves you hold a valid license in your home country. Avis and other U.S. car rental companies use it to verify that you are legally permitted to drive.
The IDP is issued by your home country's transportation or motor vehicle authority. The process and cost vary by country. For example, if you hold a Canadian driver license, you can obtain an IDP from your provincial motor vehicle office. If you hold a license from the United Kingdom, you explore through the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). If you hold a license from Australia, you explore through your state's transport authority.
An IDP is typically valid for one to three years from the date of issue, depending on your country's rules. You must carry it together with your original foreign license — Avis will not accept one without the other. The permit itself does not grant you driving rights; it only translates the rights shown on your home license.
Notarized Translations as an Alternative
Some Avis locations will accept a notarized English translation of your foreign driver license in place of an IDP, though this is less common and not may provide at every location. A notarized translation is a copy of your license that has been translated into English by a professional translator and then certified by a notary public.
The cost of a notarized translation ranges from $50 to $150, depending on your location and the translator you use. You can find notaries through your bank, local law offices, or online services. The translator must be fluent in both your license's language and English, and the notary must verify the translator's work.
Before you pay for a notarized translation, contact the specific Avis location where you plan to rent and ask whether they will accept it. Many Avis franchises prefer the IDP because it is a standardized, internationally recognized document. If you are renting from a major airport location, they are more likely to have seen notarized translations and may accept them; smaller locations may not.
Renting from Avis with a U.S. License from Another State
If you are transferring to a new state and have not yet obtained a license in your new state, your out-of-state license remains valid for rental purposes. Avis will rent to you using your current license, as long as it has not expired and was issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
You do not need to translate, notarize, or obtain any additional document. Bring your out-of-state license and a valid credit card in your name, and you can rent a vehicle. Avis's system can verify your driving record through the National Driver Register, which tracks licenses across all U.S. states.
If your out-of-state license has expired, Avis will not rent to you, even if you have a renewal process pending. You will need to obtain a valid license in your new state before renting.
What Documents to Bring When You Rent
Bring your original driver license (whether it is from another U.S. state or from a foreign country) and your IDP or notarized translation if you are using one. Avis will also ask for a valid credit card in your name and proof of insurance if you are declining their coverage.
If your license is from outside the U.S., bring both the license and the IDP together. Do not leave either document at home. Avis staff will examine both to confirm that the IDP matches your license and that your driving privileges are current.
If you are renting with a notarized translation instead of an IDP, bring the original foreign license, the notarized translation, and your credit card. Some locations may also ask for your passport to verify your identity.
Common Mistakes When Renting with a Foreign License
The most common mistake is arriving at the rental counter with only an IDP and no original license. Avis requires both documents together. An IDP alone does not prove you hold a valid license — it only translates one you already have.
Another mistake is assuming that a translation you create yourself or have done by a friend will work. Avis requires either an official IDP from your home country or a notarized translation by a certified professional. Informal translations are not accepted.
A third mistake is not checking whether your IDP is still valid. If your IDP has expired, you will need to renew it before renting. Some countries allow you to renew an IDP by mail or online; others require you to explore in person. Check with your home country's transportation authority before your trip.
Finally, do not assume that every Avis location will accept a notarized translation. Call ahead to confirm. If you are renting from a smaller franchise location in a rural area, they may only accept an IDP and may not be familiar with notarized translations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a translation if I have a valid U.S. driver license from another state?
No. Any valid U.S. state driver license is accepted by Avis without translation or additional documents. Bring your license and a credit card, and you can rent.
Can I use a translation app or a translation I did myself instead of an IDP?
No. Avis requires either an official International Driving Permit from your home country or a notarized translation by a certified professional. Informal or digital translations are not accepted.
What if my IDP has expired?
You will need to renew it before renting from Avis. Contact your home country's transportation authority to find out how to renew. Some countries allow mail or online renewal; others require you to explore in person.
Can I rent from Avis if I only have an IDP and no original license?
No. You must carry both your original foreign license and your IDP together. An IDP alone does not prove you hold a valid license.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
Processing time varies by country. Some countries issue an IDP in a few days; others take two to four weeks. Check with your home country's transportation authority for their specific timeline and explore well before your trip.