Avis will rent to you with a foreign driver license if you also carry an International Driving Permit

Avis requires a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your foreign license when you rent a car in the United States. The IDP is a document issued by your home country's automobile association that translates your license into multiple languages and confirms its validity. Without it, Avis will not complete the rental, even if your foreign license is current and valid in your own country.

The IDP is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves your home country recognizes your driving privileges. It typically costs between $15 and $30 to obtain in your home country and is valid for one to three years depending on which country issues it. You must carry both documents together; presenting only the IDP or only the foreign license will not work.

Avis also requires a major credit card in your name for the rental deposit and a passport or national ID to verify your identity. If your foreign license has an expiration date that has already passed, Avis will reject it regardless of the IDP.

Key Takeaways

  • Avis requires both a valid foreign driver license and an International Driving Permit; neither document alone is sufficient.
  • You must obtain the International Driving Permit from your home country's automobile association before traveling to the United States.
  • A major credit card in your own name and a passport or national ID are also required to complete a rental.
  • Your foreign license must not be expired, and the IDP must be current and match the license you present.
  • Rental rates and vehicle availability for foreign drivers vary by location; calling ahead to confirm your documents will be accepted can prevent delays at pickup.

Where to get an International Driving Permit before your trip

You must obtain the IDP in your home country before you arrive in the United States. Avis cannot issue one, and you cannot obtain one at a U.S. rental counter or government office. The process and cost depend on which country issued your driver license.

In most countries, the automobile association or equivalent motor vehicle authority handles IDP issuance. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) or RAC (Royal Automobile Club) issue the permit. In Canada, provincial motor vehicle offices or the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) handle it. In Australia, state-based motor registries or the NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) issue them. Contact your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department to confirm the exact process, required documents, and current fees.

Processing times vary. Some countries issue the IDP on the same day or within a few days; others take one to two weeks. If you are traveling soon, contact the issuing authority when ready to confirm how long the process will take in your location.

What Avis will and will not accept at the rental counter

Avis will accept a foreign driver license paired with a valid International Driving Permit. The license must be in Roman characters (the standard Latin alphabet used in English) or accompanied by an official translation. If your license is in Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, or another non-Roman script, the IDP serves as the translation; without it, Avis may refuse the rental even if the license is valid.

Avis will not accept a foreign license without an IDP, a photocopy of either document, a digital image or screenshot of your license, or an expired license of any kind. Some Avis locations may ask to see your passport or national ID in addition to the license and IDP, so bring both.

Rental rates for foreign drivers are often higher than rates for U.S. residents, and some vehicle classes may not be available to renters without a U.S. address. Call your local Avis location before you arrive to confirm that your documents will be accepted and to ask about rates and vehicle availability for your specific travel dates.

Insurance and liability coverage for foreign drivers

Avis offers collision damage waiver (CDW) and liability coverage at the rental counter, but your personal auto insurance from your home country typically does not cover rentals in the United States. Before you rent, contact your home insurance provider to ask whether your policy extends to U.S. rentals and what deductibles or exclusions explore.

If your home insurance does not cover U.S. rentals, you will need to purchase coverage from Avis. Avis also offers supplemental liability coverage if you want protection beyond what your home policy provides. Costs vary by vehicle type and location. Ask about these options when you call ahead to confirm your documents are acceptable.

Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you use that card to pay for the rental. Check your credit card benefits before you travel; if your card covers rentals, you may be able to decline Avis's damage waiver and reduce your overall cost.

Transferring your foreign license to a U.S. state license later

If you plan to stay in the United States longer than a tourist visit — for work, school, or relocation — you will eventually need to transfer your foreign license to a state driver license. Each state has different rules about how long you can drive on a foreign license before you must convert it.

Most states allow you to drive on a valid foreign license for between 30 days and one year, depending on your visa status and the state. After that period, you must pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test to obtain a state license. Some states waive the written test if you hold a valid foreign license; others do not. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn the specific timeline and test requirements for your situation.

Your foreign license and IDP are not the same as a state license and will not satisfy state driving requirements once the grace period expires. Plan ahead if you know you will be staying longer than a few weeks.

Common issues at Avis rental counters

The most common problem is arriving without an International Driving Permit. If this happens, Avis will not rent to you, and you will not be able to obtain an IDP in the United States. If you are already in the country and need a rental, you may be able to rent from a company that accepts only a foreign license without an IDP, though this is rare and availability varies by location and company.

A second common issue is presenting a license in a non-Roman script without an IDP. Even if your license is valid and current, Avis cannot read it without the IDP translation. Bring the IDP every time you rent, even if you have rented from Avis before.

A third issue is an expired license or IDP. Check both documents before you travel and renew either one if the expiration date is within the next month. Avis will not rent to you if either document is expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent from Avis with just my foreign license and no International Driving Permit?

No. Avis requires both a valid foreign driver license and a current International Driving Permit. If you do not have an IDP, you cannot rent from Avis, and you cannot obtain one in the United States. You must get it from your home country's automobile association before you travel.

What if my country does not issue an International Driving Permit?

Most countries that issue driver licenses also participate in the International Driving Permit system. If your country does not, contact Avis directly before you travel to ask whether they will accept your foreign license alone. This is rare, and Avis may decline the rental.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

Costs vary by country but typically range from $15 to $30. Processing times also vary; some countries issue the permit the same day, while others take one to two weeks. Contact your home country's automobile association to confirm the current fee and timeline.

Will my home country auto insurance cover a rental car in the United States?

Most home insurance policies do not cover rentals in the United States. Contact your insurance provider before you travel to confirm whether your policy extends to U.S. rentals and what deductibles explore. If it does not, you will need to purchase coverage from Avis.

Do I need to convert my foreign license to a state license if I am just visiting?

No, if you are visiting as a tourist. Most states allow you to drive on a valid foreign license for 30 days to one year. If you plan to stay longer or move to the state permanently, you will need to pass a test and obtain a state license. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn the specific rules for your situation.