Requirements
What You Need to Rent a Car in NYC
A simple checklist so you sail through the rental counter.
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Renting a car in New York is straightforward when you arrive prepared. Here's the core checklist, plus the extras that apply if you're young, paying by debit, or visiting from abroad.
The core checklist
At minimum, almost every rental requires:
- A valid driver's license held for the supplier's minimum period
- A credit (or, in New York, often debit) card in the main driver's name
- To meet the minimum age — 18+ in New York, with young-driver fees under 25
- A passport and possibly an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors
Add-ons that catch people out
Additional drivers usually cost extra unless added at booking. A security deposit is held on your card and released after return. If you want lower out-of-pocket risk, consider full-coverage options at checkout.
FAQs
A valid driver's license, a card in the main driver's name for the deposit, and proof you meet the minimum age. Foreign visitors should add a passport and, if their license isn't in English, an International Driving Permit.