Renting A Car In The Us

[Crash999]

I read in another thread that US auto rental companies need US citizens to show a domestic license in order to rent a car.

This puts me in a bit of a conundrum. My US (Pennsylvania) license expired a couple of years ago- the last time I was visiting my family I decided to go and renew my license. No dice! In addition to a passport and the old license, the issuing office wanted my social security card (which I didn't have with me) and proof of residency such as bills in my name addressed to a PA destination, which I also don't have. These rules are a lot more strict than the last time I got my driver's license because I suppose security has been stepped-up post 9/11.

So I couldn't renew my PA license and now only carry a current Thai license. I'm thus a US citizen without a US license and I can't get one as I don't live there anymore.

So does this mean I'll never be able to rent a car in the US as long as I don't live there??? This is going to be real fun on my upcoming business trip....

Cheers!

[lopburi3]

I posted that from information on several major rental web sites. I do not believe that they all follow this and some may allow you to use an International Permit based on your Thai license. But I would ask when making the reservation to be sure.

I would write or email your state motor vehicle department as the local office probably did not know about expats or how to process. Believe they will allow you to obtain a new license based on a letter that if/when you return to the USA you plan to reside in that state.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I read in another thread that US auto rental companies need US citizens to show a domestic license in order to rent a car.

This puts me in a bit of a conundrum. My US (Pennsylvania) license expired a couple of years ago- the last time I was visiting my family I decided to go and renew my license. No dice! In addition to a passport and the old license, the issuing office wanted my social security card (which I didn't have with me) and proof of residency such as bills in my name addressed to a PA destination, which I also don't have. These rules are a lot more strict than the last time I got my driver's license because I suppose security has been stepped-up post 9/11.

So I couldn't renew my PA license and now only carry a current Thai license. I'm thus a US citizen without a US license and I can't get one as I don't live there anymore.

So does this mean I'll never be able to rent a car in the US as long as I don't live there??? This is going to be real fun on my upcoming business trip....

Cheers!

I rented a car in the US with a Thai license and a well done certified translation of it in English. No problem at all.

[lopburi3]

I rented a car in the US with a Thai license and a well done certified translation of it in English. No problem at all.

But we all know you are not American!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I rented a car in the US with a Thai license and a well done certified translation of it in English. No problem at all.

But we all know you are not American!

Oh Lop ... the Lord is merciful ... mask the accent and you too can get away with it. Place of birth can Rome ( NY )

[thaihome]

I posted that from information on several major rental web sites.  I do not believe that they all follow this and some may allow you to use an International Permit based on your Thai license.  But I would ask when making the reservation to be sure.

I would write or email your state motor vehicle department as the local office probably did not know about expats or how to process.  Believe they will allow you to obtain a new license based on a letter that if/when you return to the USA you plan to reside in that state.

Do you think this is a recent development. I have a friend (US Citizen)that has lived in Bangkok for the past 4 years and only as a Thai drivers license. I know for a fact he rented a car from major company in Texas last summer with only his Thai license.

TH

[lopburi3]

This is the current Dollar policy from their web site. As I said don't believe all follow this policy and even with Dollar they might not check but they do spell it out:

1.6 Driver Licenses:

United States Citizens and U.S. Military Personnel: A renter or any additional authorized driver who is a citizen of the United States, must present at the time of rental: (1) a driver's license issued by any state, territory or possession of the United States, and valid for the entire rental period, or (2) a temporary driver's license, valid for the entire rental period, or (3) a traffic citation issued as a temporary license, valid for the entire rental period (the court date being the expiration date) and a second form of identification with signature (excluding the credit card used for rental), or (4) a valid U.S. military identification card plus an expired driver's license for active duty U.S. military personnel in those states where active duty U.S. military can drive on an expired driver's license. Active duty U.S. military personnel should contact the DOLLAR location directly where he/she intends to rent a vehicle or be an additional authorized driver. Please refer to the Location Information for the telephone number for such DOLLAR location.

Canadian and Other Foreign Citizens: A renter or any additional authorized driver who is a citizen of Canada, must present at the time of rental, a driver's license issued by any province of Canada, and valid for the entire rental period. DOLLAR accepts foreign-issued driver's licenses at most locations. An International Driving Permit is not acceptable without the driver's license of the issuing country.

[lopburi3]

Oh Lop ... the Lord is merciful ... mask the accent and you too can get away with it. Place of birth can Rome ( NY )

And I thought we Americans couldn't be had accountable for the "dr".

Bet you really miss the white stuff. That state tried to get me for state income tax because of using a Saratoga Springs address for a prescription once. Can understand why you are here.

[sbk]

I read in another thread that US auto rental companies need US citizens to show a domestic license in order to rent a car.

This puts me in a bit of a conundrum. My US (Pennsylvania) license expired a couple of years ago- the last time I was visiting my family I decided to go and renew my license. No dice! In addition to a passport and the old license, the issuing office wanted my social security card (which I didn't have with me) and proof of residency such as bills in my name addressed to a PA destination, which I also don't have. These rules are a lot more strict than the last time I got my driver's license because I suppose security has been stepped-up post 9/11.

So I couldn't renew my PA license and now only carry a current Thai license. I'm thus a US citizen without a US license and I can't get one as I don't live there anymore.

So does this mean I'll never be able to rent a car in the US as long as I don't live there??? This is going to be real fun on my upcoming business trip....

Cheers!

Maybe it's your DMV, maybe you got a guy who was having a bad day. I, also, let my driver's license expire many years ago and decided to get a new one last year. I had to retake the test (passed with flying colors, of course ) but had absolutely no problem getting one. I did have my social security card on me, but was never asked to show proof of residence. I used my parent's address anyway.

Maybe you should try again next time you go, but bring your social security card with you. And remember to always look for the smiling clerk, bound to be easier to deal with (a trick I learned from my husband going through US immigration, and he has never had a problem).

[britmaveric]

Way around it is definitely via IDL. I had same issue when I was in Japan last year UK license wasn't sufficient and they would only rent to me with an IDL. Cheers for the Inet...I ordered one and had one in my hands in 2-3 days.

[niagarekoja]

From A.A.A. Website

"How will I benifit by carrying an International Driving Permit on my next overseas trip? "

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that provides important information from your driver’s license in eleven different languages, including English. This document came into existence by virtue of a treaty signed in 1949 by the United States and other foreign countries. As an official document, the IDP is recognized in over 150 countries today. Carried in conjunction with a regular drivers license, the IDP can help break down language barriers when traveling in non-English speaking countries. In addition, the IDP provides an additional source of identification. The $10 charge for an IDP is a small price to pay for such peace of mind.

"Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries?"

There are some countries that do not recognize a drivers license from the United States, but officially recognize an IDP (e.g. Hungary). There are other countries that honor a United States drivers license, but require a local language translation (e.g. Spain). The IDP can satisfy these types of situations. Keep in mind, however, that while a certain country’s government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country, such as Hertz, may require an IDP to rent a car. Purchasing an IDP prior to departure can save a lot of potential hassles.