Pickup checklist
What do I need to pick up a rental car in Australia?
Picking up is quick when you bring the right three things: your driver's license, a card in the main driver's name, and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English. Everything else required is shown on your booking before you pay.
The practical details
- Driver's license: a valid, full license for every driver. Learner licenses aren't accepted. Provisional license holders aged 21 to 24 need to have held their license for at least 12 months.
- A card in the main driver's name: a credit card or a Visa or Mastercard debit card. Prepaid and virtual cards aren't accepted, and cash isn't either. There is no card payment surcharge on any accepted card.
- What the card is for: with standard cover, a A$1,000 security bond is pre-authorized at pickup and released after you return the car. With zero deductible there's no bond, just a card check of under $1 for tolls. So every renter needs the card, whichever cover they choose.
- License not in English? Bring an International Driving Permit or an official English translation with it. You arrange an IDP in your home country before you travel (for example through AAA in the US).
- Age: 21 for most cars, 25 for electric, premium and elite cars and the 12-seater. Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge of A$16.50 a day.
- Your booking confirmation and voucher arrive by email as soon as the car is confirmed. Have them on your phone.
Common pitfalls
- A card in someone else's name. The card must belong to the main driver, even if someone else paid for the booking.
- Relying on a prepaid travel card. Prepaid and virtual cards can't be used at pickup.
- Leaving the IDP until you land. It can only be issued in your home country, before you travel.
Our recommendation
- Pack your license and the main driver's card together, and check the card's available limit covers the bond if you chose standard cover.
- If your license isn't in English, get the IDP before you fly.
- Add any second driver when you book, and have them bring their license too.
Related questions
Can I use a debit card to rent a car in Australia?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard debit cards are accepted, as are credit cards, in the main driver's name. Prepaid and virtual cards are not.
How much is the security bond?
A$1,000 with standard cover, held at pickup and released after return. With zero deductible there's no bond, only a card check of under $1.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Only if your license isn't in English. Then bring an IDP or an official English translation with it.
Can I pay the bond in cash?
No. The bond is a card pre-authorization, and cash isn't accepted.
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