Pickup checklist
What do I need to pick up a rental car in Australia?
Short answer
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.
Last checked Oct 21, 2026By Brett Gould
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Do I need an IDP?What's the deductible?How do I contact you?Sydney, Jan 4 – Jan 12, automatic, I'm 24Cairns, Dec 20 – Jan 3, an SUV, zero deductible
Decades in car rentalRental companies we know and trustCall or email: a real person repliesDeposit and deductible shown before you book
The practical details
- Driver's license: a valid, full license for every driver. Learner licenses aren't accepted.
- A card in the main driver's name: a credit 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 $1,000 AUD (est. $700) security bond is pre-authorized at pickup and released after you return the car. With zero deductible there's no bond, just a $1 AUD check on your credit card at pickup (tolls and fines are billed to that card later). So every renter needs the card, whichever cover they choose.
- License not in English? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) 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; some electric models (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6) need a driver aged 25+. Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge of $16.50 AUD a day at the rental counter at pickup (not included in the online price).
- 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
Age rulesIs there a maximum age to rent a car in Australia?No. The rental company we book in Australia doesn't set a maximum age: if you're 21 or older with a full, current license (not a learner's or provisional...Licenses & IDPDo you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Australia?Usually not. A full US, Canadian or UK driver's license in English is accepted on its own to rent a car in Australia.Deposit & bondHow much is the rental car deposit (bond) in Australia?$1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover.Young driversCan you rent a car in Australia if you're under 25?Yes, from age 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young-driver fee of $16.50 AUD (est. $12) a day, paid to the rental company at pickup, and we show it before...All travel guides
Quick answers
Can I use a debit card to rent a car in Australia?
Plan on a credit card in the main driver's name. The cards accepted for your rental are shown on your booking before you pay; prepaid and virtual cards are not accepted.
How much is the security bond?
$1,000 AUD (est. $700) with standard cover, held at pickup and released after return. With zero deductible there's no bond, only a $1 AUD check on your credit card at pickup (tolls and fines are billed to that card later).
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your license isn't in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) 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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