Foreign renters are generally required to possess a valid international driver's license along with their passport and a credit card for payment and security purposes. Some rental companies may also have age restrictions and additional fees for foreign renters.

Yes, tourists can easily rent a car in the United States in 2026, provided they meet a few standard requirements. Most major rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis require you to have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country that is "facially valid" (features your photo and is in English or uses the Roman alphabet). If your license is in a non-Roman script (like Arabic, Cyrillic, or Mandarin), you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation. You will also need your physical passport as primary ID and a major credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; some locations allow debit cards but often require proof of a return flight. While the minimum age to rent is typically 21, drivers under 25 will almost always face a "Young Driver Surcharge" which can add $25–$50 per day to the cost. In 2026, it is also highly recommended for tourists to purchase "Loss Damage Waiver" (LDW) and "Supplemental Liability" insurance, as most international travel policies do not provide the high level of coverage required by U.S. law in the event of an accident.