Renting a car in Europe with a temporary (paper) license is extremely difficult and often impossible, as most major rental agencies—such as Europcar, Sixt, and Hertz—require a valid, original, and physical plastic driver's license at the time of pickup. Temporary licenses are often not recognized internationally because they lack the security features, photos, and standardized "Roman alphabet" translations required for legal verification in foreign countries. Even if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP), it is generally considered a translation and is only valid when accompanied by your permanent, original license. Some local agencies might theoretically accept a temporary license if it is accompanied by a passport and an official government translation, but this is a high-risk strategy that frequently leads to a "denial of service" at the rental counter. If you are currently using a temporary license while waiting for a permanent one in the mail, it is highly recommended to wait until the physical card arrives before attempting to rent a vehicle in Europe to avoid being stranded without transportation or forfeiting your prepaid reservation.