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Each rental car provider has their own rules regarding driver licence requirements, but there are some general rules to keep in mind.
Licence requirements can be different between rental providers, but there are some general guidelines around licences which you should refer to when looking to rent a car with any of New Zealand’s major rental brands, including Alamo, Apex, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Ezi, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty.
In most cases, you’ll need a full, unrestricted driver licence (held for a minimum of 12 months) that is not suspended, expired, or cancelled. If your licence is not in English, you’ll need to present an International Driving Permit alongside your original licence. Drivers with a learner permit, or a restricted or provisional licence, may not be permitted to rent a car.
Keep in mind that you will need to provide the original copies of any required documents, and you may be asked to provide additional forms of identification.
An International Driving Permit is a translation of your international driver licence. If your licence is not in English and you want to rent a car in New Zealand, you’ll need an International Driving Permit. Before leaving for New Zealand, you must apply for a translation with your local transport authority.
If your licence indicates that you are under the age of 25, you still may be permitted to hire a car, but in most cases, you’ll need to pay a young driver surcharge. This is a daily fee administered by your rental provider. Check out our page on age restrictions for more info.
If you have a specific question about licence requirements, feel free to contact us.
Important InformationNew Zealand’s licence rules in brief
You can rent a car in New Zealand if you are over 21 years old and have a full, unrestricted international driver licence or domestic licence. If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit will be required when you arrive to collect your rental car.
