Quick Summary
You’ll need an original, unexpired driver’s license and a major credit card in the main driver’s name with the driver's name printed on the card (physical card) for the security hold.
If your driver’s license is not in English or is not issued by an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not mandatory—unless your license uses a non-Latin (Roman) alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic/Russian). An IDP is a translation only and must be carried with your original license—it is not a standalone license and will not be accepted without the original.
Hola Car Rentals acts as an agency: the desk requirements of the rental partner and local law at your pick-up location govern. Always follow your booking confirmation and the rental agreement at the counter.
What to Bring (All Countries)
Driver’s license (physical, original, unexpired) in the main driver’s name. If your driver’s license is not in English or is not issued by an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not mandatory—unless your license uses a non-Latin (Roman) alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic/Russian).
Major credit card in the main driver’s name with the driver's name printed on the card for the security deposit/hold (debit/prepaid are not accepted).
Passport (international visitors) or valid government photo ID (locals).
Booking confirmation or printed voucher (Only for certain rentals) from Hola Car Rentals.
Any required visas/entry documents matching your stay.
Round-trip flight tickets or cruise tickets (Only for foreigners).
Optional but smart: a second credit card (backup) and proof of return travel.
IMPORTANT: All documents presented at rental counter must be physical. Digital documents will not be accepted.
Country Notes (key differences)
United States (US) & Canada (CA)
License: Visitors can generally drive with a valid foreign license; some states or provinces and rental companies may require an IDP (translation) in addition to the license—mandatory if your license uses a non-Latin (Roman) alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic/Russian).
Tip: If you think you may need an IDP, obtain it in your home country before traveling (US issuers like AAA do not issue IDPs to non-US license holders).
Great Britain (GB: England, Wales, Scotland)
License: Check official guidance to confirm your entitlement with a non-GB license. Many visitors can drive on a full, valid foreign license (often up to 12 months, depending on status and origin). Please look for official sources to confirm.
IDP: May be needed in certain circumstances (e.g., paper licenses, some territories).
Spain (ES)
License: EU/EEA licenses are valid while in Spain. For non-EU/EEA licenses, the DGT recommends obtaining an IDP and notes that foreign licenses are valid with conditions (translation/IDP, time limits for residents). The IDP is complementary—carry it with your foreign license.
Step-by-Step at Pick-Up
Present your passport/ID, driver’s license, and (if applicable) IDP together.
Present a major credit card in the main driver’s name with the driver's name printed on the card; confirm the hold amount for the deposit.
Verify all named drivers are added to the contract (each must show a valid license—and IDP if required).
Review and sign the rental agreement; keep copies/photos of the agreement and any pre-existing damage form.
Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Bringing only digital documents → Only physical documents are accepted.
Name mismatch between license, passport, and credit card → names should match the main driver.
No translation for non-English/non-Roman licenses (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic/Russian) → bring an IDP.
Assuming IDP replaces your license → the IDP is just a translation; it’s invalid alone.
Using prepaid/debit for the hold → bring a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card.
Short FAQ
Does the IDP replace my license?
No—carry both. The IDP is a translation only.
My license isn’t in English—what should I do?
Bring an IDP (translation) and your license (recommended but not mandatory—unless your license uses a non-Latin (Roman) alphabet e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic/Russian).
Do I need a credit card?
Yes. A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card in the main driver’s name for the security hold is mandatory. Debit/prepaid cards are not accepted.
Vocabulary & Synonyms (helps search)
IDP = International Driving Permit (translation booklet)
Security hold / deposit = temporary authorization on your card
Named drivers = drivers listed on the rental agreement
Primary ID = passport or national ID (as applicable)