V-Flyer

Does anyone have experience of actually being asked for their driving licence (paper) counterpart when renting a car in the USA or Canada?

When I book a car from Avis, it always says:

UK licence holders will need to take their ID card and its paper counterpart (old style licence still accepted).

So I dutifully take it along every time and no-one ever asks for it. I wonder what happens if I don't take and someone does bother to ask. Do you think they would let me have the car anyway? ?|

Thanks

Martin

Hi Martin,

I've used enterprise and Alamo numerous times and no one had ever asked to see the counterpart licence!

However, I continue to take it along each time just encase.

Luke

I have the same experience. I always pre pay through Dollar and get the same warning - but in 10 years, noone has ever asked for the paper part. I always take it though - because the time I don't someone will ask for it!!

I believe if you were ever stopped by the police you would need to produce it. Remember you need to make sure you have your license and insurance documents (so your rental info) in your vehicle at all times.

I've only ever been asked for it renting in the UK. I didn't actually have it with me on that occasion though (bit of a last minute need of a car), but a quick call to the DVLA (I think they charged £3 for it) and they gave me the rental no problem. They just wanted it to check I didn't have any points, not sure if points are listed on photocard or not.

lazerblaze wrote:I've only ever been asked for it renting in the UK. I didn't actually have it with me on that occasion though (bit of a last minute need of a car), but a quick call to the DVLA (I think they charged £3 for it) and they gave me the rental no problem. They just wanted it to check I didn't have any points, not sure if points are listed on photocard or not.

I have also needed to produce it in France and Germany. Was not aware of not needing it in US but will pay attention next time. I think last time I didn't need it at all as Hertz have all my details.

Used Alamo/National, Hertz, Avis and Enterprise in the US and never been asked. Always carry it anyway though.

Im sure the past couple of times we have used Alamo they have requested to see the paper part.

But surely it would still be required by US law, in case the police stop you.

MrT wrote:Used Alamo/National, Hertz, Avis and Enterprise in the US and never been asked. Always carry it anyway though.

Indeed and the one time you do need it you will have done the 'no one ever asks for it so I will leave it at home' thing.

I got asked by Dollar for it at LAX last month (and by them at LAS in November).

DragonLady wrote:I got asked by Dollar for it at LAX last month (and by them at LAS in November).

Didn't get asked for it with Dollar at IAD...but nearly got caught out with Avis at EDI...

ALways used to take it, never asked for it and never offered it!

Now don't bother as have Californian DL. Most cops let alone rental company staff here wouldn't know that you were supposed to have a paper bit too. Guess problems would arise if you had an accident though.

W.

Thanks for all the advice ladies and gents.

I guess the answer is to continue to take it with me. (I might try a photocopy if I can make it look good enough to fool enough of the people enough of the time).

Cheers

Martin

Must admit I always take but have never been asked.

It must be something to do with when they originally started doing DL cards. Of course, for some, and possibly even members of here, they will still only have a paper licence!