What Do I Need to Rent a Car at Enterprise?

You’ve found the perfect rate, booked your vehicle, and you're ready to hit the road. But the worst way to start any trip is getting stuck at the counter because you forgot a single, critical piece of documentation.

If you’re planning on securing an enterprise car rental in the USA, knowing exactly what to bring is non-negotiable. While the process seems simple, Enterprise, like all major rental agencies, has strict requirements designed to protect both you and their business.

The Essential Document Checklist: Three Non-Negotiable Items

To pick up any Enterprise car rental in USA, you must present three core items that match the name on the reservation. No exceptions.

1. A Valid, Unexpired Driver's License

This is the most critical item. The person whose name is on the reservation (the primary renter) must present this license.

State of Issue: Licenses issued by any state, territory, or possession of the United States are accepted.
International Renters: If you are visiting the USA, you must present your valid, unexpired driver’s license from your country of origin. If the license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official certified translation is strongly recommended (and sometimes required by state law, although Enterprise's national policy may accept the non-English license if the characters are recognizable). Always check the specific requirements of the state you are renting in.
Validity: The license cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked.

2. A Valid, Major Credit Card or Debit Card (Proof of Funds)

Enterprise requires proof of financial stability to cover the rental cost and any potential incidental charges, such as damage, late fees, or fuel.

Credit Card (Preferred): Enterprise prefers a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, or Discover). The card must be in the primary renter’s name. A security deposit (hold) will be placed on this card, usually ranging from $100 to $300 over the estimated rental cost.
Debit Card (Conditional): While Enterprise accepts debit cards, using one subjects you to stricter scrutiny and additional requirements, especially at airport locations.
Requirements for Debit Cards: You may be required to show proof of a round-trip ticket (e.g., flight confirmation) and an additional form of identification that confirms your current address (e.g., utility bill, pay stub).
Deposit: The security deposit on a debit card is often higher than on a credit card (sometimes up to $500) and can take significantly longer (5-15 business days) to be released by your bank after the car is returned.

3. Proof of Reservation

While the agent can usually pull up your booking by name, having your printed or digital reservation confirmation readily available ensures a quick start to your Enterprise Rent-A-Car USA process. This confirmation proves the rate and vehicle you booked.

Age Restrictions: The Under-25 Rule and the Surcharge

Minimum Age: The minimum age to rent most vehicles is 21 years old.
The Underage Surcharge: Renters aged 21 to 24 are subject to a daily underage surcharge. This fee varies by location but is typically around $20 to $30 per day. This fee is non-negotiable and significantly impacts your total Enterprise Rent-A-Car cost per day.
Exceptions (Waivers): The underage fee is often waived for U.S. government employees (on official business) or drivers covered by certain corporate or military accounts (like USAA). Always check your specific discount code terms.

Additional Drivers: The Rules and Fees

If you plan to share the driving, the additional driver must also meet the basic requirements.

Driver’s License: They must present their own valid driver’s license.
Age: They must meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21).
Fee: There is typically an Additional Driver Fee (around $10–$15 per day) added to the total cost.
Waivers: This fee is almost always waived for a spouse or domestic partner, provided they share the same address as the primary renter. Loyalty memberships (AAA, AARP, Costco, etc.) and many corporate rates also waive this fee for one designated additional driver.

International Renters: Special Considerations for Rent a Car Enterprise USA

If you are visiting the United States, your requirements are slightly more involved:

International Driving Permit (IDP): While Enterprise's corporate policy often states that an IDP is "recommended" if your license is not in English, state laws can override this. To avoid any potential issues with law enforcement or the rental agency, always obtain an IDP before traveling if your license is not in a Roman alphabet.
Passport/ID: You must present your valid, unexpired passport or another form of secondary identification that is officially recognized.
Insurance: Unlike U.S. residents who may be covered by personal auto insurance or credit cards, international travelers must ensure they have adequate insurance coverage (liability and damage waiver) for their enterprise car rental in the USA.

The Bottom Line

While the upfront enterprise rent-a-car per day quote might look attractive, your final cost is heavily influenced by how prepared you are.

Bring a Credit Card: Using a credit card, especially at an airport, speeds up the process and often results in a lower deposit hold amount.
Check Your Insurance: Calling your credit card company (or personal auto insurer) before you arrive to confirm CDW coverage allows you to confidently decline the expensive insurance offered at the counter, instantly lowering your Enterprise Rent-A-Car cost per day.
Use Your Memberships: Don't forget to input codes for AAA, Costco, or your corporate account. These often waive the additional driver and underage fees, saving you serious money on your Enterprise Rent-A-Car USA experience. For more information, visit Car Rent Services now!