What documents do you need to rent a car?
You need a valid driving licence in the lead driver’s name, a passport or national ID, a payment card and your booking voucher. With a licence from outside the EU/EEA, also bring an International Driving Permit - recommended, and required in some countries. An EU/EEA licence is valid across the EU on its own.
Your pick-up checklist
| Driving licence | A full, valid licence in the lead driver’s name, usually held for at least 1–2 years. Bring the photocard (and the paper part if your country still issues one). |
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| Passport or national ID | For identification at the desk. An EU/EEA national ID is fine within the EU; outside it, bring your passport. |
| International Driving Permit (IDP) | Recommended alongside a non-EU/EEA licence, and required in some countries. It is a translation of your licence - carry both together. |
| Payment card | In the lead driver’s name. With a no-deposit all-inclusive booking a debit card is often enough; check your pick-up conditions. |
| Booking voucher | Your Cardamar/Sunny Cars confirmation, on your phone or printed, showing the rental details and pick-up desk. |
When you need an International Driving Permit
An EU or EEA driving licence is recognised across the European Union, so you do not need anything extra. If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and is required in some countries. The IDP is only a translation of your licence - carry it together with the original, never instead of it.
Names, age and the card
The licence and the booking should be in the same lead-driver name, and any additional drivers must show their own licence - add them when booking so they are covered. A minimum age (often 21) and a minimum licence-held period (usually 1–2 years) apply, shown for each pick-up location.
An all-inclusive Cardamar booking, handled by Sunny Cars, is usually no-deposit, which relaxes the card requirement: at many locations a debit card in the lead driver’s name is enough. Completing online check-in beforehand speeds up the desk.
Documents to rent a car - FAQ
What documents do I need to rent a car?
Your driving licence (held the minimum period), a passport or national ID, a payment card in the lead driver’s name, and your booking voucher. Where required, an International Driving Permit alongside a non-EU/EEA licence.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Europe?
With an EU/EEA licence, no - it is valid across the EU. With a licence from outside the EU/EEA, an IDP is recommended and is required in some countries. It only works together with your original licence, not on its own.
Does the licence have to be in the main driver’s name?
Yes. The lead driver must present their own valid licence, and additional drivers must show theirs too - add them when booking so they are authorised to drive.
How long must I have held my licence?
Usually at least one year, sometimes two, and a minimum age (often 21) applies. The exact rule is shown for your pick-up location.
Do I need a credit card and a deposit?
Not always. An all-inclusive, zero-excess booking is usually no-deposit, so at many locations a debit card - or no card hold - is enough. See our guide on renting without a credit card.